Want to start cycling.

Blueshoe

I'm interested in buying a bicycle to use on the road but don't know where to start.
I will probably buy used but am unsure of anything else.
Size, type etc.

Can anyone point me in some sort of direction please

Idioteque

Blueshoe wrote: »

Can anyone point me in some sort of direction

1. The search function of this forum
2. Your credit card

magicbastarder

that's helpful.

what sort of cycling? is it for leisure, exercise, commuting, or a little of each?

Bigus

Cyclesuperstore secondhand section outside the main shop.

Seth Brundle

It depends on whether you want to cycle for leisure or commuting (or both).
You should budget for some clothes (rain jacket, cycling shorts, etc).
The Cycle to Work scheme means that you can pay as little as half the price of the bike and accessories (up to €1k).
I think you shoukd pop into a proper bicycle shop and have a nob-committing chat with someone knowledgeable. Then go home and think what you want.

Blueshoe

magicbastarder wrote: »

that's helpful.

what sort of cycling? is it for leisure, exercise, commuting, or a little of each?

Leisure/ exercise category.

Blueshoe

Idioteque wrote: »

1. The search function of this forum
2. Your credit card

Lol. Blindly buying is something I'd like to avoid but I will check out the ads. Thanks

Blueshoe

Seth Brundle wrote: »

It depends on whether you want to cycle for leisure or commuting (or both).
You should budget for some clothes (rain jacket, cycling shorts, etc).
The Cycle to Work scheme means that you can pay as little as half the price of the bike and accessories (up to €1k).
I think you shoukd pop into a proper bicycle shop and have a nob-committing chat with someone knowledgeable. Then go home and think what you want.

I can pick up the equipment afterwards. Unfortunately the cycle to work scheme is not available in my work place.
I did drop into a shop a while back but got the impression the guy was trying to set me up for the tour the France. Crazy expensive bike etc.

Seth Brundle

Blueshoe wrote: »

Leisure/ exercise category.

Ok. Now road cycling or mountain biking or just knocking around Dublin city centre?
A road bike ("racer" bike) will allow you to travel faster and further but won't do much off road.
A hybrid bike is inbetween road and mountain bikes. I got one a few years back. Great bike but it wasn't long before I wanted to move faster and further. A 65km trip on a hybrid nearly killed me whereas on a road bike it would be no bother. That said, I probably get more exercise on the hybrid.

Blueshoe wrote: »

I can pick up the equipment afterwards. Unfortunately the cycle to work scheme is not available in my work place.
I did drop into a shop a while back but got the impression the guy was trying to set me up for the tour the France. Crazy expensive bike etc.

Defo get a pair of cycling shorts to protect your arse!
In terms of any chat in a shop, know what kind of budget you have and what you want to get in terms of cycling trips (leisure) and style of bike. If you haven't this then they will just pull everything off the rack. Make it clear to them that you're looking for advice at the moment.

Blueshoe

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Ok. Now road cycling or mountain biking or just knocking around Dublin city centre?
A road bike ("racer" bike) will allow you to travel faster and further but won't do much off road.
A hybrid bike is inbetween road and mountain bikes. I got one a few years back. Great bike but it wasn't long before I wanted to move faster and further. A 65km trip on a hybrid nearly killed me whereas on a road bike it would be no bother. That said, I probably get more exercise on the hybrid.


Defo get a pair of cycling shorts to protect your arse!
In terms of any chat in a shop, know what kind of budget you have and what you want to get in terms of cycling trips (leisure) and style of bike. If you haven't this then they will just pull everything off the rack. Make it clear to them that you're looking for advice at the moment.

Road biking. No off-road type. I live down the country.

A second hand road bike?

magicbastarder

You should be able to get a secondhand road bike for a reasonable price and it's a good way of dipping your toe. Bear in mind pedal choice - there are a few different systems available so you may need to consider pedals and shoes.

tuxy

I didn't bother with cycling shoes until I built up the fitness for longer rides, 80km+

Generally Halford are crap for bikes but the boardman brand of bikes they sell are good IMO
This would be a good bike for a beginner
https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-slr-8-6-road-bike
If you can get something similar in good condition second hand for less then go for it but it's an option if you can't find anything you like on the second hand market.

Weather is looking good for next week so it's a good time to start

ratracer

What kind of budget do you have in mind?
Also, what height are you, so folks here can give you a reasonable idea of what you could get for your money?

