Less driving more riding, but what bike will become my first

Dr Manhattan

I'm sure this question has been asked several times but I thought I would sign up for once and tailor a question to suit the advice I need.

Over the last few months I've stopped lifting weights and using and jogging due to a health issue. Anyway now that the health issue is sorted I've developed stiffness all around my body especially my back. I realise not being active for the last few months and mostly sitting or lying down during that time and getting up rarely would cause my muscles to weaken and shrink.

Anyway rather than dive straight into training again I've decided I want to take a different approach to keeping fit. I haven't ridden a bike for years. I was the type that would be on my bike all day up until I purchased my drivers licence and purchase my first car years a go. I realise that commuting by cycle has many advantages and the one that appeals to me most is the exercise part of it. Want to rebuild some strength in my body and in the fun way of cycling.

I've decided to go for a hybrid and have my eye on the Cannondale Bad Boy (Disc). Ebay, gumtree will be a last resort if I can't manage to get hold of one. The cheapest I've seen in evans costs £719 but I've seen these same models on several shop websites for between £450 and £500. My absolute maximum budget is £550, I have put the money aside.

Budget Maximum: £550
Height: 6"2

I went down to a local Evans and thought I would be going for an XL frame for the bad boy but the L suited me quite fine and felt great.

Now to the question
Seeing as I fancy the cannondale bad boy so much would there be any other bike any of you fellow bikeforumers would recommend? As the bad boy with discs seem to be out of stock every where I look. The only ones in stock are the £719 models and above.

I thought about getting a scott sub but some blog of a sub with a cracked frame put me off. I want something that isn't going to break on me. Even though I use to ride I would class myself as a beginner because it's been so long.

Thanks in advance.

iPete

Welcome!

How far is the commute, is it all road, carrying how much kit etc.?

You sound like somebody who, if they enjoy the fitness side, will quickly want a road bike.

Chad_c_Mulligan

Hybrids are the worst of both worlds and I'd never recommend one to anyone (personal preference). I'd agree with iPete that as you sound like someone who exercises you'd be better off with a road bike.

For you budget I think the road bikes Decathlon do under the Btwin brand are excellent value. Wiggle has a sale on at the moment and there are plenty of sub £500 road bikes.

Dr Manhattan

The commute is about 30 minutes by car. I'll be using the bike for quick rides in the morning to get some exercise and also in the evenings. Some times I'll ride on pavements.

Thanks for responses so far

Dr Manhattan

As for load I'll be carrying a simple rucksack on my back.

iPete

30 minutes by car isn't a very good indicator of distance, especially if you drive in central London

Assuming your using the pavement for shared paths and not pavement hopping I don't see why a roadie wouldn't work. As you get fitter and want to up the miles, you'll quickly appreciate the extra speed and efficiency.

esspeebee

If it's more than a few miles, it's quite likely that you'll quickly start to wish you had a road bike. Less work due to the lower rolling resistance, and drop bars provide more riding positions so you can switch around if you fancy a change. Try out some road bikes as well, but bear in mind that drop bars can take some getting used to.

godders1

They have the L in stock here for £550:

http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/m1b100s18 ... RS_GB/9889
I look forward to reading your “what road bike for commuting” thread in about six months time. Seriously, some people commute on hybrids and are very happy with them but there are a huge number of people who started on a hybrid and wanted something racier within a very short time.

Dr Manhattan

Distance to uni 14miles
Distance to work around 14 miles (close to my uni)
Distance to weekend job 4-5 miles

Also I wish to do a 5 mile ride every morning and evening.

The link posted below have 2 in stock with free delivery I've also found one other website with 1 in stock. Now that there is a good chance I'll be getting this bike I want it less (I'm strange like that)

When I'm in front of the bike I'm like "ahh wouldn't mind you" but away I get a strong feeling that makes me want something rare or something that not no every one has. A minute a go I just saw a guy ride past my house on one.

I like simplicity. I'll most likely take of the decals/stickers. Love the plain look.
I may consider a road bike but I don't want to have a nervous feeling when I have to ride through some paved area with leaves and stones or feel nervous about curves damaging my wheels.

I guess it's all a learning process. Trial and error.. I most probably will be back in 6 months looking for a road bike which is good because by then I'll probably want to spend at least a grand on my next bicycle purchase.

iPete

For a 14 miler I'd take a road bike every time. Ride properly on the road and there is no need to ever mount a curb!

Also if your aim is to get fit, a 5 mile morning ride isn't much in bike terms!

bails87

5 miles sounds like a sensible amount, but you'll be doing that in 15-20 minutes, if you're anything like me you'll end up setting out for a 10 mile ride, and eventually coming home after doing more like 30 :lol

Anyhoo, how about a Ribble winter/commuter road bike for £530.

Add some puncture resistant tyres, mudguards and lights and it'll be a tad over budget, but perfect for year round commuting.

Dr Manhattan

I should have said 10 mile as in 5 miles there turn around and 5 miles back to my home every morning.

That Ribble looks nice, actually looks like it would be fun to ride. I've never ridden a road bike before. I remember my father had one but I never thought to try it out.

