New Bicycle

[wellquickwoody]

I ain't doing this for fun, or green credentials (wankers). I am seriously contemplating a bicycle for fitness, and to save a tenner a week on petrol as a by product. Looking for a bike which will take me from Hove to Sarfwick for a couple of days a week, no steep hills but a couple of long shallow ones in either direction. Have looked at the Giant Roam series, but not cheap at £349 upwards, or a Raleigh Diamondback. The Raleigh chap seemed more interested in telling me how much he would discount the bike rather than advise me, and offered up to £ 480 of 'free' servicing over 2 years if I bought from his shop.

All in all, I am tempted by a Giant Roam.......any advice?

 

[algie]

Summer coming very soon and i think i would much rather ride a motorbike for £10 per week.

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

The Giants are supposed to be great, but I opted for one of these bad boys, ride every day from Hove to North Street and LOVE IT.



Boardman Bikes : Hybrid : COMP

 

[Stat Brother]

If only there was a specific cycling thread.

Go on, dip your toe in, we don't bite.

 

[banjo]

I ain't doing this for fun, or green credentials (wankers). I am seriously contemplating a bicycle for fitness, and to save a tenner a week on petrol as a by product. Looking for a bike which will take me from Hove to Sarfwick for a couple of days a week, no steep hills but a couple of long shallow ones in either direction. Have looked at the Giant Roam series, but not cheap at £349 upwards, or a Raleigh Diamondback. The Raleigh chap seemed more interested in telling me how much he would discount the bike rather than advise me, and offered up to £ 480 of 'free' servicing over 2 years if I bought from his shop.

All in all, I am tempted by a Giant Roam.......any advice?

There a lot of ride to work schemes which would allow you to spread the cost. If you are only going to use it to ride to work wouldn't go to mad.

 

[screamadelica]

I ain't doing this for fun, or green credentials (wankers). I am seriously contemplating a bicycle for fitness, and to save a tenner a week on petrol as a by product. Looking for a bike which will take me from Hove to Sarfwick for a couple of days a week, no steep hills but a couple of long shallow ones in either direction. Have looked at the Giant Roam series, but not cheap at £349 upwards, or a Raleigh Diamondback. The Raleigh chap seemed more interested in telling me how much he would discount the bike rather than advise me, and offered up to £ 480 of 'free' servicing over 2 years if I bought from his shop.

All in all, I am tempted by a Giant Roam.......any advice?

I`ve just done the same listened to all the bollox from different bike salesmen,ended up buying a Harry Quinn road bike great bargain good condition and won`t go out of fashon

 

[Surf's Up]

The Giants are supposed to be great, but I opted for one of these bad boys, ride every day from Hove to North Street and LOVE IT.

View attachment 40855

Boardman Bikes : Hybrid : COMP

Looks good, where d'you park it?

 

[Bold Seagull]

I ain't doing this for fun, or green credentials (wankers). I am seriously contemplating a bicycle for fitness, and to save a tenner a week on petrol as a by product. Looking for a bike which will take me from Hove to Sarfwick for a couple of days a week, no steep hills but a couple of long shallow ones in either direction. Have looked at the Giant Roam series, but not cheap at £349 upwards, or a Raleigh Diamondback. The Raleigh chap seemed more interested in telling me how much he would discount the bike rather than advise me, and offered up to £ 480 of 'free' servicing over 2 years if I bought from his shop.

All in all, I am tempted by a Giant Roam.......any advice?

I'd get a road bike rather than a hybrid or mountain style as if your only doing road commutes, you will get more out of it. Check out the buying guide links below:

http://road.cc/content/news/72001-best-entry-level-road-bikes-under-£500

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/cheap-road-bikes-our-pick-of-the-best-35756/

 

[wellquickwoody]

Looks good, where d'you park it?

In a cycle bar/park at work with a lock......

 

[wellquickwoody]

Looks cool, but where from?


To GiB seagull.......

 

[Barrel of Fun]

I'm not sure why someone being conscious of the environment or standard of living deserves being labelled a wanker, but you could try G-Whizz in Brunswick Street East. Nothing is new, but they have a great range of bikes (generally). Worth a shot if you don't fancy spending a large sum. I am too scared to own a new bike in Brighton and park it anywhere. Bike theft is a big problem, I've discovered.

 

[wellquickwoody]

There a lot of ride to work schemes which would allow you to spread the cost. If you are only going to use it to ride to work wouldn't go to mad.

This is where it goes all Tong. The company owner does the payroll, finds the cycle to work scheme a pain to administer, and would rather buy the bike for the staff member. But I want a £500 bike, not £150, but I don't want to be obligated to ride everyday........time to insist or negotiate.........my boss, my job..........negotiate!

 

[wellquickwoody]

I'm not sure why someone being conscious of the environment deserves being labelled a wanker,.

Don't start me off, LOL!

 

[Was not Was]

Hmmm, a life that's more fun, healthier, uses less money & resource, and where you share expertise with people (eg this thread). That's pretty much a definition of a 'green' lifestyle, OP. So are you calling yourself a w*****? ;-)

 

[banjo]

This is where it goes all Tong. The company owner does the payroll, finds the cycle to work scheme a pain to administer, and would rather buy the bike for the staff member. But I want a £500 bike, not £150, but I don't want to be obligated to ride everyday........time to insist or negotiate.........my boss, my job..........negotiate!

You don't have to do it though work I think Evens bike shop and others do the bike scheme and some good bikes also.

 

[wellquickwoody]

Hmmm, a life that's more fun, healthier, uses less money & resource, and where you share expertise with people (eg this thread). That's pretty much a definition of a 'green' lifestyle, OP. So are you calling yourself a w*****? ;-)

As a male, I am as described. As a member of society, I try not to be.

 

[The Original]

I'd recommend South Downs Bikes in Storrington (another branch in Goring). Very knowledgeable and good range of road, hybrid and MTB in stock. I live in Shoreham and would never set foot in the Raleigh shop (Cycle Life) again as they are clueless from experience to date. There is also a small independent bike shop on Shoreham High St run by proper bike people. I ride a MTB, on and off road and works for me... Just done 60 miles on it this weekend, but would prefer it to be a bit warmer for time of year! Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[wellquickwoody]

Thank you.

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

Looks good, where d'you park it?

It was £500 from Halfords, but according to the reviews I read, it seems you get a lot of bike for your money but the downside is having to buy it there - which is all honestly hasn't really been a downside at all for me.

First bike I've owned which hasn't been a cheap mountain bike and I'm well happy. Luckily I'm able to bring it into the work building and store it in my house at night, I don't like leaving it chained up anywhere to be honest.

 

[teaboy]

Get a bike that fits you, and is suited to the purpose you want it for. If you never intend to take it off road buy a road bike - it'll be much faster and more rewarding than dragging a mountain bike around. Test ride several and get the one that feels like 'your' bike.

Don't forget to budget for helmet, gloves, locks, lights, tools and spares. If buying locally try to get some of these thrown in if you can, but don't take the piss as a good, trustworthy local bike shop is worth its weight in gold.