Education We Like to Ride Bicycles

Yeah it's insured, but because of personal injury claim not being settled & insurance company dragging their heals I'll be paying out of my own pocket initially. Plus all the components are in perfect working order, I just need to source a frameset.

 

Ok, my work has just signed up for a cycle to work scheme so I can get a nice bike for basically nothing. I know nothing about bikes, haven't even used for several years but this is a good opportunity to get into it, get some exercise etc.

So, because of the specific deal that it is I have an absolute maximum budget of £1000 and it makes no financial difference to me whether it's less so it makes sense to spend as close to a grand as possible (I may also get 10% corporate discount as well, not sure if it applies to the scheme, will have to check).

Requirements

• 
  I will need a bike, helmet, lights, lock? (do I need anything else?) and everything combined has to come within budget

• Everything has to come from Halfords as they're running the scheme (or at least sponsoring it)

• I live in a city so I think a road bike probably makes the most sense for me

I think that's all, apologies if this sort of thing has been asked before. Looking for general advice or specific things. Cheers

 

I'd throw a basic tool kit (or a saddle bag, tube and pump) in just in case - and if your very much a begginer its worth jabbing a poundland special innertube with a sharp something and have a go at fixing it. When its peeing with rain on your way to work isn't the time to be doing a first time hand on test at puncher repair

I would be very tempted to go better spec on a hardtail (no rear suspention) bike as your likely to get better gear for the money.

 

For your needs, I'd suggest going for a hybrid bike. It'll be less agressive, and much more comfortable than a full on road bike, but still extremely fast and agile.

How about this Boardman hybrid. At under 22lb's it's reasonably light. It also allows for £250 worth of kit, which is a healthy amount to get quality locks etc.

As far as accessories go, I'd suggest the following:
- Quality helmet. I've always brought Giro, but it's up to you really. Spend £60 or above and you can be safe in the knowledge that it won't fail.
- Quality locks. Get a good D-lock + a wire lock to prevent the theft of your wheels etc. You're probably looking at another ~ £80 here minimum.
- Lights. Have a look yourself and make a choice. Cateye is a brand I've used quite a bit.
- Pumps. I'd get two pumps if possible. A track pump is always nice to have at home to pump a tube from flat, whilst a small transportable one is good to have with you at all times. At least one should have a pressure gauge so you can keep the tires nice a firm.
- Tool kit. If the budget allows get yourself some kind of tool kit, even if it's just a multitool to carry with you so you can tighten bolts etc.
- Saddle bag as dynamis siggested, to carry a spare tire, multitool, puncture repair kit.

That's about it, and you should be able to afford at least most of that within your £1000 budget.

If you'd prefer a mountain bike, such as a hardtail dynamis_dk suggested, there are plenty of options. I don't really see the need for suspension in the city, but sometimes people prefer the riding position etc. Make sure the suspension can be locked out, and buy a set of slick tires to go with it (makes the world of difference).

 

Well I actually didn't get the Loupe, I've decided to stick with the saddle that comes with the Secteur for now: the Riva model. Sorry if my poor English didn't make that clear, I was just considering upgrading.

- Secteur Elite : 1.000 Euro
- Roubaix base : 1.500 Euro
normal list price is 1.800 Euro, but they offer a discount if the model below (the Secteur) is out of stock, which it is in a different store.

Difference : Seat, Seat post, Brakes, Frame, Wheels

I choose the Secteur as this is my first bike in a long time and I have no idea how long I will keep this up this time. The 1k euro is a nice round mark to stick with. If I start to upgrade parts to Roubaix items, then from a price point of view, it would have been a stupid not getting a complete roubaix from the start.

I've already started regretting that I didn't get the Roubaix, but if I did, then I would probably be regretting not getting the Roubaix Elite...

So I decided to keep the bike as stock as I possibly can. If I keep the riding up for 2 years and still like the geometry/feel of the bike, then I'll probably splash out a on a new shiny top level roubaix. But for now, I'd rather stick with the stock Secteur Elite as long as I can.

Thanks for the tip on the gloves, I found my old gloves but the material hasn't took the time in the basement so well. So yeah, I will definatly pick up a set of gloves!

cheers

 

I wasn't telling you to go out and get it, just giving you my thoughts on saddles in general the Riva isn't a terrible seat in and of itself, just has too much padding for my taste.

 

As far as saddles go, I'm a massive Charge Spoon fan myself. They're great for road and xc imo. I've got a Flite Ti on my mountain bike, and whilst it's light as a feather and a bit of a classic, I noticed the difference when I got my charge spoon for my singlespeed. It felt like sitting on a cloud in comparison to the Flite, yet is still slim and extremely light. For ~ £30 for the Cro-mo version, you can't really go wrong, and there's also the nice real leather Ti options for more dosh.

I'd love to try a Brooks mind, but the prices are a little eye watering.

 

Double post.

 

This!

 

Spoon is available from Wiggle for £14.99 at the moment, fantastic saddle. I'm on my second one, the first one lasted 4 years.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-spoon-saddle-with-cromo-rails-2011/

 

This guy made wheelies possible (And backies)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/​uk-england-nottinghamshire-1813​6787

 

Got a 404 from that link, try this?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-18136787

 

Many thanks

 

Here is my retro BMX build half way down the page. (Chrome Kuwahara)
http://www.wheeliesuplands.co.uk/blog

 

Thanks dynamis_dk and dullonien! Given me some stuff to look for. Cheers!

 

Going to get ridden?

 

Yes, as soon as I get the seat shim sorted out this week!

 

Excellent! I don't see the point of carpet queens so always happy to see one getting used. A friend of mine has a collection of old school Mongoose BMX and every one of them has seen action on the track.

 

Damnit.. Borrowed my house mate's Ironhorse Sunday for a quick DH-blast and now I don't really feel like riding my own rubbish down the same hill anymore So... Smooth...

 

Until I get around to doing some proper pictures of the latest addition to my stable of two-wheeled stallions, have a rather funny snap from today. Can you guess what the theme is for tomorrows group ride?


(and yes, I know that the vest is well too big for me, but it is bloody hard finding suits and tweed in my size)