Help - buying a bike for husbands birthday need advice

meganscott1981

Good evening,

I hope you can help. I’m buying my husband a bike for his 30th and was hoping someone could give me some advice. He has been looking on the internet recently for bikes and has these ones stored in the favourites (below). Can anyone advise as to which is best or is there anything else out there I should consider buying him? My budget is less than £500! I don’t know much about bikes other than he wants front suspension or hardtail (whatever that is), disc type brakes and it has to be nice to look at. I’ve copied all the detail I can find below:

Atala Shape Disc 16” £449.99 (£250 off)

Frame: Oversize 6061 alloy tubing, detachable rear gear hanger.
Fork : Suntour XCM 100mm travel suspension with remote lock out.
Frame Size : 16" or 18"
Wheel Size : 26" 32 hole deep Trecime MT rims. Shimano alloy disc hubs. Byte Plose 1.95" tyres.
Gear System : Shimano 27 speed STI button shifters. Shimano Deore front and rear derailleurs.
Chainset: Shimano chainset with alloy cranks and sealed cartridge BB.
Brakes: Shimano 1600mm hydraulic disc brakes.
Handlebar & Stem: Byte Aheadset stem and 31.8mm oversize riser handlebars.
Weight: 14.5kg.
Frame Colour: Matt black with black forks.
Website: http://www.totallybike.com/product.php?id_product=20


Coyote Colorado XT 16” £499.99 (£300 off)

Frame: Lightweight alloy tubing, hydro formed down tube, double set of bottle bosses, carrier bosses and crud catcher bosses, disc brake mount, detachable rear gear hanger.
Fork: Rock Shox Recon 351 suspension forks with remote control lock out.
Frame Size :16"
Wheel Size :26" WTB DISC XL Alloy double wall 32 hole black rims, Shimano alloy QR disc hubs and black spokes with Tioga Factory Extreme XC 26" x 2.10" Tyres.
Gear System : Shimano Deore XT 27 speed with Rapid Fire Plus control levers.
Chainset Specification: Truvativ Fire-X triple with alloy cranks and Truvativ Giga X Pipe sealed BB cartridge.
Brakes: Shimano Deore XT hydraulic disc brakes.
Handlebar and Stem: Truvativ oversize Alloy Ahead stem and Truvativ oversize alloy ATB handlebars with double density grips.
Additional:Steel cage pedals.
Frame Colour: Black.
Fork Colour :Silver
Website: http://www.totallybike.com/product.php?id_product=100

Carraro 436D Daytona 16” £399 (£200 off)

FRAME: Lightweight alloy tubing, Hydroformed top and down tube, Semi integrated head tube, detachable rear gear hanger.
FORK: Suntour XCM alloy Suspension fork, Suntour remote lock out.
FRAME SIZE 16"
WHEELS: Double wall 26" Black 36 hole rims, Alloy hubs with quick release, CST 26" X 1.95" Tyres.
GEAR SYSTEM: Shimano Deore 27 speed with Shimano Deore SL shifters and Shimano 11-32 9 speed cassette freewheel.
CHAINSET: Shimano FC-M433 44/32/22 Triple chainset.
BRAKES: Hydraulic Disc Brakes and Levers.
HANDLEBAR AND STEM:Alloy oversize Ahead stem with alloy oversize handlebars.
ACCESSORIES: MTB PRO saddle, Micro adjust alloy seat post
FRAME COLOUR: Black with White front
FORK COLOUR: Black
Website: http://www.totallybike.com/product.php?id_product=27

Can someone reply or get back to me asap as it is his birthday next week and I want to get this sorted out by the end of the weekend.

Thanks
Meg

Skonk

The "Coyote Colorado XT" seems to have the best spec, but is the most expensive.

It's the one I'd go for out of those 3 anyway (I'd rather pay the extra for the better parts).

jmillen

Any idea what sort of riding he'll be looking to do ? Also, what sort of build is he etc will all help to decide which is the best bike to suit his needs...

