Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Charles Barclay on August 30, 2019 at 10:28

Hi Leanne,

how exciting to be about to buy a bike! It will change your life. You can get a good road bike from a reputable bike shop such as Balfes (East Dulwich or Streatham), Cadence in Crystal Palace or Brixton Cycles without spending too much money these days (I would budget for £1,000 - £1,500). If the primary use is to ride out in to the country at weekends and for doing triathlons, I would definitely go for a road bike rather than a hybrid, and the bike shop will advise you on the choices you need to make. Proper pedals for cleated shoes make a big difference, so worth learning to use them. If you are going to leave the bike outside the lido, get a strong lock (eg top of the rang Abus D-lock) to make it less likely to be nicked. Don't forget essential accessories such as helmet, cycle mittens, lightweight rain jacket, under-saddle bag for spare inner tube/tyre levers/multitool, mini-pump and bottle holder to attach to frame, cycle lights and bracket to carry the lock. Consider getting bike insurance to cover theft, third party liability etc. Once you have the bike, come along to one of the Windrush beginner velo sessions at the velodrome and watch out for beginners' rides posted on the forum and cycling Whats App group. Organised rides have been less frequent over the summer as everyone is racing or on holiday, but they will become more regular through the autumn. Nothing nicer than a Sunday club ride to the Surrey Hills on a crisp autumn morning!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Colin Williams on August 30, 2019 at 14:53

Defiantly worth heading to Balfe's Bikes in Dulwich or Streatham - asks the guys there for some advice. They have a range of bikes in the store but I'm sure they have access to a wider range if needed. They can kit you out with a helmet, lights and lock as well. Their advice will be invaluable and we also get a 10% discount as members of the club. 

Personally I'd say get road bike rather than a hybrid and one with a relaxed geometry as it's your first bike. It'll be much more fun to ride and offers more value for money. Once you develop as a rider (longer, technical and faster riding) you'll almost certainly be held back riding a hybrid. Toe clip pedals are a good way of getting accustomed to having your feet attached to the bike before taking the leap to cleated pedals and shoes.

I'm sure the cycle captains will be organising some beginners or social rides towards the start of the off season. Look forward to seeing you on a ride soon! 

C

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Paul Warren on August 30, 2019 at 15:04

Agree with everything Colin and Charles have mentioned in the posts. 

But as a slight alternative maybe look at an Adventure Road Bike or Gravel Bike ( pending on what you had in mind for The Country Element ). Almost the same Geometry as a road bike, you can still use them for competition and almost identical apart from the fact that you can use fatter and different tyres for some off road fun. The geometry on the forks and back of the frame is slightly wider to accommodate wider tyres when you require them. but they still take and use normal road tyres 28mm . 

I have one on My Santa List this year. 

P 

Colin Williams said:

Defiantly worth heading to Balfe's Bikes in Dulwich or Streatham - asks the guys there for some advice. They have a range of bikes in the store but I'm sure they have access to a wider range if needed. They can kit you out with a helmet, lights and lock as well. Their advice will be invaluable and we also get a 10% discount as members of the club. 

Personally I'd say get road bike rather than a hybrid and one with a relaxed geometry as it's your first bike. It'll be much more fun to ride and offers more value for money. Once you develop as a rider (longer, technical and faster riding) you'll almost certainly be held back riding a hybrid. Toe clip pedals are a good way of getting accustomed to having your feet attached to the bike before taking the leap to cleated pedals and shoes.

I'm sure the cycle captains will be organising some beginners or social rides towards the start of the off season. Look forward to seeing you on a ride soon! 

C

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion