Men's Bikes

[weddingseason]

DH has been on about wanting a bike for a while so figured I'd buy one for his birthday. Don't want to spend too much money in case it's just a one hit wonder that he uses twice then sits in the shed for years but...

I am totally ignorant as to where to start. If anyone can point me in the right direction of a bike that won't break the bank but won't break within a week I'd be very grateful.

I imagine it'll be used to ride round the park occasionally but probably on the roads rather than off road and maybe the odd ride into town when the traffic's bad so he doesn't want to take the car.

Oh and he's about 6' 2" if that makes a difference with frame sizes etc.

My dh has this bike. He uses it to cycle to/from the station most days (6 miles each way), almost all of it on urban roads. He also occasionally uses it on country roads, but never off-road I think.

He is 6 feet tall.

He spends £600 max on bikes. He wants them to be good enough for regular commuting but won't spend a fortune because the bike sits outside in all weathers for most of the day in a station car park (and high risk of it being stolen or vandalised too).

Where do you live? Good bike shops like Evans Cycles or Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op (not just in Edinburgh) have good ranges for all budgets and can offer great advice.

I'd avoid Halfords - jack of all trades, master of none. Although their Boardman bikes are good...

DH is 6ft 2 - his racing bike is 61cm frame, his mountain bike is probably about 20 inches.

I'd be wary of choosing one without him trying it for size - it depends on leg length too. I also wouldn't spend less than £350 for a bike that would be used for commuting. Cheaper ones are just so heavy they aren't comfortable to ride. A hybrid would probably be best if he's not interested in off-roading.

I have a much much older version of this bike and love it. It's probably about 11-12 years old now, quite basic, ie not too much in the way of fancy suspension etc, but a fantastic bike. Several experienced cyclists with very expensive bikes (more than £1000) have tried it and think it's fab

Thanks so much - Local bike shop has been really helpful so am going to take him in there on the actual day and let him try some out that the guy has put aside.Small shops rock!

Long live the Local Bike Shop! In bikey matters you need experts, not business people!

sportsdirect.com have some nice ones for £50 atm