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DrSnoosnoo |
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DrSnoosnoo World Chat Champion
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UnknownStuntm... |
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UnknownStuntm... World Chat Champion
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Posted: 13:27 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: Re: How to chose bicycles for me an't' wife |
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DrSnoosnoo wrote: | some brands that I think I have heard of, Boardman and Carrera |
I'll stop you right there, because it seems you're about to do something silly and ask Halfords for some 'advice'.
Most local bike shops have a dealership with a big brand, like Giant, Trek, Raleigh etc. Get to one of them and cast your eyes on the town and trail bikes. 700c wheels, so you can get skinny slicks for them, but most come with offroadish tyres that would do a canal path just perfick.
Don't get fooled by gadgets and gizmos, sort your size first (probably not the same between different bikes even from the same manufacturer) then add on (or add the value of the included accessories) on.
Bikes are about 10-15% profit, accessories are about 45% profit, so when you've picked a bike or two get them to chuck the kitchen sink in, most likely instead of a discount on the bike price. But don't let that stop you asking. |
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arry |
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arry Super Spammer
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Posted: 13:27 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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The muddy trails bit is what's going to define your search there as the rest of it is easy.
How muddy, how off road? Or do you mean fairly light country park track duties?
In reality, any entry level specification MTB with half decent front suspension will suffice. The thing that's going to make the difference for you is the tyre type. For example, I have a GT Avalanche 1.0 and the wife has the 2.0 - ie lower spec. On a bimble, they're both much for much. If you're throwing it about a bit, the 1.0's better components do make a difference, but it's not night and day and the 2.0 is still a good ride. However, I've changed the Kenda Nevegal big knobblies over to Continental Raceking tyres and that's made a huge difference as it's far less effort to get round the loose pack trails and a huge amount easier on the road. Can't show 'em any mud though - they're crap at that.
Look for CUBE, GT Avalanche (or if you can find a good condition cheap second hand Zaskar, even better!), Rockrider (Decathlon own brand bikes and really not bad at all), Specialised Hardrock. They'll all be fine and should be able to get a decent SH one for ~£250 |
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DrSnoosnoo |
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DrSnoosnoo World Chat Champion
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chris-red |
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chris-red Have you considered a TDM?
Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :
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DrSnoosnoo |
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DrSnoosnoo World Chat Champion
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Posted: 14:03 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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chris-red wrote: | You really need to decide whether you need a road bike or an offroad bike. Anything that claims to do bough will do neither very well.
For offroad, I like the Specialized Hardrocks, great entry level MTBs, you should be able to get a newish more or less unused one for your budget.
For road I maintain the best value for money are older bikes. You can get a nice 80's bike with Reynolds tubing for £200 easy. I think it will ride better than an entry level bike modern bike. It also would be easy to upgrade, I'd suggest it's worth spending a bit on dual pivot calipers to greatly improve braking. |
For what I envisage the major usage will be, it's mostly off-road. I wouldn't want a focussed road/race bike, not that I know the differences apart from curly, and non curly handle bars.
I just wondered whether any of the off road bikes could also handle some tyres that aren't too focussed for mud plugging.
I know it sounds quite vague but that's because I don't know what I'm talking about.
Because I aim for country parks/canal tow paths, I'd assume that a road bike would be unsuitable. ____________________ I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R |
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arry |
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arry Super Spammer
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Posted: 14:15 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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DrSnoosnoo |
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DrSnoosnoo World Chat Champion
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Posted: 14:20 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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Those seem similar to what I've seen on the gummytree too.
I'll have some words with said wife tonight and then perhaps, I'll be back with some links to what's local and available and ask for some feedback.
____________________ I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R |
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DrSnoosnoo |
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DrSnoosnoo World Chat Champion
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Posted: 15:27 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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Hello, me again. Looking through some other threads I've seen a mention of the Decathlon website.
They have a B'Twin Rockrider 340. Here
It seems rather low spec, no disc brakes for one. At £160, is it worth spending that extra £50 or so for a used Specialised? ____________________ I'm Sam; Northern, Ginger, Lover
Did have: '95 ZZR600 '83 CG125 '97 ZZR1100 '15 Hypermotard 821 SP Do Have: '10 ZX10R |
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angryjonny |
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angryjonny World Chat Champion
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arry |
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arry Super Spammer
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stinkwheel |
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stinkwheel Bovine Proctologist
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Posted: 19:32 - 06 Jun 2016 Post subject: |
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Keep an eye out for second hand On-One MTBs. They're made in Sheffield so could be a few fairly local to you.
For your budget. I'd definately be looking second hand.
Don't let them sell the misses a "ladies" frame. She isn't going to be riding it in a skirt so what the hell does she need a dropped crossbar for? Some companies do "ladies" bikes which have girly colour schemes and perhaps slightly different geometry (so slightly shorter top-tube, shorter reach brake levers and such) which is sensible but if it's a drop-crossbar frame, it's not a proper bike. If she's 6', she doesn't need a ladies bike.
If you want the misses to enjoy the cycling, do not let her buy a big, padded saddle, she will try to do this because wimmins have delicate derrieres and she will think this will protect it. She will then get saddle sore and because they are delicate, will not say this is why she doesn't want to ride it again.
My oppinion, the number 1 investment if you want your female significant other to come out cycling with you more than once is a good saddle and get it fitted for her (a good bike shop will have a device that will measure how she sits on the saddle and recommend one that's appropriate*). Buy her some proper cycling shorts with plenty of padding.
Mrs stinkwheel recommends a Specialized "lithia" saddle for all day long comfort (and she's training for an Iron Man so she knows what she's talking about). She has one on both her MTB and her road bike.
* A bad bike shop will be difficult because she is a woman then recommend the most expensive one. There are more bad than good ones. ____________________ “Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles. |
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chris-red |
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chris-red Have you considered a TDM?
Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 7 years, 296 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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