PS, welcome to the world of cycling, stick with it, it’s great fun!

a148pro

I found bottom of the range halfords bike grand when I got into cycling. 340 euro approximately and ultimately upgraded the wheels and tyres. Rode it until it was robbed. Then spent about a grand on a reasonably high end second hand one and about another 500 modifying that. Very happy but I spent literally months looking at them before purchase which was waste of time.

To be honest - you have no idea if you're going to like cycling or not. No real point in trying to buy the perfect bike as a starter one. Decide how much you're willing to spend then ride a few halfords or entry level new bikes and check out the second hand section of cycle superstore. Then just buy one at a price you're happy with that feels nice. Check tyres are properly inflated to the same approximate level when riding them as that will affect the feel of the bike.

You could definitely get better value on done deal etc than in cycle superstore but you will be buying a serviced bike in there that's ready to go. You could also definitely find a bike elsewhere or new that ended up being a better fit but it would take a very long time and would be like searching for a needle in a haystack of needles without really knowing what a needle looks like

Decide budget
Ride and buy one you like feel of
If you get into it you may well upgrade or buy another one and can use your first bike as a winter bike to avoid wear and tear on your good bike

CormacH94

a148pro wrote: »

in cycle superstore but you will be buying a serviced bike in there that's ready to go.

Probably one of the main points to go with a second hand in CSS, for the price of a new bike in Halfords you can get a pretty decent second hand bike in CSS for 400 - 500 that you know has been looked at by a professional before you buy it.


Lapierre Audacio 400 for E400 here
http://www.usedbikes.ie/bicycle/lapierre-audacio-400-2397


Not a bad starter bike for the price

Ethereal Cereal

I'd recommend the Giant Contend 2
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ie/contend-2

If your spending that amount of money, personally I'd stay away from Halfords own brands, which I believe Boardman bikes are.

You would easily do 10-20 miles on a giant without even noticing.

Def try get work to do a bike to work scheme. The shop just sends your employer an invoice for the full amount. It's a handy enough %50 off

iwillhtfu

Something like this

https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/cube-road-bike/17910736

A pair of these, spend more if you wish your arse will thank you. - We all look terrible in lycra just get passed that bit

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-bib-shorts-1/

Definitely some of this

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream-140ml/

And I'd highly recommend a helmet of some description.

Don't forget the bits and bobs you could pick up some in aldi this week

Lights,puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump, water bottle and holder.

After all that get on the thing and pedal. Once you're comfortable join a club if you like, it will help with fitness/bike skills then you'll be looking to upgrade everything and once you've tried all the shiney stuff you'll find yourself looking at old rusty bikes as a project.

It's a slippery slope but an enjoyable one.

tuxy

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Definitely some of this

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream-140ml/

I've done up to 200km cycles and never had a saddle sore.
I think products like that are only for people that need it. I wouldn't go buying lots of things you may or may not need, keep it simple to start.

iwillhtfu

tuxy wrote: »

I've done up to 200km cycles and never had a saddle sore.
I think products like that are only for people that need it. I wouldn't go buying lots of things you may or may not need, keep it simple to start.

Well aren't you a champion :rolleyes: what harm could it possibly do for a few euro. Anything useful to add?

tuxy

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Well aren't you a champion :rolleyes: what harm could it possibly do for a few euro. Anything useful to add?

Is my personal experience less valid than yours? It's not a personal attack just because my experience is different than yours, so please don't treat it as such.
All I'm saying is that saddle sores is not the norm, I'd say in the club I cycle with 1 in 15 use it. Of course it's invaluable to those that need it.
I think all you really need is a bike and some free time to start. Do some short 10km - 20km cycles to start.

tuxy

Ethereal Cereal wrote: »

I'd recommend the Giant Contend 2
personally I'd stay away from Halfords own brands, which I believe Boardman bikes are.

Have you had bad experiences with Boardman?
Halfords acquired the company a few years ago but I've not seen any reduction in quality since this happened. I've cycled a few of their bikes over the years and I believe they are of the same quality as more expensive brands.
They also do very well in reviews from the different cycling websites.
But if someone does have more info and can point out any flaws the bikes from this brand have I'd be interested in hearing it.

