Need some help choosing between some bikes please!

djh1990
djh1990 Posts: 6
edited August 2013 in Road buying advice
I am going to be commuting 8 miles on London roads each way daily and I am trying to choose between 3 bikes.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pin ... e-ec044185
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec030741
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/rid ... e-ec043410

I have seen the Ridgeback Element on another website for £370, which brings it (just) in to my price range.

I do not know a lot about bikes so I am having a hard time deciphering which of these would be the best for my needs. Any help would be massively appreciated!

Comments

  • simonhead
    simonhead Posts: 1,399
    For 8 miles any of them will be OK. You may be better going to the dark side and asking the question in the commuters section as there are more likely to be people that own the bikes than the road section. Whatever you do go and try them and see which is the most comfortable. Bear in mind you will need other bits and bobs (lights, guards and clothing etc) so take this into account.
    Life isnt like a box of chocolates, its like a bag of pic n mix.
  • djh1990
    djh1990 Posts: 6
    Thanks for the reply. I'm budgeting for around £500 including all extras.
    The Ridgeback is from an online only retailer so I would have to assemble the bike myself whereas the others would be assembled and set up in store. Should this be a major factor in my decision?
  • simonhead
    simonhead Posts: 1,399
    Its pretty straight forward, having said that if you are not mechanically minded having the 6 week check over, basic adjustments etc is worth doing at a shop if you are unsure. If you wanted to consider a drop bar bike also look at the ribble winter trainer, its over budget but will come with mud guards and is really good value.
    Life isnt like a box of chocolates, its like a bag of pic n mix.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    They'd all do the job ...

    I commuted 11 miles each way on a Sirrus last december when the roads became too muddy for my road bike ... fine - although I missed the drop bars - so got a CX as a second bike and my wife had her Sirrus back (it was too small for me anyway)
  • djh1990
    djh1990 Posts: 6
    Okay, thanks for the advice. I'm not particularly mechanical so maybe it would be best for me to go for one of the ones where I can get the set up and 6 week check included.
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    good idea - one from a local LBS where they are friendly ...

    If you ask in commuting general with a better location someone may be able to recommend a good LBS ...