Cycling newbie seeks help

Littlefluffychick

Hello everyone.

I am sure this has been posted before but I can't find anything in my searches about which bikes are suitable for first time riders.

I've perused the sites, read the magazines, but to be honest guys/gals I do not understand the jargon.

Basically I am looking for a suitable bike for a new rider (my other bike is a pashley so I am definately not used to a road bike) and which is good for winter riding. afterall why wait until the finer weather to get into it?!

What I would like to know is what material is suitable..carbon? Steel? I know sizes differ depending on manufacturers but is there a few brands that you can recommend from experience? Is there a good site for used bikes? What about all the info about 'bits'? sigh...there is so much!!!!!

What I really need is a cycling mentor....the bottom line is that my bottom is too big (sorry, its my humour) and I am starting from scratch on learning and getting out so any help is so very very appreciated.

lucan

I'd suggest you wander into a LBS (local bike shop) and have a look at what they have. Ask questions and see what they recommend. Then come back and tell us what they have advised and people here will probably confirm the advice or offer different suggestions.

Basically, you get what you pay for. Your budget will dictate the material to some extent.

Hope that helps.

Mark Alexander

Also, have a word with your local club. give them a ring. you can find out who they are and contacts on the British cycling web site.

Things you need to know before you go to the LBS are firstly, what kind of riding will you be doing. Commuting? Social/fitness riding or ding for a target challenge such as a sportif? Maybe even to race.

Then how much do you have to spend? Don't forget that you will need to get some clothes. If you're going to go commuting then you can do that on lots of different bikes. club social rides can be done on many bikes. A steel framed bike is a comfortable option but most reasonably priced road bikes are Aluminium. Carbon if further up the scale but it again depends on what you want to do with it.

As it's winter comming, make sure you can have mudguards fitted. The LBS should be able to explain the jargon so that you can make an informed decision.

As Lucan says, let us know!

Crapaud

Mark Alexander wrote:

... Things you need to know before you go to the LBS are firstly, what kind of riding will you be doing. Commuting? Social/fitness riding or ding for a target challenge such as a sportif? Maybe even to race. ...

+1

Any worthwhile suggestions should be based around this.

Welcome to the forums, Littlefluffychick.

Littlefluffychick

Thanks so much guys/men/boys/cycle buffs...delete as appropriate.

Your comments are a great start for me and I have called my LBS and made an appointment for Friday (so I have his undivided attention) and have started making a list of questions. For starters I am not looking to commute (its 38 miles to work so may have to work on that) and am looking at the fitness route with a goal of perhaps doing a time trial in the summer. So its winter riding for now with perhaps hopping on a turbo in the evenings.

I will keep you posted with the comments from the shop, my local shop seems to mostly carry Giant and Orbea..

As for cost, well I could if pushed spend about £800 however, as this is a first bike, and a winter one, I would rather spend less until I am more proficient and knowledgeable then have the extra money to spend on a new bike. I am not sure if this is the right way, but it feels the practical thing to do.

My local club is either the Stowmarket and District cycle club or the West Suffolk Wheelers so I shall contact both...good idea, thank you!

x Littlefluffychick

dmch2

Once you get to about 500-600 you're into proper quality bikes rather than cheaper 'supermarket' bikes (in which case second hand is a better bet).

I decided that up to about 800 I was getting worthwhile improvements and after that it was paying more for much smaller gains.

If you're lucky you may get a 2010 bike at a good discount (I got 80 quid off a few months ago and the 2011 bike was 80 more again).

My thought processes were that carbon was too expensive so Aluminium.

Carbon forks help with vibration (I don't have problems with vibration but that might be because I have a carbon fork? My all alloy hybrid is a bit unpleasant on broken surfaces)

2300 and Sora shifters only let you change up a gear when on the hoods. I like using the drops so thought it was worth getting another level up and having a tiagra groupset where up and down is possible from both positions.

Wheels and tyres are easy to upgrade later and you'll be better able to appreciate the benefit.

Bear in mind you'll probably need to add at least some of the following: pedals, shoes, padded shorts, a pump (mine didn't do presta), spare inner tube, bottle, bottle cage, computer. I'm about to buy some better brake blocks as well.

You'll presumably already have lights, tools, helmet, gloves, tops etc.

Littlefluffychick

Thanks, I am starting from scratch...I have a top from trying cycling with my ex..he was too fast for me though and put me off.

I shall add those things to my list. Is the 'hoods' the top part of the bars?

having read a bit, I am thinking steel for a winter bike..Its heavier I know, but that may be better when on wetter, or icier roads, and ultegra shifters. Carbon forks sound like a good idea..I shall have to research that too.

Thanks,
LFC

dmch2

The hoods are the black rubbery bits that the levers come out of. They feel very weird after bring used to flat (ie normal BMX style) bars but I tend to use them for all climbing and the drops for level and downhill (more aerodynamic - everything helps when you're rubbish like me!). If it's REALLY steep I end up riding it like a BMX (and panting like a dog on a hot day)

An alloy bike is still painted and if you gently rinse it off after a salty ride then the salt won't do any damage. I think decent steel bikes are quite pricey. Similarly ultegra is going to be outside your 800 budget unless you go second hand. 105 gear is sometimes available for that price if you get lucky in a sale or places like Ribble and Boardman's from halfords I think.. Hence I ended up with tiagra

Littlefluffychick

Ah, I see...well, I need all the help I can get as I have no doubt I too would have difficulty in getting up hills..and down..and on flat...

there seems to be lots of stuff on Ebay, especially the less mainstream brands which look really cool...but I think not for the novice (me) as I wouldn't have a clue on how to fix it up or add new things...

I know research is key, but I dont' particularly want to spend ages getting the perfect bike, and end up losing time being out on it...

Roll on Friday..
Thanks,
LFC

hopper1

I don't know anything of the West Suffolk Wheelers, but having met a few of the Stow & District CC and done one of their TT's, I'd suggest contacting them.
If you're aiming at doing a TT next season, then you'd do well to contact the club. They may also know of members selling bikes.
Both Giant & Orbea make good bikes.
As you are intending to ride through the winter, make sure your purchase is able to take full mudguards... No fun in riding with a wet a*se!
Good luck...

Littlefluffychick

I am familiar with SDCC..ex BF regulary cycles with them and does the TT's. We'll see.

Thanks for the heads up on the mudguards, a definite must!

Littlefluffychick

Well, been to LBS and felt inundated with terminology so went out and bought myself a cycling magazine to swot up but keep getting distracted by the legs in lycra..what is it about cyclists?!!

So..moving on....My LBS suggested Bianchi (which they stock) nirone..and have a 50cm which he said would suit (but I felt like he was trying to get rid of it..perhaps this isn't made anymore)...this is the spec..

Frame VIA NIRONE 7 ALU
fork Bianchi FL5 K-VID Carbon/Al C2C with Kevlar -
1 1/8” headset VP-A42E
shifters Shimano SORA
rear derailleur Shimano SORA 9sp
front derailleur Shimano SORA
crankset Fsa VERO Compact 50/34t
chain KMC X9
sprocket Shimano TIAGRA 12/25
brakes RC-466E - Forged Alloy Dual-Pivot brake lever integrated
wheels rear hub Joytech F192SB ALLOY
front hub Joytech A141SB ALLOY
rims Mach 1 CFX 700C - Black
tire Vittoria ZAFFIRO 700x25c
stem RC DA-32 3D - forged alloy
handlebar Dedaelementi Big Piega
grips Bike Ribbon cork
seatpost Rc SP-222- 31.6mm
saddle Active - FM-5257 - steel rail
waterbottle hanger Aluminium

Now, as those of you who have read my post know I am a cycling pleb at the moment, but I know that Bianchi has a great reputation, but I can't help but feel that they are common..as in lots of people have them. And this of course is because they are great bikes. But I am less mainstream than that and can't help but be swayed by the lesser known brands....Bringing me to this next one...BUZZ...has anyone heard of it? In looking at the specs, my instint is moving towards the BUZZ..its seems very cost effective for excellent equipment though I am unable to fully quantify this 'feeling'....

This is the Buzz Spec....
Frame: Road Alloy
Forks: ICA 70 Carbon
Brakes FSA Gossamer
Chainset: FSA Vero Compact 50-34
Rear mech: Campag Zenon 10speed
Front mech: Campag Zenon
Shifters: Campag
Cassette: Campag Veloce 10 speed 12-25
Hubs: Kt Road 24h alloy
Rims: Volant Airline
Tires: CST Course 23
Seat post: Alloy
saddle: Selle Royal
Pedals: Look Keo easy
Weight: 9500 grms

Hmmmmmmmm.......its a fine and sexy looking bike too...and the components seem quite decent for the £550 price tag...opposed to the higher Bianchi costs...

What do you guys think?

LFCx

alfablue

Never heard of Buzz - relatively good components on a cheap bike suggest that the frame may be poor, or the bike doesn't sell for some reason - perhaps because it is called Buzz and no one has heard of it.

If a budget winter bike (and one that can take mudguards, which a proper winter bike needs to) is what you're after, then look at Ribble's Winter Trainer - excellent value.

Crapaud

alfablue wrote:

Never heard of Buzz - relatively good components on a cheap bike suggest that the frame may be poor, or the bike doesn't sell for some reason - perhaps because it is called Buzz and no one has heard of it.

If a budget winter bike (and one that can take mudguards, which a proper winter bike needs to), then look at Ribble's Winter Trainer - excellent value.

Almost word for word what I was going to post.

Of the 2 you've looked at, I'd suggest the Bianchi simply because I've never heard of Buzz and a quick google threw up nothing. Bianchi are a known and reliable brand.

manofsteel

Have a look at the Ribble website. Thet're excellent value, and if you can get hold of them on the phone they'll be able to advise you about sizing etc.

Their Audax / winter bike with Shimano 105 (the new version of 105 is very similar to Ultegra but not quite as posh!) should be within your budget and includes mudguards for winter riding. 105 is a bit more durable than Ultegra and so better for a winter bike.

If you decide you like it then you can upgrade to an Ultegra equipped bike in the spring - simples!

Weejie54

Of the 2 you've looked at, I'd suggest the Bianchi simply because I've never heard of Buzz and a quick google threw up nothing. Bianchi are a known and reliable brand.

Not much on Google, but this is the bike, I reckon:

http://www.bikestuff.co.uk/index.php?ma ... cts_id=567

Phate

Would also opt for the Ribble, great value and a bike specifically set up for winter. Also with it being designed as an Audax it has a less agressive riding position which should help someone new to road bikes!

Stone Glider

Both bikes seem fine for your purposes, have you ridden either? If so, choose the one you like best. The Bianchi has wider tyres which should be surer in handling, especially if you don't pump them too hard. As you are looking at a 50cm frame you should be a lightweight so keep the pressures at the lower end of those recomended. Mr Crud should be able to supply you with mudguards to suit either.

Whilst the internet is awash with bargain bikes at this time of year, your LBS is the one who make sure you have the bike that serves you best as they will enjoy the "aftermarket" sales and servicing. Or that is the way it should be :? Good luck.

Littlefluffychick

Ribble it is!!!!!!! ...the standard bike comes with sora components, is it worth it to upgrade to 105's? They do increase the cost considerably though... Or in your opinion is the Sora ok for winter riding..I will take care of my bike so won't let things rust..

Also, sizing...I've done the exercise to size..ie book between the thighs etc..its not easy to do on one's own though and goodness knows what the neighbours walking by and looking in my window thought!! Anyway...

is it normal to have a different front cm to the back one? The front measurement was 77 and the back was 78 so using the calculation Ribble provides I would require a 53 cm bike..but I am only 5'5..? does that sound right?

dmch2

I've got tiagra which is between sora and 105. I think 105 is nice if you can but not necessary whereas sora is an economy if you have to economize somewhere.

