Bike shopping

[andrewlee]

I want to buy a bike.   The last one I bought was over 20 years ago and was a 10 speed drop-handlebar machine which I gave away recently.   I don't want a racer nor a mountainbike, but a good fairly light bike for bike rides!

What do I look for in modern cycles?   It seems you can get an all-singing and dancing bike for less than �60, so what do I get for the extra money, and has anyone any recommendations?

Thanks

[acw]

I haven't owned a bike since I was a kid and I got one for Xmas.  So I'm not going to be much help.  However, I do know that Halfords has a genuinely excellent reputation for bike knowledge.  Their staff are apparently very well trained etc.  If you get no joy on here (I hope you do get lots of answers, and that they're better than this!!) then I suggest you start in Halfords. 

[acw]

I'm so sorry- I realise you almost certainly knew that.  I shouldn't have posted such a useless answer.  I know it's even more annoying to get two emails about this - but I felt I should apologise.  Moment of madness! *blushes*

[mfewell]

andrewlee, tell us a bit more about what you will use it for, whether commuting or occasional pleasure. Like buying anything, you get what you pay for. I have seen and still long to own a Specialized S-Works going at �2300. If you live anywhere near an Evans shop go along and talk to them, they are very very helpful.

http://www.evanscycles.com/

Loads of other shops as well of course.

The difference between riding a �200 bike and a �2000 bike is considerable. Good luck.

[andrewlee]

I want the bike for occasional rides out, and I guess a hybrid is my preferred option.   My local shop had very little choice, but I couldn't help noticing thet the welds on the Treks were very untidy!

The Evans site is very interesting, so I think a trip to Leeds is in order ....

Thanks, Andrew

[shaz-rla]

Halfords were really helpful to me last summer when my hubby and I purchased bikes, I went in wanting some sort of mountain bike as I'd always had that and came out with more of a cycle for roads as thinner tyres were better for that and most of my riding is roadwork.  Bizarrely hubby bought the same bike but mens version, hugely happy with them.