Newbie Bike question

mrbluejay

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

miss notax

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 for

kaytronika

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.

sc999cs

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).

cooldad

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.

unixnerd

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.

cooldad

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.

supersonic

The Tesco bike was never £300.

If you can add £50 try the Rockrider 5.2.

mrbluejay

You've convinced me on the Rockrider 5.2. Now I just need to drive to the Midlands !

mrbluejay

My guess is that the brand is naff, but comparing the spec, this seems ok - any thoughts ?


http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3364.html

supersonic

Some are ok - but the 5.2 floors it. Decent weight, 24 gears, fork that works. Great bike.

mrbluejay

Ok thanks for all the info so far, saw this on Halfords website , any thoughts...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165499

sc999cs

Carrera bikes are generally good value for the money. Worth considering.

cooldad

Fork is a bit rubbish, but it will do what you want, and upgradeable if you keep riding.

kaytronika

I like Carrera bikes (I own one). Halfords can be a bit ropey customer service wise, but you get a lot for your money.