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[Other Sport] Cycling geeks
- Thread starter Pantani
- Start date
METALMICKY
Well-known member
- Jan 30, 2004
- 6,814
OK you cycling experts can you suggest a decent hybrid men's bike for under £500?
Would I be right in thinking that whilst Halfords do have some half decent bikes the biggest gamble is the Saturday boy who might end up building it for you?
Would I be right in thinking that whilst Halfords do have some half decent bikes the biggest gamble is the Saturday boy who might end up building it for you?
I wouldn't go anywhere near Halfords unless it was an emergency
THere are loads of independants, depending on location . . .others are probably better positioned to comment here, I'm old school
Last new bike we bought was a Giant for my son . . .around the £500 mark, good service and a very nice bike, although a mountain bike
THere are loads of independants, depending on location . . .others are probably better positioned to comment here, I'm old school
Last new bike we bought was a Giant for my son . . .around the £500 mark, good service and a very nice bike, although a mountain bike
1066familyman
Radio User
- Jan 15, 2008
- 15,233
No option for... Been on a group ride led by The Lion of Flanders.
For that reason. I'm out.
The Lemming Stomper
Under the flag
I'm no expert, but after my old bike got nicked from Poole Valley, I wanted a new cheapish hybrid in XL...
Got a Pinnacle from EvansCycles for £249, half price sale, and so far it rides really nicely...
Just had a quick look and its £300 but seems to do the job
£500 is a decent price point to look through some buyers guides.
I'd cross reference a few, from different sources, just in case they are quite so independent as they make out.
Availability will be an issue which might induce some compromise.
Be certain you get the bike for your needs.
The rule of thumb will be tyres - the thinner they are the smoother the surface required.
Don't get caught up in thinking 'this will be comfortable because it has big tyres front suspension etc' the extra weight will mean it's anything but comfy.
You're also unlikely to need a bazillion gears.
And finally a new thought from me, panniers.
Don't necessarily buy a bike with them but I would make sure they can be attached.
That 'quick pop.to the shops' has become rather expensive, obviously it's free on a bike.
East Staffs Gull
Well-known member
I’m a big fan of Decathlon’s Triban range. Some are under £500, but my particular favourite is their RC 500 flat bar road bike. Disc brakes, Sora gears and 28mm tyres.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/road-...-500-disc-brake-black/_/R-p-308110?mc=8554412
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/road-...-500-disc-brake-black/_/R-p-308110?mc=8554412
There's no option for lap of Norway with 10 days and your 15th birthday under canvas, but it didn't look like a tough list ;-)
1066familyman
Radio User
- Jan 15, 2008
- 15,233
There's also no option for a wanker on a 'gravel' bike using fishing tackle.
I'm beginning to sit on the fence now
Good points
28mm optimum all round in my (recent experience) opinion
A rear rack ( seat post of frame ) for lashing stuff on, or panniers
5 gears is enough for most things . . .keep it simple, personal tuning is easily possible.
Don't forget lights . . A bank of 12, and 10 mirrors
Massive cow horns are worth considering, and tassles on the grips
28mm optimum all round in my (recent experience) opinion
A rear rack ( seat post of frame ) for lashing stuff on, or panniers
5 gears is enough for most things . . .keep it simple, personal tuning is easily possible.
Don't forget lights . . A bank of 12, and 10 mirrors
Massive cow horns are worth considering, and tassles on the grips
1066familyman
Radio User
- Jan 15, 2008
- 15,233
Actually, scrub that. It's all on Twatter.
I'm definitely out.
I'm definitely out.
East Staffs Gull
Well-known member
Good points
28mm optimum all round in my (recent experience) opinion
A rear rack ( seat post of frame ) for lashing stuff on, or panniers
5 gears is enough for most things . . .keep it simple, personal tuning is easily possible.
Don't forget lights . . A bank of 12, and 10 mirrors
Plus clothes pegs and playing cards.
Fignon's Ponytail
Well-known member
Like East Staffs Gull, I've always thought Decathlon offered an excellent package with all their bikes - and I've never seen or heard a bad review of them either.
The prices are great, the bikes are well specced, and they look really good too. They also now do finance if you have to use it...or decide on a more expensive bike
This would be a great every day bike - 28c puncture protect tyres, mounts for racks, bar ends for a slightly different position, and sneaks in at a penny under your limit. Also comes as a drop bar version if thats more your thing.
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/road-...c-120-disc-brake-blue/_/R-p-311239?mc=8556195
The Riverside range also offer a good starting point if you want to go cheaper (£230-£349 for these two)
And this Elops commuter bike with dynamo front light, mudguards, and racks looks a great deal at £399
Whatever you decide to get though, its good to see someone else getting out on 2 wheels!
This ends the Decathlon Advertising & Marketing broadcast...
Last edited:
Fignon's Ponytail
Well-known member
Randomly, I picked up an old copy of C+ I was given at the weekend by an old friend - and was flicking through it at lunchtime. This review was in there....
It's almost as if the biggest winners of active transport are those who are slaves to their cars.
We have been telling NSC's finest that for years.
Sadly though if NSC is a decent cross section of drivers, they all far too selfish and stupid to understand, as nobody on here has ever worked it out.
The entitlement and road 'ownership' is far to strong to allow simple maths to change their minds.
The Strat in its natural environment.
banjo
GOSBTS
At a quick glance, I thought that’s a funny looking saddle bag.
. Looks good though Stat.
Motogull
Todd Warrior
- Sep 16, 2005
- 10,452
I somewhat belatedly retired a rear tyre last week. That left me with no spares.
I've been happy with Mich' 28s but still seek that better tyre. Recalling someone linked to https://www.merlincycles.com/vittoria-rubino-pro-g-isotech-folding-road-tyre-700c-87381.html I decided to give them a go as nearly half price. 25s only though.
I'd better shed some timber.
I've been happy with Mich' 28s but still seek that better tyre. Recalling someone linked to https://www.merlincycles.com/vittoria-rubino-pro-g-isotech-folding-road-tyre-700c-87381.html I decided to give them a go as nearly half price. 25s only though.
I'd better shed some timber.