Newbie advice

fatsculler

Hello,

I need some advice....I'm just about to start a new job and there are some big tax incentives to cycle to work. So I'm thinking of giving it a go. My question is what will be the best bike to go for?
I'm pretty much a novice rider and my commute will be entirely road (into west London) and about 13 miles each way.
My budget is flexible but I can probably go up to 700 quid.
I'm 6ft 3 and about 18 stone so I need something pretty robust ! (although hopefully with all the cycling I'll be shifting the weight pretty quick).
What do people suggest....

BentMikey

A road bike would be plenty robust enough to take your weight, so don't feel you need to have a mountain bike or hybrid, because they will be slightly slower. 13 miles each way is far enough that I'd want a road bike for the extra efficiency/speed.

Most of all, go take LOTS of bikes for test rides, and see which ones you like and are comfortable on.

Chriscommuter

Starting to commute into London? Welcome to the mad-house.

At your size and for year round make sure you get a sturdy road bike, doesn't have to be a Dawes Galaxy but something of that ilk.Something like this?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60346

or this:

http://www.biketrax.co.uk/products.php? ... id,Tourers)_Tourers

Roberts in Croydon will make you something which fits your exact specification, but a bit above your budget. But it will be very very good and last many years. I've commuted on my Roberts through the winter for 9 years now and it's a treat.

Enjoy the cars, buses, taxis, WVM, pedestrians etc remember they are all out to get you.