Andy B

All overpriced @ full RRP

@ the 'sale' price about right price for the bikes

the 2nd one is the best of your 3 choices

but

how do you know it will fit him? What if it's the wrong size? you'll have to send it back

You really need to go to your local bike shop and get the right sized bike.

Looking at the website you linked to it doesn't have any of the big name brands you would expect to see in a good bike shop (GT, Kona, Scott, Cube, Specialized, Trek, etc)

Whereabouts are you based, maybe we can tell you the best bike shops in your area and help you pick a bike from them.

meganscott1981

jmillen wrote:

Any idea what sort of riding he'll be looking to do ? Also, what sort of build is he etc will all help to decide which is the best bike to suit his needs...

He's about 5'8'', average build and he wants to start cycling around towpaths and forest trails just to get fit! He'll probably tire of it quickly to be honest which is why I don't want to spend over £500!

meganscott1981

Andy_B wrote:

All overpriced @ full RRP

@ the 'sale' price about right price for the bikes

the 2nd one is the best of your 3 choices

but

how do you know it will fit him? What if it's the wrong size? you'll have to send it back

You really need to go to your local bike shop and get the right sized bike.

Looking at the website you linked to it doesn't have any of the big name brands you would expect to see in a good bike shop (GT, Kona, Scott, Cube, Specialized, Trek, etc)

Whereabouts are you based, maybe we can tell you the best bike shops in your area and help you pick a bike from them.

I don't know if it will fit, it's just what he had saved in the favourites on the internet. We live in Frodsham, Cheshire.

Skonk

At 6'8" I would say 9 out of 10 times a "Medium" size frame would be best, so thats 17" or 18" depending on the brand.

I think a 16" would be on the small side.

As others have said, its best to actually try them but its not always posible and if these are bikes he has been looking at then I think it's safe to assume he thinks they would be right for him.

So out of those 3, the second one (Coyote Colorado XT) has the best components (Shimano XT, RockShox Recon forks etc) but I do think it would need to be the next frame size up.

Briggo

He's 5' 8" not 6' 8", a small should (always best to try for yourself) be about right, couldnt you just get some vouchers for him, say Evans or Halfords?

blister pus

It's suicide buying blind for someone. Suggest you take him bike shopping at a local bike shop and Halfords and get him to sit on a few before you part with your hard earned.

I mean, there's a 16" Carrera Fury 08 going at Halfords for 479 which is a cracking buy. Not to mention they stock GT, both of which would be great starter bikes for the money. By going and physically sitting on them he (and you) will gain a clear idea of what area of the ball park you need to be in.

Skonk

I'm 5'8" and a small is way too small, medium is spot on.

Everyone I know in a simalar height range to me use a medium frame.

blister pus

Skonk wrote:

I'm 5'8" and a small is way too small, medium is spot on.

Everyone I know in a simalar height range to me use a medium frame.

you simply can't say that. frame sizes vary too much and leg length and arm reach are all unique. you need to go try.

Skonk

blister pus wrote:

Skonk wrote:

I'm 5'8" and a small is way too small, medium is spot on.

Everyone I know in a simalar height range to me use a medium frame.

you simply can't say that. frame sizes vary too much and leg length and arm reach are all unique. you need to go try.

3 of the 4 people I ride with are of a simalar height to me, and between us we ride 4 different brands of bike (specialized, orange, GT, Mongoose) and we all use Medium frames because they GENERALLY suit our height range.

So yes, I simply can say that more often than not, a Medium frame would be the right size of a person who is 5'8" tall.

blister pus

I didn't recommend a small. Read what I put in it's entirety.

meganscott1981

Thanks all for your help so far.

I wanted it to be surprise on his birthday. He must think those suit his size, he's usually very thorough in his research. Plus he likes a bargain, hence picking ones that have a good discount like he has!

Not sure what to do. Being a girl, I like the first one (atala shape) because it looks nice, what's it like compared to the XT one?

There are some halfords nearby so I might call in, but really don't want him to know before next friday! Plus if I told him he'd probably want to get the most expensive one they have, and he'll prob only use it for a few months or until the end of summer at best!

