I want a push bike, but what to get ?

[g00ner]

Steve, I was in the same boat recently. Get up, drive to work, sit at desk all day, drive home etc etc. Now retired, I put a simple app on my phone to count steps and set a realistic minimum amount per day to cover. Started at 10,000 but that’s harder to achieve than I thought it would be so settled at 7000. It’s helped me lose 2 stone so far. Combine the two, effects are quick and noticeable. Good luck

 

[LOLGEOFF]

If you get one make sure you carry spare inner tubes and a way of inflating them. I ride along the Thames path some parts are a long way away from shops selling cycle parts. I often come across people wheeling their bikes because of punctures I carry a couple of spare 26" tubes with Schrader valves and am happy to donate one to get someone on their way again, but totally useless for someone with the less common, where I ride, 700 with presta valves. I also carry a puncture repair kit so I can try to fix the puncture but my pump is only good for Schrader valves.

 

[jonnie comet]

....but my pump is only good for Schrader valves.

Are you 100% sure of that?

MOST pumps/pump heads can do both Schrader and Presta. You do have to unscrew the the head and reverse the little valve thing inside (harder to explain it than to do it - it will be on YouTube) but it's easy enough and worth knowing.

Might come in useful if yours will

 

[FatAl]

I got myself a TREK Allant+5 last year, I've done several hundred miles on it. I'm addicted and get out as often as I can, even if it's only for 30 minutes. I've even lost a bit of weight since using it. There's a few hills near to where I live and the electric assistance takes the chore out of riding up them. Both my knees are knackered so I find the electric assistance a real boost to my enjoyment, I just wish my arse would take the punishment better, I've changed the seat which has helped. There's a lot of farm tracks I explore on it, although it's a type of hybrid it copes well enough.
The bike cost more than I was initially intending to spend, but I'm happy with it. Possibly the best three grand I've spent.

 

[FatAl]

If you get one make sure you carry spare inner tubes and a way of inflating them. I ride along the Thames path some parts are a long way away from shops selling cycle parts. I often come across people wheeling their bikes because of punctures I carry a couple of spare 26" tubes with Schrader valves and am happy to donate one to get someone on their way again, but totally useless for someone with the less common, where I ride, 700 with presta valves. I also carry a puncture repair kit so I can try to fix the puncture but my pump is only good for Schrader valves.

I carry a repair kit and pump, but I've also put the green goo in the inner tubes (slime IIRC)

 

[Davey B]

I just wish my arse would take the punishment better, I've changed the seat which has helped.

It is a bit of a science finding the right one. Try a Specialized store that has the saddle/arse pressure device (Other bike shops may have them too).....you basically sit on a pad and it works out your sit bone width and they recommend a saddle based on it. When my wife tried it, 4 years ago, she bought the saddle size it suggested but the store had a caveat that she could return it for a different saddle if she didn't get on with it...FOC. She still has the saddle.
Bike set up and comfort is key to keeping cycling v packing it in as it's too much pain/hard work.

 

[richh]

Ebike all the way. I was a purest before and dismissed them but they are the way.

Can go further and up more hills etc.

If you want more exercise just keep above 15mph.


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[Deleted account 251212001]

Ebike all the way. I was a purest before and dismissed them but they are the way.

Can go further and up more hills etc.

If you want more exercise just keep above 15mph.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I got talked out of an electric bike by a guy similar age to me 50ish, essentially, 'just get yourself fitter you're too young'.

 

[Davey B]

Ebike all the way. I was a purest before and dismissed them but they are the way.

I presume you missed an early post where the OP dismisses them on cost grounds.......

 

[richh]

I presume you missed an early post where the OP dismisses them on cost grounds.......

Yes. I have a short atte..n................

 

[richh]

I got talked out of an electric bike by a guy similar age to me 50ish, essentially, 'just get yourself fitter you're too young'.

I used to do the same. There's not a lot that don't like them once they try them though.

I go places on mine that you just could not peddle up unaided, would have to walk it up.

And some trails that are walking pace on a normal bike, take on another dimension at 15mph.

 

[GrinningGSer]

This thread is now so long that I’ve lost the status of e bike advice

Whatever bike you choose , comfort is paramount . The more you enjoy it, the more you’ll use it.

Nice fat tyres will give you a sublime ride , but require e assistance to overcome the increase in rolling resistance ; another good reason for an e bike IMHO

Also , research ‘drop posts ‘ ; a feature that is invaluable as we age and arthritis sets in .

 

[Hatcho]

As mentioned earlier in the thread, comfort is a big factor. Not enough and you'll be put off keeping the habit going. Bicycle saddles tend to be pretty thin and geared towards low weight. As an upgrade to whatever you buy, check out Brooks saddles. The one I have is the B17. They aren't cheap but they will transform the ride every time you head out on the bike. Coupled with decent padded shorts, you'll enjoy even the longer cycles that you eventually build up to. I cycled from London back to Dublin over 5 days a few moons ago and the others in the group were very impressed with the comfort level I enjoyed!

And don't forget, if you upgrade the bike further down the line, just refit the original saddle and fit the Brooks to the new steed.

 

[Davey B]

As an upgrade to whatever you buy, check out Brooks saddles. The one I have is the B17.
And don't forget, if you upgrade the bike further down the line, just refit the original saddle and fit the Brooks to the new steed.