Blueshoe

CormacH94 wrote: »

Probably one of the main points to go with a second hand in CSS, for the price of a new bike in Halfords you can get a pretty decent second hand bike in CSS for 400 - 500 that you know has been looked at by a professional before you buy it.


Lapierre Audacio 400 for E400 here
http://www.usedbikes.ie/bicycle/lapierre-audacio-400-2397


Not a bad starter bike for the price

I like the look of that one. 55cm size it says.
I'm 5' 8 / 5'9 on a good day. Is this the correct size?

Blueshoe

ratracer wrote: »

What kind of budget do you have in mind?
Also, what height are you, so folks here can give you a reasonable idea of what you could get for your money?

PS, welcome to the world of cycling, stick with it, it’s great fun!

Hi.
Around 500 for a bike I think.
I'm 5 foot 8.
Thanks to all so far. Helpful bunch.
I'm coming with zero knowledge

tuxy

Blueshoe wrote: »

Hi.
Around 500 for a bike I think.
I'm 5 foot 8.
Thanks to all so far. Helpful bunch.
I'm coming with zero knowledge

Unfortunately there is no standard sizing and every brand has is a bit different but someone who has experience with this will have a good idea by checking out the geometry chart for the bike.
At that height you will be either small/medium or 52/54 in most brands.
Another tip is if you're unsure go smaller, it's easy(and cheap) to change a stem and make a bike that's slightly too small fit but it's not always possible to make a bigger bike fit.

Ethereal Cereal

tuxy wrote: »

Have you had bad experiences with Boardman?
Halfords acquired the company a few years ago but I've not seen any reduction in quality since this happened. I've cycled a few of their bikes over the years and I believe they are of the same quality as more expensive brands.
They also do very well in reviews from the different cycling websites.
But if someone does have more info and can point out any flaws the bikes from this brand have I'd be interested in hearing it.

Honestly, no, I'm just suspicious of Halfords pushing a brand. I used to know someone who worked for Giant and saw the level of technical detail they put into their bikes.

I just think go with the established brand. I'm open to correction of that mind...

tuxy

Ethereal Cereal wrote: »

I just think go with the established brand. I'm open to correction of that mind...

Boardman bikes are well established IMO, they have been around for over a decade and have made many bikes that are highly regarded. I don't believe the fact that Halfords deiced to acquire them has had a negative impact on the quality of their bikes. The company still has the same knowledge and facilities to produce bikes. I guess the worry would be that Halfords would give cut funding and then the company would cut corners and produce an inferior product but I see no evidence of this.

That said the best value for Blueshoe is probably in the second hand market.

tuxy

tuxy wrote: »

Boardman bikes are well established IMO, they have been around for over a decade and have made many bikes that are highly regarded. I don't believe the fact that Halfords deiced to acquire them has had a negative impact on the quality of their bikes. The company still has the same knowledge and facilities to produce bikes. I guess the worry would be that Halfords would give cut funding and then the company would cut corners and produce an inferior product but I see no evidence of this.

That said the best value for Blueshoe is probably in the second hand market.

Agreed , nothing at all wrong with Boardman bikes, they are as good as many at that end of the market but it's not worth 600-700+ for a new Claris or Sora equipped bike in any brand starting out. Plenty of bargains to be had for half that second hand and by second hand I mean there are many sheds here with a bike to work bike hardly used that end up for sale for decent money.

tuxy

Blueshoe wrote: »

I like the look of that one. 55cm size it says.
I'm 5' 8 / 5'9 on a good day. Is this the correct size?

That lapierre is really nice but I believe they made a mistake with the sizing.
55 is a large not medium, 52 is a medium. You can check out the geometry of that model here.

https://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/gamme/2015/road/sport-0/audacio-400

If it is a 52 then you should check it out but my guess is that it's a 55 and too big.

Idioteque

Blueshoe wrote: »

Lol. Blindly buying is something I'd like to avoid but I will check out the ads. Thanks

No not the ads, this forum. There's plenty of useful previous threads worth reading on bikes, gear, lights etc. that should give you enough info to then come back here with questions.

The credit card bit is referring to the fact that it often starts with just a bike and before you know it you'll have packages arriving in the post regularly ;

Blueshoe

tuxy wrote: »

That lapierre is really nice but I believe they made a mistake with the sizing.
55 is a large not medium, 52 is a medium. You can check out the geometry of that model here.

https://www.lapierre-bikes.co.uk/gamme/2015/road/sport-0/audacio-400

If it is a 52 then you should check it out but my guess is that it's a 55 and too big.

