Newbie seeking advice

Bobbylee7

Hi, just joined the forum and looking for some advice. Apologies if this is in the wrong section.

I am looking to buy a bike after not having ridden one for 20+ years and not too sure which type I would be better off with. My bike knowledge is virtually zero and is based around google and watching the TdF/Giro over the last few years.

I was initially looking at buying a hybrid as I thought a this would be the easiest type to get into cycling on and quite liked the Trek 7.4 fx disc (£675) however a friend has suggested looking at the adventure road bikes.

I have seen Halfords are doing the Boardman cx team for £570 (usually £899) and am starting to wonder if this would be a better option.

I wouldnt be using the bike for commuting, more social use around local roads, light forest trails, bridleways etc however I was wondering if either the cx or the hybrid would be a better option for a total beginner.

If it helps, I am 42, 5 ft 11,13 stone and mildly fit (to be optimistic) and not on a cycle to work scheme.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

ForumNewbie

Hi there, both these bikes would be a good starter for what you're looking for. The Boardman seems good value, but the hybrid looks decent as well if you want flat bars, a more upright position and the triple chainset gives you lower gears, although the Boardman also has a decent range of gears.

A lot of people may advise you to go for a road bike rather than a hybrid, but I started with a very cheap hybrid when I was in my early 40s and now 14 years later still use a hybrid (a better one than I started with) from time to time but also have a steel light touring type road bike and a carbon road bike, so the cycling bug can get addictive.

Unlike the two bikes you're looking at, none of mine have disc brakes, but they are becoming more common now on road bikes, so like you I would definitely consider them if buying a new bike.

Bobbylee7

Hi, many thanks for the advice.

As I havent rode a bike in a (very) long time it was more the riding position I was concerned about - is there that much difference between the hybrid/road bike position or do you get used to it fairly quickly ?
I had'nt actually considered the difference in gears tbh and Im fairly ignorant about the difference in quality of components between the 2 bikes I mentioned, so thats something to think about.

As I said, it was a friend who has had a hybrid for 2/3 years suggested I skip the hybrid and go straight to the drop bar bike.

ForumNewbie

The riding position on the road bike may take a bit of getting used to as the height of the top of the bars is a few inches below the height of the saddle. Although it may seem very low down when riding on the drop bars, most of the time your hands will be on top of the bars over the brake hoods rather than on the drops. The stem (the bit that attaches the bike to the bars) can be turned to raise the bars a bit higher (7 degree rise on the Boardman). This made quite a difference on my road bike - more comfortable, but as a less aero-dynamic position, I lose a little in speed - but at my age I'm not fast anyway so doesn't matter that much.

It also looks like you get a choice of different stem lengths with the Boardman, so if the bars do seem too much of a stretch ask to try a shorter one.

I didn't think I'd like drop bars at first but the hand position is more comfortable than flat bars for going long distances, and you can vary positions from hoods to top of the bars to drops, rather than always stuck in the one position.

Probably the most important thing is to make sure the bike is the right size for you, so ask for a short test ride to ensure it feels comfortable.

Bobbylee7

Thats great , Im going down tomorrow to have a look at the Boardman so will see how it sizes up and feels.

Thanks again.