Agreed on Brooks saddles (mine did take about 500 miles to break in but with the OP looking at doing a few miles a day, the break in period would be very easily done.)

 

[MartinK]

If you want to buy new, there's a few "builders" in the UK who do great deals. In some ways better than the big brands (specialized, trek, giant etc), because you get better value for money. IMO the brand thing is a fudge, because - say - specialised... - what is actually MADE by specialized - the wheels, gears, brakes etc are usually bought-in (shimano etc), and only the frame is manufactured by specialized...and that will be made in taiwan anyway! Plus the big brands are notorious for putting cheapychinky components where you don't see/notice them (like the bottom bracket).

Therefor I would recommend something like: https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-hybrid-al/
This would be speedy on tarmac, and well-kitted out. You could ask them (as others recommend) to swap the saddle...

Nearer you is Planet-X, they used to do a "London Road" with flat bars: https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road (but I can't see it now)

Merlin is another "builder" - https://www.merlincycles.com/ - these 3 (Merlin, Ribble, PlanetX) compete vigorously so you can be sure to get a good deal. Prices will be on a par with Decathlon and Halfrauds but you'll get much better service

You get the same Shimano gears, bought-in wheels etc as a specialized/trek/giant, but for less cash...

 

[stever1]

So, I’ve been out oooking

If you want to buy new, there's a few "builders" in the UK who do great deals. In some ways better than the big brands (specialized, trek, giant etc), because you get better value for money. IMO the brand thing is a fudge, because - say - specialised... - what is actually MADE by specialized - the wheels, gears, brakes etc are usually bought-in (shimano etc), and only the frame is manufactured by specialized...and that will be made in taiwan anyway! Plus the big brands are notorious for putting cheapychinky components where you don't see/notice them (like the bottom bracket).

Therefor I would recommend something like: https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-hybrid-al/
This would be speedy on tarmac, and well-kitted out. You could ask them (as others recommend) to swap the saddle...

Nearer you is Planet-X, they used to do a "London Road" with flat bars: https://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road (but I can't see it now)

Merlin is another "builder" - https://www.merlincycles.com/ - these 3 (Merlin, Ribble, PlanetX) compete vigorously so you can be sure to get a good deal. Prices will be on a par with Decathlon and Halfrauds but you'll get much better service

You get the same Shimano gears, bought-in wheels etc as a specialized/trek/giant, but for less cash...

thats interesting. I’d have thought an independent maker would have been more expensive

 

[littleade]

Go outdoors currently have a sale on so might be worth a look

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

If I were you, I'd look at what your local cycle shop sells so you can have a good look and sit on a couple for sizing as some brands peg me at medium, and some at large. It's handy as they will service it as and when required, if your not that way inclined. I'd also consider how you can transport it in case it needs to go for fixing.

My ebike cost £2500 and at 1 month outside of the warranty with 3700 miles on it, they decided that was far too high a mileage for a goodwill gesture repair. It also won't fit in my car thanks to being fully equipped with a rear rack and mudguards which also carry lights. Would I buy another... not really.

On the other hand my Tern D8 folding bike fits in the boot of my panda easily, and despite being bought so I could take the car for servicing and then come home, I'm now commuting on that. Would I buy another Tern folding bike... yes.

My Tern has a Rixen Kaul Klickfix luggage mount on the head tube for a small ortlieb roll top handlebar bag. The rear cargo rack takes a pair of ortlieb city roll top bags, which are big enough, without being massive.

The saddle rails are pretty much interchangeable with any other saddle, but getting the right size saddle can be a bit of guess work as I've 'measured my sit bones' and the sizes didn't fit with the stated sizes on Tredz website, so I picked one that wasn't too dear (or too cheap) and close to what the measurement said I need? Fingers crossed as I'll be swapping that this weekend.

I'm a recent convert to a bar bag after years of using a rucksack, and as it's got my phone in it, I thought it might be nice to be able to see that the bag is still attached to the bike rather than in a saddlebag (That said, touch wood, I've only ever lost a piece of luggage when a car driver opened their door as I passed. I picked up the bag, but the mount was smashed). I've also just got another klick fix handlebar mount for a normal sized hybrid bike I was using primarily in winter (to save the ebike from salt.. which was a waste of effort, as the bearing might've gone in warranty) which I plan on getting running again before too long.

 

[stever1]

I’ve been to look at 3 giant bikes today.
A roam 4, I like it but feel front suspension isn’t needed.
Escape disc 3. I like that but the brakes are cable operated.
I also wanted to look at the escape disc 2 and the city versions but none are in stock.
it’s looking like I’ll get a roam 4 as it’s a good price.

 

[NeverRodeBefore]

The Roam Disc 4 seems to have a 12 to 32 tooth rear cassette which will be a little quicker than the Escape Disc 3 which is a 14 to 34 tooth, which would be a little easier to pedal uphill. That said, both have a triple ring front set, so hills shouldn't be a problem.

I wouldn't be put off by the cable disc brakes. It's cheaper to make, but a lot easier to service yourself. My first try of discs were cable and compared to cantilever style rim brakes they were quite impressive. I have struggled changing pads on the hydraulic brakes without the right tool to push the pistons back.