Good to know! Il have a look. It is a nice looking bike but if it's too big

tuxy

Here's some that might be worth checking out

https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/giant-contend-road-bike/17916383
https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/giant-contend-1/17768796

You can see info on sizing here
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ie/contend-2-2017
Giant recommends either small or medium for you height depending on you inseam.
There's loads of guides online on how to measure inseam.
Loads of Giant bikes for sale in that size actually.

stones81

Why don't you hire out a road bike for a couple of weekends to see if u like it that's what I did when I decided to take up cycling knew after the second Saturday that it was the new sport for me

vkus6mt3y8zg2q

Blueshoe wrote: »

I'm interested in buying a bicycle to use on the road but don't know where to start.
I will probably buy used but am unsure of anything else.
Size, type etc.

Can anyone point me in some sort of direction please

A road bike

AxleAddict

tuxy wrote: »

I've done up to 200km cycles and never had a saddle sore.
I think products like that are only for people that need it. I wouldn't go buying lots of things you may or may not need, keep it simple to start.

Whilst I kinda understand where you're coming from here, I also think its a bit like suggesting to someone to go stand outside in direct sunlight for 5 hours to see *if* they will get sunburnt, and then deal with the (potentially painful) consequences afterwards if they do.

Although I hardly use chamois cream at all now, I opted to take the route of using it even if I didn't need it and then gradually weaned myself off it as time progressed - at the very least it wasn't going to make things any worse - and sure a single tub of the stuff is hardly going to break the bank.

Maybe you just have a hard arse

CramCycle

A far easier question would be whats your upper limit on spending and you can work backwards from there.

Mickiemcfist

I've probably recommended this in every "new starter" thread since I started cycling again - https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/triban-100-road-bike-en-s145567.html?___SID=U

I went for the above to do my 20km a day commute after not cycling for about 15 years, so far I'm still perfectly happy, got a new bike for 260 quid, about 4,000km later it's still going strong. Sure it doesn't have high end parts, but as someone who isn't on bikes to win medals I really don't care & I have no high end bike to compare it with so i don't know what I'm even missing. You're in the country so not as big an issue, but the added benefit for me is that it shouldn't be a theft risk either, what's a 260 quid bike worth second hand.

Bluefoam

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Something like this

https://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/cube-road-bike/17910736

A pair of these, spend more if you wish your arse will thank you. - We all look terrible in lycra just get passed that bit

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-bib-shorts-1/

Definitely some of this

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/assos-chamois-cream-140ml/

And I'd highly recommend a helmet of some description.

Don't forget the bits and bobs you could pick up some in aldi this week

Lights,puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump, water bottle and holder.

After all that get on the thing and pedal. Once you're comfortable join a club if you like, it will help with fitness/bike skills then you'll be looking to upgrade everything and once you've tried all the shiney stuff you'll find yourself looking at old rusty bikes as a project.

It's a slippery slope but an enjoyable one.

Blueshoe wrote: »

Leisure/ exercise category.

I'm not sure I'd recommend bib shorts and arse cream as one of the first things a new leisure cyclist should buy...

OP, get a cheap ish commuter bike to start out, think about what you want to do with it, whether thats leisurely cycles along the greenway, cycling around town, trips to the shop, a way to get to your friends gaff to drink beer, racing type stuff... Theres a bike for each task, try to figure out what you want to get out of it. This forum is oriented towards road racing, so you'll get allot of advice about going that direction.

tuxy

Bluefoam wrote: »

I'm not sure I'd recommend bib shorts and arse cream as one of the first things a new leisure cyclist should buy...

That's the angle I'm taking too, same with clip-less pedals and shoes. I can't imagine needing these things for 10km cycles to test the waters and see if you enjoy it. Anything you decide you do need can be shipped in one or two days from chain reaction.

mfceiling

I'm kinda the same OP. I bought a hybrid bike on adverts (in excellent condition) and said I'd see how I go. I got it serviced and it made such a difference....Gears, brakes and tyres are all tip top now. I've bought the cycling shorts and I'm aiming to go for a spin every evening. I might only do 10 or 15 kilometres but it's a great way to get out into the fresh air and to help with the fitness levels.
Buy a good lock, good lights and a good helmet and you'll be good to go!!