Now I've got a little voice in my head saying get a road bike. I've never really fancied those rolled handle bars to be honest. I can see myself on that kind of bike though, really. Although you would never catch me in bikers clothing.

What to do, what to do.

I like the idea of a hybrid going in and out of cars in tight traffic but I also like the idea of me hopping on my road back and riding home after work or uni. This is turning out to be a similar experience to when I last upgraded my car.

godders1

Just to broaden your horizons/confuse things further, there are options in between road bike and hybrid. Cyclocross, fast/light tourer, audax bike all (arguably) variations on the road bike, all worth a look for your stated needs.

mrtuk

Dr Manhattan wrote:

What to do, what to do.

I like the idea of a hybrid going in and out of cars in tight traffic but I also like the idea of me hopping on my road back and riding home after work or uni. This is turning out to be a similar experience to when I last upgraded my car.

I feel your pain. I am trying to upgrade, and was originally thinking of a hybrid, then flat bar road bike, but keep hearing that a road bike would be best (although I am unsure how i will get on with the drops.)

I'm currently looking at a cross ... although every time i look there is something different to consider.

Dr Manhattan

mrtuk I wish I was the kind of guy who could go into a bike shop and say "Give me a good bike for £500" and walk out.

I'm far too analytical. When I was younger I use to throw away money like it grew on trees but these days I'm extremely careful with how I spend my hard earned money.

In the last hour I've decided to get the cannondale bad boy then a road bike then a cannondale bad boy then back to a road bike. It's getting ridiculous now. I get my pay next week thursday anyway so I have enough time to fry my braincells.

Those road bikes do look sexy I must admit, but with the cannondale I have been researching for days upon days and for £550 I think that is the very best I can get. With the road bikes now it will be another whole heap of research again. I just want my mind made up so that come next week I can go pick up my bike or make the order.

I have a £550 budget I want to know the best possible road bike I can get for that kind of money. I have a feeling it's going to be a long weekend for me.

DrLex

mrtuk wrote:

[...]

I feel your pain. I am trying to upgrade, and was originally thinking of a hybrid, then flat bar road bike, but keep hearing that a road bike would be best (although I am unsure how i will get on with the drops.)
[...].

I can empathise; went through a similar thought process when wanting a change from my Mountain bike. Tried a hybrid and a road, but fell in love with the road. Commute went from 23-24 mins to 18-19 mins, plus it's way more enjoyable. Try as many as you can for as long as you can.

Dr Manhattan

DrLex wrote:

mrtuk wrote:

[...]

I feel your pain. I am trying to upgrade, and was originally thinking of a hybrid, then flat bar road bike, but keep hearing that a road bike would be best (although I am unsure how i will get on with the drops.)
[...].

I can empathise; went through a similar thought process when wanting a change from my Mountain bike. Tried a hybrid and a road, but fell in love with the road. Commute went from 23-24 mins to 18-19 mins, plus it's way more enjoyable. Try as many as you can for as long as you can.

The fun part sounds appealing. Something that mountain bikes never were to me (obviously because I was using them in the wrong way)..

I'm leaning more towards a road bike because I can see me in a few months from now asking myself why I didn't just get a road bike first.

clarkey cat

I got back into commuting by bike about 4 years ago. I bought a hybrid. 3 months later I bought an entry level road road which lasted me for over 2 years before I upgraded. Getting used to drops is very easy - and besides you rarely actually ride down there - your hands are normally at the top or hooked around the 'hoods' of the brakes. Its really very comfortable.

and another thing...

Although you would never catch me in bikers clothing.

We'll remind you of that

clarkey cat

PS. Its easier filtering in traffic on a road bike as they are narrower.

DrLex

This might be an excellent mount for you.

(I know it's over budget, but you'd get most of your money back if you had to sell it on soon after - that's ManMaths in action)

clarkey cat

or this - ideal first bike and half your budget. Your size too.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12795159

DrLex

clarkey cat wrote:

or this - ideal first bike and half your budget. Your size too.

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12795159

Top shout! Pair of pedals and you'll be laughing. Single fare to Huddersfield?

bails87

Dr Manhattan
FWIW I went from having only ever riddenn mountain bikes to getting a (Ribble) carbon road bike without any difficulty. MTBing is definitely more fun when done properly, but I wouldn't want to do my 15 mile commute on my MTB....or a hybrid

I got used to the drops very quickly and now I can switch between the two bikes without any problem.

If you're going to be riding on the road then Cyclecraft is well worth buying.

Dr Manhattan

bails87 wrote:

Dr Manhattan
FWIW I went from having only ever riddenn mountain bikes to getting a (Ribble) carbon road bike without any difficulty. MTBing is definitely more fun when done properly, but I wouldn't want to do my 15 mile commute on my MTB....or a hybrid

I got used to the drops very quickly and now I can switch between the two bikes without any problem.

If you're going to be riding on the road then Cyclecraft is well worth buying.

One thing I was nervous about was careless drivers. I'm as safe as can be, very cautious but from my days of riding motorbikes I can say the careless drivers are the most scariest thing. Now on a bicycle even more scarier. So that book should help with the nerve although there's nothing better than experience.

