New Member saying hi...

Mike5483

Hi to all,

Just joined up here, seems like a very friendly helpful place which is always cool.

Haven't really been on me bike much for 8 years (since getting a car essentially) but now I am determined to get back in the saddle.

I have dug out the old beast ( A Shogun Hydra with MAHOOSIVE 22'' frame which is miles too big for me!!!) It is such a lump!!!

Anyway, been on it for about 3 weeks now, cycling to work and going out and about at weekends and already I feel me physical fitness is improving.

Anyway, the company I work for has just started the Cycle to Work scheme and I'm going to treat myself.

I reckon I can afford upto about £1300 on this scheme, so what bike???

Current favorite is a Trek 8000, but in many of the threads Ive read on here, Trek's don't seem to get mentioned. Also no Trek's mentioned in the 'Which Hard Tail?' sticky.

Then I looked at the Marin Rocky Ridge, which looks cool and the spec seems good.

I haven't tried any of these bikes yet, as Ive only really started thinking about it this week. If anyone has first hand experience with either of these bikes, some comments would be good.

I believe an 18'' - 20'' frame would be best for me (inside leg about 31'').

Any ideas???

Many thanks for your advice.

The Northern Monkey

welcome to the forums

RE bike size - the only way to know for sure is to test the bike!! don't buy blind!

stumpyjon

For that sort of money you'll have to choose really carefully to get a bad bike. Nothing wrong with Treks, just not as popular as some makes (which can make them feel a little more exclusive ).

Link to BR review here.

Might have a problem on the CTW scheme, most employers are limited to a max of £ 1000 unless they have applied for a consumer credit licence and the shops aren't allowed to get around it by letting you pay some yourself at point of sale etc.

Specialized27

try the new speciailized pitch.... great bike from a great company. Bottom end specialized are admittedly overpriced but this one is gr8 value also its worth checking out which bike shop u can get from, lots of cycle2work things make deals with big retialers, e.g. halfords or evans.