Crapaud

Sora, IMO, will be fine. Whatever you buy will have scope for upgrades somewhere, so just ride it until the parts need replacing and upgrade then. As you'll be cycling over winter you don't want the best 'cos they'll get killed by water, salt and grit and it'll cost a lot more to replace.

53 cm sounds about right. Hopefully someone more knowlegable will corroborate. Be sure to try before you buy just to make sure.

mr_poll

Agree about sora - not a lot wrong with it for a first foray in to cycling. I got a real bargain off ebay with a sora groupset and for my first year its been great and as winter hack and a commuter it will see me through the winter - I plan to get something nice next year with 105 (or campag/sram equiv) as a minimum - but i would say hold your budget for your first year, then either upgrade as posted above or get another bike when the bug has well and truly bitten.

One thing you will need to budget for is equipment - clothes, helmet, lights etc etc - if you haven't then defo hold on to some cash.

Oh and have you rung Ribble - i know in the summer they had a bit of a wait list for bikes however things may have calmed down now.

alfablue

Sora is absolutely fine, the only thing is the thumb shifting. Tiagra and above have the small lever behind the brake lever, Sora have a small lever on the side you operate with your thumb. Some people have trouble operating this from the drops, and overall the other type is preferable. Most people get on fine with Sora but if you think you would want to upgrade the shifters at some point then this is the most expensive part, so makes more sense to get Tiagra in the first place (upgrade later would cost maybe £140). 105 gives you 10 speed, but 9 speed is plenty. I have Tiagra on my touring bike and Dura Ace and Ultegra on my other road bikes, and the latter are not vastly better to use.

As far as I can see the Ribble Winter / Audax bike is £569 with Tiagra - bargain!

Littlefluffychick

Yippee!!! I have ordered my bike...I bought the Ribble with the Tiagra.

Now if anyone has winter clothing they are looking to sell please let me know. I've been checking out the Rapha site and loaded my basket with lots of goodies to find that I had spent a fortune. I think perhaps I need to source other avenues for cheaper items. So..Roubaix bibs, overshoes, socks, arm/leg warmers, hat, gloves jackets...anything. I am 5 ft 5, small/medium build...

I am so chuffed and excited to get my bike now. Over the next couple of weeks I shall be driving out routes to cycle

Crapaud

Littlefluffychick wrote:

... I am so chuffed and excited to get my bike now. Over the next couple of weeks I shall be driving out routes to cycle

Check out Bikely, Bikeroute toaster, Map my ride etc for route ideas.

Stuy-b

it depends on the bike but 53cm sounds big for someone 5'5. im 5'10 and ride a 54cm. The new sora is really good, if you can stretch to tiagra then DO iv had tiagra shifters on my training bike for 4 years, around 10,000 miles and 3 crash's one of witch ended in me under a car and the tiagra shifters work just as good as new. one thing i will say is if you plan to do a lot of winter miles buy a bike with a 8 or 9 speed group set as 10 speed chains and cassettes are around double the price of 8/9 speed and winter miles temd to eat chains and cassettes.

hope iv been of some help

Stuy

gtitim

Littlefluffychick wrote:

Yippee!!! I have ordered my bike...I bought the Ribble with the Tiagra.

Now if anyone has winter clothing they are looking to sell please let me know. I've been checking out the Rapha site and loaded my basket with lots of goodies to find that I had spent a fortune. I think perhaps I need to source other avenues for cheaper items. So..Roubaix bibs, overshoes, socks, arm/leg warmers, hat, gloves jackets...anything. I am 5 ft 5, small/medium build...

I am so chuffed and excited to get my bike now. Over the next couple of weeks I shall be driving out routes to cycle

Congrats on your new purchase - you're gonna love it!!!