pete146

Hi

I'm new here, and just looking for some total beginner advice!

I haven't owned a bike since I was 16 - over 20 years ago. My memories include forever putting chains back on, repairing punctures, and trying to stop brakes squeaking!

I realise that things have moved on a LOT. I started researching bikes online today and realised that I was entirely lost.

I wouldn't be using a bike to commute, or train, or race, or climb mountains. It would be to go for leisurely bike rides with my family, and occasionally to get to the shops rather than taking the car. Maybe in the future an hour long blast on my own after work. So, I'd use it on the road (but not particularly quickly), on grass, on bridle paths etc. Based on what I've read, I think a hybrid is the way to go?

I really don't want t spend a fortune - but neither do I want to be constantly having to maintain the bike. I love the idea of a belt rather than a chain, and a gear hub - but I think these things may be beyond my budget.

So, having read lots of reviews - the below are bikes that I am considering going to look at:

B'Twin - Riverside 500 or 900
Carrera - Crossfire 2 or 3, Subway 2,
VooDoo - Marasa

These are all £200-£400

OR, I could push the boat out and look at a Boardman for £500-£600 - The MX Comp, MX Sport, Hybrid comp.

In my situation, where would you recommend I start??? Do any of these bikes stand out as 'better than the rest' for my needs? Do any of them have any particular bad points? Would I notice the difference if I paid the extra for a Boardman? Am I better looking at the B'Twin simply to avoid Halfords?

Any help and advice you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

europa

Don't assume you want a hybrid because you haven't ridden for a long time and don't think you're going to ride fast. The reality is, you have no idea how your new bike is going to be used and won't until you've owned it for 12 months and look back over that first year. This is why many people buy and bike and a year later, buy another one. On the other hand, lots of people get their first guess right and don't buy another bike.

So, rather than making a carefully thought out rational choice (my biggest mistakes have all been carefully thought out, rational choices), give yourself a bit of latitude and buy the bike you fall in love with. It may wind up being a hybrid, but it might turn out to be a racer or a cyclocross bike or...

Start by going to the shops and looking at everything in your price range. It'll be confusing at first (that's normal) but after awhile, you'll find yourself walking into a shop and going to one type of bike and THAT's the time to start narrowing it down to brand and model.

For what you describe, you can do it all on a racer or a cyclocross or an mtb or a hybrid.

Don't overlook second hand either which allows you to buy better for less (just with a bit of wear) but you'll need to have someone experienced guiding you and checking out the bikes.

Any bike you buy will need regular maintenance. Any bike will need the tyres checked and chain oiled each week - about ten minutes. Any bike will get punctures. Anything more complex hand be handled by a bike shop but it's all easy enough to learn and bike maintenance can be therapeutic and fun, even for those of us with two hands full of thumbs.

pete146

Thanks for the advice europa. I will bear that in mind and not limit my choices to simply hybrids.

However, I DO know how I'll ride the bike. Perhaps not in the long term, but certainly for the next few years due to work commitments, young family etc. I simply won't have time to do it as a hobby.

Do you think that I would notice a significant difference between the brands I mentioned (and pricepoints) based on the amount of riding I'm likely to be doing?

blakcloud

Riding with your family, any of those bikes listed will be fine. As for buying a hybrid, I say 100% buy one. The reason, that's what you want right now, so buy the bike you want right now. If you change your mind in a year deal with it then but today deal with the hear and now.

You asked about specifics on each bike, but the majority of those on Bike Forums are in North America where those brands are not sold. It is harder to get reviews unless you live in Great Britain where I assume you reside. Apologies if I am in correct.

CrankyOne

You might also consider a city bike: City Bikes | LocalMile

BlazingPedals

I see you're looking at Halford's. Halford's is one step up from a department store, with some of their stuff little better than junk and some of it moderately OK. Unfortunately, they don't post what level of componentry the bikes have; so it's hard to tell. Have you looked in a dedicated bike shop? Better, do you have a cycling friend that can advise you and inspect what you're planning on buying?

Different brands at the same price point are going to have pretty much the same level of components. That doesn't mean they'll be all the same except the paint, it just means they'll be about the same value. So you should pick the one that feels better.

To me, a "bridle path" means dirt. That implies you won't want skinny road tires; you'll want a bike that can handle 32-38mm wide tires.

pete146

Thanks all

And apologies - I hadn't realised that most members were not in the UK.

The 2 that caught my eye when I went to the shop today are The Voodoo Masara, and The Boardman Hybrid Comp 2016. I can't post links yet, but yes they are both stocked only at Halfords.

They both feel great (in store) and are the same price. There is a spec list for each on the Halfords Website - I really don't know enough to know whether either 1 has significantly better specs than the other!

I'm guessing that they would both make great starter bikes - and that I can just take them into a cycling specialist shop to have them looked over once Halfords have set them up!

jefnvk

I don't know anything about Microshift components the BTwins have.

The Crossfire 2 has Tourney level components. That is the bottom end of Shimano's named stuff. The Crossfire 3, Subway 2, and Voodoo have a mix of Acera/Altus level, which is a step up.

Out of those options, I'd probably go with the Voodoo. Not a fan of 27.5 that the Subway 2 has, much more limited tire selection and geared towards MTB. Also at that level, not a fan of suspension forks, taking out the Crossfire 3.

If you are jumping up to the 600GBP range, look at an actual bike shop.

MRT2

If you were comparing modern bikes with 35 or 40 years ago I might agree. And I would say at the top end for road bikes, and even mountain bikes, things have changed a lot, but for hybrids? Not really.

20 years ago, I bought myself a Bianchi hybrid with steel frame and fork, alloy wheels, 3 x 7 drivetrain, and SRAM gripshifts, and cantilever brakes all for about $400. Today's basic $500 sport hybrid features aluminum frame with either steel or aluminum fork, alloy wheels, V brakes, 3 x 8 drivetrain, and trigger shifters. And if I switched out trigger shifters for gripshifts, you wouldn't notice much, if any difference between my old hybrid and a modern hybrid.

sw20

have you considered one of these?

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle...-bike-EV275573

I bought one from Evans 3 years ago as I was in the same situation as you, wanting to do similar rides to and from work, with the kids etc. It has been a fantastic bike for going anywhere! I have since swapped the tyres for 28's as I'm am now riding further and for longer 30+ miles.
In the end I decided on upgrading to a road bike (more than likely the B'twin 520) but the Pinnacle has served me well over the years. Evans has great customer service and I was able to test ride the bike prior to buying.

BobbyG

I will Echo what others have said. Any bike will do to get started as long as it is comfortable and reliable. You will get a better idea of what you want after a year. I would suggest finding a bike shop with a good reputation for customer service and buy your bike there. If you haven't ridden in a while you will have adjustments and questions and a good customer oriented shop will anticipate that and help you enjoy your return to cycling all that much more.