Dr Manhattan

DrLex wrote:

This might be an excellent mount for you.

(I know it's over budget, but you'd get most of your money back if you had to sell it on soon after - that's ManMaths in action)

I was thinking of getting a new specialized allez from evans. I think the absolute maximum I'll go is £600, maybe they could knock some of too and give me a good deal. But there are plenty £599 cycles in evans to choose from.

Just not sure what. When I was looking for hybrids I wouldn't think about getting a specialized but now looking for a road bike it's a different story.

HebdenBiker

A Specialized Allez will be fine for your commute, and for club rides, sportives etc. The same goes for a similarly-priced Trek. They are leading brands, their bikes come built with unremarkable but tried-and-tested parts, and they represent reasonable value for money.

Apart from the Ribble that someone suggested, I'm struggling to think how, given your needs, you'd get better for your budget than a Trek or a Specialized.

If, as you say, you want something a bit different and special, your best option on your budget would be to look for 2nd hand steel frames or such like, then build a bike onto one. You could possibly achieve an "Ebay special" for £600, but you'd need to know a little about bikes and equipment.

My advice would be to just get this
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec025025
and you won't go far wrong. Half-decent frame and carbon forks means it's worth hanging onto and upgrading parts in the future, if that's the way you want to go. You dislike gaudy modern graphics (so do I), and I think the Allez looks pretty understated and smart. The red is best, obviously. I would phone Evans to get a test ride before they sell out of your size. These are sale items.

Dr Manhattan

HebdenBiker wrote:

A Specialized Allez will be fine for your commute, and for club rides, sportives etc. The same goes for a similarly-priced Trek. They are leading brands, their bikes come built with unremarkable but tried-and-tested parts, and they represent reasonable value for money.

Apart from the Ribble that someone suggested, I'm struggling to think how, given your needs, you'd get better for your budget than a Trek or a Specialized.

If, as you say, you want something a bit different and special, your best option on your budget would be to look for 2nd hand steel frames or such like, then build a bike onto one. You could possibly achieve an "Ebay special" for £600, but you'd need to know a little about bikes and equipment.

My advice would be to just get this
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec025025
and you won't go far wrong. Half-decent frame and carbon forks means it's worth hanging onto and upgrading parts in the future, if that's the way you want to go. You dislike gaudy modern graphics (so do I), and I think the Allez looks pretty understated and smart. The red is best, obviously. I would phone Evans to get a test ride before they sell out of your size. These are sale items.

I really like the look of this one:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec025027

The white makes it look "beefy". They have many of these in several of the shops I have looked at online.

I like the way the bar curves slightly.

whitestar1

Check Decathlon - the TRIBAN 5 is just £500 and is pretty well loaded with a good feature set.

Anonymous

With a bit of research on parts, (and some patience) you can get some great deals on eBay. Unless you plan of giving your bike a thrashing, then a well looked after 2nd hand bike can represent fantastic value for money. (obviously no warrenty being the issue)

I was doing the same as you about 3 weeks ago, except with 300 quid.

I wanted Alu frame, carbon forks, tiagra (or equivalent) gears and a name I recognised (specialised, ribble, cube etc). Or a vintage alu racer (some of those older colagnos are just beautiful).

I pretty much added everything in my size (56cm) in myebay and was watching everything, removing it once I went over budget. If you aren't sure about it, then you can usually google most modern bikes to get an idea of the retail value anyway.

I ended up with a 2001 (ssshhheeesshhhh old) Fasuto Coppi San Remo (I had heard nothing about it, and still no idea if I was ripped off) in showroom - yes, showroom condition - with carbon forks, brand new saddle, cleaned up immactulately (it looked unridden) full Ultegra throughout (and a dura-ace rear cassette), and the guy even threw in the old ultegra cassette and spare stem.

All for 250 quid (and another 50 to get the train to Nottingham to get it).

So this was 3 weeks ago, and I am now lying on my sofa having just smashed out a 90 mile sportive in 6hours (and I wouldn't consider myself fit - not a lump, but not 'fit') and demolished a few 'seasoned' riders on their new trek/specialized, with my training consisting of a 6 mile each way commute and a few laps of richmond park.

My in-the-know friends say I did well for that price. Also i LOVE the stickers. Fairly plain skyish blue just with the name on it.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120754300944? ... 1438.l2649

was the auction. God I LOVE it!

bails87

Do the Spesh/Treks have rack/guard mounts?

Practicality is worth thinking about with a commuter.

The Rookie

While I can understand the 'get a road bike not a hybrid' posts on here, there are still a lot of good fast hybrids out there (as Hybrids cover everything from MTB's with slicks to road bikes just with a flat bar its a vague classification at best).

I carry a reasonable amount of kit so use panniers (I hate the sweaty back from a rucksack) and have my Hybrid set up with low bars and it's fairly sportily set up, besides nothing annoys a shaven leg roadie in team kit/lycra with a backpack more than being passed by a Hybrid with panniers and the rider wearing a plain T and baggies.....god but they hate it!

Simon