Need advice on bike suitability for needs.

rsham277

hi ya,

so i've decided on the Giant Expression LX Women's 2012 as my first bike, http://www.cyclesurgery.com/giant%20exp ... duct/47866 after loads of reading/ getting confused/jargoned out.

I need some advice on whether this is suitable for my needs. primarily needed for commuting to work ( on tarmac), but am also using it for the coast to coast over a couple of days. is that ok? i read that 700c wheels are not good for off road bits, - how much can it take/ what type of trails are ok/not ok? also can you change the wheels later for off road uses ( going on trails/down hills)

i'm checking out the bike on monday , any help appreciated !

sham

ps- wasnt sure if this came under road or mountain so have posted in both, sorry!

cooldad

Depends how far your commute is - fine for gentle rides - I wouldn't take it off road no matter what wheels are on.

The Rookie

That's not a bike for off road AT ALL, they are difficult to weight properly, or even get out the saddle of.

How far are you commuting, that style of bike is designed for pootling along at about 6mph, any faster and you'd be better off with something 'sleeker' , Hybrid (road or MTB orientated) or road (aka 'racing' ) bike.

supersonic

It looks poor. What is your budget?

rsham277

whoa, ok i get it, no off roads with this. but it should be ok for countryside lanes? "x-road" category? my budget is 250 absolute max, i'm limited by the frame size as I'd need a 15 or 16inch frame. i will mainly be using this bike for daily work commute ( about 8 miles round trip average), and the occasional trip out ( eg weekend coast to coast thing)

I'd preferably want a mudguard and rack pre fitted, i've found the following:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mongoose/crossway-100-2012-hybrid-bike-ec030513 and this
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/41506/Raleigh_Pioneer_1_Womens_Bike_2011

i went into a shop and they strongly advised against any twisty gear changing (?!), i was advised the buttons/ easy shifters are worth it.


argh this is confusing! i'm sure once i get something i'll be fine

cooldad

I wouldn't use that for anything longer than a few minutes to the shops. Fine in Amsterdam where the biggest hill is someones roach, but coast to coast type thing - forget it.