Where do I start?

crazyderk

Hey all,

I just started a new job and I'm looking to use tax saver and get a bike and everything I need to commute 12km to and 12km from work.

I walked into Halfords today and I didn't know where to start. I ended up leaving feeling a bit bewildered. Can anyone recommend bikes, accessories, and what I should be looking for or where I should start?

magicbastarder

first reaction would be - find a better bike shop! halfords have a mixed reputation.

accessories - if you're commuting during the winter, allow budget for good lights, mudguards, a lock, a helmet, and some clothing - what clothing you choose can vary depending on whether you have facilities in work to shower and/or change.

where do you live? there's probably going to be someone on the forum who lives near you and could recommend a decent local bike shop, where you can get seasoned advice.

crazyderk

Living in south county dublin and commuting into balls bridge

Darkglasses

crazyderk wrote: »

Hey all,

I just started a new job and I'm looking to use tax saver and get a bike and everything I need to commute 12km to and 12km from work.

I walked into Halfords today and I didn't know where to start. I ended up leaving feeling a bit bewildered. Can anyone recommend bikes, accessories, and what I should be looking for or where I should start?

Main thing I'd recommend is that you pick a bike with thin wheels and no suspension. Don't be tempted by a mountain bike for comfort, it won't have any meaningful effect on the road and just travel more slowly.

If you think you might be tempted into longer leisure spins in the future then a road bike is probably advisable. If not, a hybrid is completely fine also. There are endless choices out there, generally speaking you get what you pay for. If you have a particular set of choices in front of you, feel free to share them on the thread and we'll help.

Main thing with accessories for commuting is a good lock, in Dublin it's always recommended to get both a good D-lock and a decent cable/chain as well. Lights are also a definite must, not worth cheaping out on either. Mudguard also worth getting from the get-go. Clothing is something I think you can add over time, you'll find different things that do or don't suit you, but a decent jacket is important.

Felexicon

I recently started commuting and the one thing I would suggest from the get go is a decent pair of cycling shorts. The padding makes a huge difference

C3PO

crazyderk wrote: »

Living in south county dublin and commuting into balls bridge

I do Shankill to Ballsbridge everyday - perfect commuter distance IMHO! What is your budget?

C3PO

Your commute is going to take you approximately 30 minutes each way so worth buying the best bike you can afford. A couple of lads in work with me have recently bought these and love them:
https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=103723

AndrewJRenko

Find a good local bike shop in walking distance of either your home or your work. This will be important when you're getting the bike serviced.

Dublin Loves Bikes in Dun Laoghaire are very good, if that suits you, or you might find something nearer. Get a commuter or city bike, upright handlebars, rack, mudguards, dynamo. I'd go for disc brakes if possible, but that's probably a big debate on its own. Get panniers for carrying gear to avoid the sweaty back syndrome.

07Lapierre

buy a road bike that has eyelets for a rear carrier and mudguards
Buy an aluminum frame with carbon forks, with 10 or 11 speed.

You don’t need suspension!
You DO need a good lock!

KFed

I do a similar commute into ballsbridge daily and got a hybrid. Similar to the cube linked, i got a giant rapid zero and find it perfect for the commute. Id say you cant go wrong with a hybrid for the commute you have in mind.

If commuting year round id also recommend mudguards, good lights and in dublin, even in a 'secure office car park' you need to invest in a good lock and lock the bike to something. Do you have bike racks to lock to in work?

Best of luck o.p.

crazyderk

Finally popped into a bike shop today in Dun Laoghaire and told the guy my position and price point. I was told about these three models with recommendations in the order I’ve put them in.

Can anyone give their opinion on his recommendations?

Escape one series
Marin
Raleigh strata

smacl

crazyderk wrote: »

Finally popped into a bike shop today in Dun Laoghaire and told the guy my position and price point. I was told about these three models with recommendations in the order I’ve put them in.

Can anyone give their opinion on his recommendations?

Escape one series
Marin
Raleigh strata

What's your price point? By Escape one I'm guessing Giant Escape 1 which is a solid and reliable bike. Don't know much about the other two. For commuting, I'd also price for rack and mudguards as well as a good lock.

Prime Irish Beef

crazyderk wrote: »

Hey all,

I just started a new job and I'm looking to use tax saver and get a bike and everything I need to commute 12km to and 12km from work.

I walked into Halfords today and I didn't know where to start. I ended up leaving feeling a bit bewildered. Can anyone recommend bikes, accessories, and what I should be looking for or where I should start?

I was you 9 months ago. So glad I took the plunge, could not be dealing with the traffic every day.

I got my bike in the tallaght cyclestore shop. They measured me up and let me try out 10 different bikes until I was happy. Go to one of the stores that specialise in bikes, they are all so knowledgeable. And get a bike that's the right size. That's my advice. Everyone else kinda follows. You'll figure out soon enough what you need.
After 2 punctures I got gatorskins.

Best of luck. Happy cycling.