I want to buy a bicycle - for me - but am utterly clueless, can anyone tell me what I want?

[vonsudenfed]

I'd like a bicycle - need to get fitter and healthier and thinner - but haven't owned one since I was a student, so I have no idea what to look for, and a suspicion that the world of bikes has rather moved on since then.

So what do I want? I want to go round town and off into the country, but won't be doing any wild trail riding I shouldn't think. And I live in a hilly place, so will have to go up and down to get pretty much anywhere. Can anyone recommend a bike, or at least what I should/shouldn't look for?

TIA.

two wheels, seat, handlebars

sorry I'll go now

But I did bump it for you

I'd go for a hybrid type - flat handlebars, loads of gears, thinner tyres than a mountain bike (so easier to ride on roads / good tracks). Don't be tempted by rear suspension, especially not on a less expensive bike - will just be heavy and useless! How much do you want to spend?

A hybrid - has bumpy tyres but not too fat, straight handlebars and lots of gears. You don't need suspension, though some will have it at the front. You don't need disc brakes - just more maintenance!

See www.evanscycles.com for useful help in choosing.

Don't bother going up the range to expensive ones if you are a casual cyclist!

HTH

snap CK!

arf Trinity Rhino.

And thankyou, will try evans and have a look at the hybrids. Such is the level of my ignorance, I don't even know what I need to spend!

Trinity - you posted what I thought of first when I saw this thread!!

Just like you I decided to get back on a bike last summer after a long absence. I was amazed at how technical it has all got since the 80s!! However, it has been one of the best things I have done for ages, I even got DH back on a bike too!

From what you say I would definitely recommend a hybrid. If you have a bike shop locally (not Halfords) I would also recommend going to them, at least for advice and to try out frame sizes.

Regarding money you will probably need to spend about double what you think; I would say at least £300 for a new bike. The cheap (ie £100) bikes look OK, but the components are poor quality and after a very short time they are only fit for the scrap yard.

If you have a bike hire place near you they often sell off their bikes after a year or so, but they are a good deal as they are good quality bikes, just with a few miles on the clock!

Finally, I found this website really useful.

www.bikeradar.com/

they have lots of info and a forum for newbies.

Happy cycling!

I bought a Claude Butler Odyssey a couple of years ago - this year's model is £299 and looks pretty similar to mine. It is fabulous, nice and light, really easy to ride, makes cycling a real pleasure. It is a hybrid. Before that I had a mountain bike which was horrible - really heavy and unsuitable for riding on roads though I'm sure fun for muddy paths except I never went on any. I used to have to get off and push it up hills, now I can conquer all hills although very very slowly. I agree, buying the right bike is one of the best things I've done - I use it all the time in all weathers.

try this tpe

You want a Specialised Sirus, fab middle of the road (price wise) commuter. Very light but bullet proof. Can't recommend highly enough. I have toured with it, done some long(ish) distance events and pull a double trailer and it is tops.

Couple of friends have bought Giants and (a) they look like nobs as they sit like ladies shoppers and (b)the quality is no where need a specialised. and (c) they weight a bloody tonne.

Also buy an older years model (of any bike) difference in design etc, will make no difference but you can save a least £100 if not more.

Have fun when you do get on the road!

Brilliant, thankyou everyone. Am off to the bike shop this weekend, and now have just about enough knowledge not to seem like a prize idiot. And will definitely try the bike hire idea too - there's one in the next town so will give them a ring.