Planning on getting a bike again

Crankyhorse

Hi,

I live a few miles from my office and there is an off road cycle path all the way there from my house, with minimal hillage.

I have been thinking of getting a bike for a while and I have the opportunity to get a free one from work, for my 10 years service. I could get a DVD recorder or camera but I have those.

The options are all Dawes bikes and I could get an XC 1.4 with disc brakes or a road bike, I can't remember the names of those options but they will be similar prices.

What would be my best option?

I had a Dawes years ago but sold it to pay for my second years car insurance when I was 20. I'm older and fatter these days so will be using this as good exercise.

AndyManc

If its just a few miles go for the XC 1.4 , you will find it more comfy and stable if you've been out of biking for a while.

TheBoyBilly

I'm not so sure you need a mountain bike. Something like the Mirage might be more suitable It will certainly do cycle-path riding as well as on-road and is fully equipped. Many people think that bikes begin and end with MTBs and that is a big mistake. If you think you will end up going off-road in a serious way you can change later but if not get a more road orientated bike. It will give you a better ride.

AndyManc

I own a full suss, hardtail and a road hybrid, I don't believe a road bike is the best choice for the casual biker, from the riding position to the components road bikes don't lend themselves to comfort for the beginner.

In the end it's down to you , try a few out and pick the most comfortable one.

Crankyhorse

Thanks for the advice.

I went to Halfords just to try some bikes out but the bikes are all jammed in to stands and the staff were too busy discussing how much they drank friday night :?

I'll have to locate a proper bike shop.

Also the XC 1.4 weights 14kg. Is that quite light or heavy? I think its lighter than the Die Hard I had years back.

AndyManc

14kg is mid range , I know a number of full suss bikes that are over 42lbs .... I'll leave the conversion to you :?

TheBoyBilly

Unfortunately that has also been my experience in Halfords/BikeHut. I generally know what I'm looking for but if it's not on view I have the devil's own job to get a response from staff at these stores. A good LBS is well worth seeking out.

meanwhile

AndyManc wrote:

I own a full suss, hardtail and a road hybrid, I don't believe a road bike is the best choice for the casual biker, from the riding position to the components road bikes don't lend themselves to comfort for the beginner.

In the end it's down to you , try a few out and pick the most comfortable one.

Seconded: a non-suspension mountain bike with slick tyres or a hybrid (spot the difference) is the best road bike for casual users - and probably a lot of other things too. Tougher, easier to fit to the rider, more confident riding position, and no nonsense about front wheels that eat riders feet if they try to turn and pedal at the same time. It sounds likes £200-£400 should buy you all the bike you need. Take a look at the Revolution Courier series at Edinbrugh Bike Co-op's site.

Crankyhorse

Yep, I'll go for the mountain bike and I can always get slick tyres for it.

I have the option of a Dawes 1.2, (all the bikes in the book thing are Dawes) also and that is under 14Kg and I will have points left to get a helmet. It does not have disc breaks though, but I guess that is why it is lighter.