Newbie Bike question
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mrbluejay
Posts: 5
Hi All,
Just decided to take up cycling with my daughter. Not sure how much the bug will bite, so I don't really want to spend a lot of money on bikes until we really commit. I've seen this bike from Tesco's and want some opinions on whether it will do a job, albeit probably very basic.
I seem to remember Muddy Fox from the BMX days...
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.211-6738.aspx
Just decided to take up cycling with my daughter. Not sure how much the bug will bite, so I don't really want to spend a lot of money on bikes until we really commit. I've seen this bike from Tesco's and want some opinions on whether it will do a job, albeit probably very basic.
I seem to remember Muddy Fox from the BMX days...
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.211-6738.aspx
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Comments
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Hello
I completely understand you not wanting to spend much until you see if you like it, but I would honestly consider looking second hand rather than buying new for that sort of money.... You will get a lot more for your money.
I'm sure the bike in the link has it's place, but i'm guessing it will be a) very heavy, and b) not that robust, which wouldn't really give you the best start to your cycling! I would have a hunt on Ebay - i'm sure some of the guys on here will be recommending some to keep your eyes out forLife is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the number of moments that take your breath away....
Riding a gorgeous ano orange Turner Burner!
Sponsor the CC2CC at http://www.justgiving.com/cc2cc0 -
It's a dificult area to advise on this, generally it's accepted that you pay around £300 for a decent entry level bike... Although they suggest that it's 50% off I'd wager that the bike was never intended to sell for it's full £300 RRP.
From what I've read in recent months a lot of people recommend Decathlon at this price
range.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider ... 172068512/
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider ... 141402418/
Both come with entry level Shimano componentry whereas many supermarket bikes may have no-name variants which inevitably fail leaving the user with a bill for repair. (Heh, I just noticed the Muddy Fox does have Shimano gearing, I take that back)
Also Decathlon seem to know their stuff as a retailer, whereas Tesco are a grocery store with some staff who may have done a day training on cycle building.
Muddy Fox is now just another arm of 'Universal Cycles' who specialise in shifting bikes on to places like Argos, Tesco, Sports Direct... I wouldn't link the brand now to any of their previous output.
If you're comfortable with shopping around you might be able to snatch a good deal in the second hand market at this price point.0 -
If you just mean to potter around local parks and lanes with your daughter then you might be better off with a hybrid bike, for example this Halford's Apollo. I.e. no suspension (as you won't need it) and sensible tyres (not too knobbly).Steve C0
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Muddy Fox used to be the dogs danglies. I had one (very old one) until last year and loved it.
Sadly they are not the same anymore. I would agree with miss notax.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
14kg, that's pretty heavy. I'd agree with the ebay / gumtree idea, I've had a few bargains that way. If you get something that's no fun you ride you won't enjoy cycling and are less likely to keep at it. You probably won't get a new bike that's better value for 150, but if you went to the 250-300 quid mark there are a lot more options.
Don't let what anyone says put you off too much though, whatever you get now can be replaced later if you get into it. The main thing is to try. Don't fall into the trap of upgrading a cheap bike though, sell it and buy a better one. If you bought the Muddy Fox I'm sure you could sell it and get most of your money back come "new bike" time :-)
I bought a brand new cheapo bike for 80 quid when I started going off road, just to see if I liked it. Bike was on ebay as an unwanted raffle prize. I still keep that bike for house guests.http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!0 -
Or something like this:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider ... NFO-DETAIL
Or this
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider ... 172068512/
Both cheaper and probably better.
At the price I would avoid suspension forks as they are likely to be rubbish, not work, and just add weight.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
The Tesco bike was never £300.
If you can add £50 try the Rockrider 5.2.0 -
You've convinced me on the Rockrider 5.2. Now I just need to drive to the Midlands !0
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My guess is that the brand is naff, but comparing the spec, this seems ok - any thoughts ?
http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3364.html0 -
Some are ok - but the 5.2 floors it. Decent weight, 24 gears, fork that works. Great bike.0
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Ok thanks for all the info so far, saw this on Halfords website , any thoughts...
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_1654990 -
Carrera bikes are generally good value for the money. Worth considering.Steve C0
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Fork is a bit rubbish, but it will do what you want, and upgradeable if you keep riding.I don't do smileys.
There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda
London Calling on Facebook
Parktools0 -
I like Carrera bikes (I own one). Halfords can be a bit ropey customer service wise, but you get a lot for your money.0