Need advice on bike suitability for needs.

rsham277
rsham277 Posts: 10
edited April 2013 in MTB beginners
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!

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Depends how far your commute is - fine for gentle rides - I wouldn't take it off road no matter what wheels are on.
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  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    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.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    It looks poor. What is your budget?
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  • rsham277
    rsham277 Posts: 10
    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
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    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.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools

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