Do bike shops or internet shops not offer exchanges if the size i get is wrong?

blister pus

and stop editing your post you little bell end (skonk).

blister pus

meganscott1981 wrote:

Thanks all for your help so far.

I wanted it to be surprise on his birthday. He must think those suit his size, he's usually very thorough in his research. Plus he likes a bargain, hence picking ones that have a good discount like he has!

Not sure what to do. Being a girl, I like the first one (atala shape) because it looks nice, what's it like compared to the XT one?

There are some halfords nearby so I might call in, but really don't want him to know before next friday! Plus if I told him he'd probably want to get the most expensive one they have, and he'll prob only use it for a few months or until the end of summer at best!

Do bike shops or internet shops not offer exchanges if the size i get is wrong?

you'd seriously have to check on both before you make a firm commitment. It's costly shipping a full bike back not to mention a trauma.

The Northern Monkey

Surprise him by taking him on a trip to a BIKE SHOP.
You'd be very naive to buy one that "should/might/could fit" over the net.

Please.

GHill

meganscott1981 wrote:

Do bike shops or internet shops not offer exchanges if the size i get is wrong?

A bike shop might be easier for that. For an Internet retailer you'd need to return it yourself which can be quite expensive.

I would also recommend the Halfords route for a Carrera or GT - much easier if there is a problem with the bike and to get some free maintenance after a few weeks.

You can get the Carrera Fury for a smidge over budget at £530. For £550 there's the GT Aggressor XC 1, there's also a £400 model if you want to get him a helmet/shorts/gloves too.

bails87

Have a look here, they're a very well regarded internet store. With the bonus of letting you return a bike if it doesn't fit, or if you just don't like it.

Something like that isn't bad at all.

Although i would have to recommend the Fury at Halfords. At least it's easy to buy vouchers, so you can give him a big wodge of 'Halfords Money' to spend on the bike, rather than just the promise of a shopping trip.

Briggo

bigbenj_08 wrote:

Surprise him by taking him on a trip to a BIKE SHOP.
You'd be very naive to buy one that "should/might/could fit" over the net.

Please.

Honestly Megan, do this, it really isnt easy to size things up for bikes.

Secondly, that website although they appear BIG savings, its just like the Halfords Apollo range, they overprice the bikes and say "woah we slashed 70% off what a bargain!!" when in reality it isnt a massive saving, its the price it should have been in the first place.

Not saying the bikes are cheap and not worth that money, just for £500 you can get some other decent bikes like the Carrera Fury.

djames77

Hi

Good advice already given, you need to take him to a store. If you are going to take a punt and buy him a bike before seeing it and sitting on it you could do worse than this i reckon

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037563/

stomith

Thumbs up to djames77.

Visit shop OR go for the Focus on the Wiggle link. It is a very respectable starting spec.

I'm 5'8 and I agreee with others above...Mediums suit me 'almost' every time.

Torres

I'd take him to a shop for his birthday.
It might not make a brlliant suprise, but it will mean he gets exactly what he wants, and more importantly, exactly what fits him.

It also means he can choose the colour because if he's a bit of a tart like me the colour scheme can make or break a deal.

supersonic

I agree, go to a bike shop.

Saying you are a medium based simply on height is folly - bikes and people vary a hell of a lot.

As I have said before, I am 6ft and ride 14, 17, 18 and 20.5 inch MTB frames from different people.

stomith

Supersonic. I bow down to you. I can only ride one at a time.

x

supersonic

Lol.

An example is say the Blue Pig in a medium (18 inch). Has a standover of 32 inches. If you have a 29 inside leg that will be very painful!

Cunobelin

blister pus wrote:

It's suicide buying blind for someone. Suggest you take him bike shopping at a local bike shop and Halfords and get him to sit on a few before you part with your hard earned.

I mean, there's a 16" Carrera Fury 08 going at Halfords for 479 which is a cracking buy. Not to mention they stock GT, both of which would be great starter bikes for the money. By going and physically sitting on them he (and you) will gain a clear idea of what area of the ball park you need to be in.

+1

Bikes are such a personal thing - and it is essential that you try before you buy.