Help out a newbie with a Hybrid & other questions

Kazz_uk

Hey all

Ive been flicking through this forum for a while now, some great advice given so i thought id finally register and pick your brains

Over the past week ive been using my mates old GT Chucker he kindly put back together for me, just to see if i enjoyed cycling and wanted to take it up again. I last cycled about 10-12 years ago (im 26 now), im fairly unfit but ive really enjoyed taking little rides every day, great way to unwind after work and slowly increase my fitness level.

So, time to get a bike of my own i guess. From what ive read a Hybrid would probably suit me best. I'll be using it to get to work a few days a week and leisure afterwards. I did think about getting a Road bike, but i live towards the outskirts of a town so theres lots of trails & paths within a few miles id like to use. Nothing too off-road though.
Also my town isnt what you'd call cycle friendly i guess, on my way to work id be fighting potholes galore & uneven surfaces etc all the way.

My budget is around the £200-£300 mark. Ive been to my LBS and had a look around. They are a Diamondback / Raleigh dealer but also have a few other brands. The Diamondback Outlook's seem to be in my price range, they any good? Also there's a few Saracen Venturer's that caught my eye. I'll be going back sometime this week again to have another look and chat so advice is welcome.

Few other quick questions if you arn't bored by my wall of text already

Cycle Sunglasses, budget upto about £30 i think. What im looking for is a tight fitting pair that would keep the rush of air out of my eyes, if they even excist? My problem is i have an eye condition in 1 eye. Whilst my vision is fine, i don't want it to be irritated by the rush of air or a bug squishing into it, so a snug fit from eye to top of cheek would be good i think. Any ideas suggestions?

Also would front suspension benefit me on the bumpy trails & potholes or is £200-£300 a bit low for that? ive noticed some do come with it, but from what ive read cheap suspension can be problematic on cheaper bikes. Think id prefer it though.

Last question for now, i promise
Magazines. I know all the info i need is on the net, but i still like a good read of a mag, anyone recommend a decent one that doesn't just specialise in MTB's or proffesional riding? thats all i spotted in my shopping centre recently.

Thanks in advance for any help given, its much appreciated

zedders

Hi & welcome. As you said some great advice to be had from here. Just don't take what everyone says as given!!
I can't answer any Q's about your ride, because am stricly road. Soz.

But for glasses. To start with have a look on Probikekit.com. I got a cheap pair for about £15 and they came with 5 different interchangable lenes. So they are pretty good for various lighting condtions. I'd like to think any bike specific glasses would do the job?

As for a magazine, other than the top shelf I subscribe to "cycling plus." Its monthly, and is pretty good in my eyes. They mostly stick to road, hybrid, and commuting stuff.

guilliano

If you can go up to £300 look at the Ridgeback Comet. No suspension, but unless you plan on hooning it and taking the trails at speed you won't need it. If you want offroad speed then you need a second bike for the weekends

Kazz_uk

zedders wrote:

But for glasses. To start with have a look on Probikekit.com. I got a cheap pair for about £15 and they came with 5 different interchangable lenes. So they are pretty good for various lighting condtions. I'd like to think any bike specific glasses would do the job?

Those PBK sunglasses seem ideal, thanks Will try to find a local store with them in to try them on for size first though.
EDIT: Just realised, their the shops own brand, duuh me

zedders wrote:

As for a magazine, other than the top shelf I subscribe to "cycling plus." Its monthly, and is pretty good in my eyes. They mostly stick to road, hybrid, and commuting stuff.

Bought this months issue, pretty good read although im hoping they look at some 'budget' bikes soon

guilliano wrote:

If you can go up to £300 look at the Ridgeback Comet. No suspension, but unless you plan on hooning it and taking the trails at speed you won't need it. If you want offroad speed then you need a second bike for the weekends

Had a look at the Ridgeback range online, looks great for my budget, but no local dealer, well, its about 25miles away, prefer a closer one.

Ive also realised that this would be more suited to the 'Commuter' section, so i'll get my coat