Its a minefield for newbies!

Paul Rose said:

Evening All

I've been lurking for a few weeks now (apart from a short request for advice
on cycle computers) and have enjoyed reading the various posts, learning as
I go!

I must admit I'm a keen walker (can I mention that on here? ;o) ), mainly in
the Lake District, but after returning to work after 7 months on sick leave
(dodgy disc causing hip and leg problems), I have recently ventured out onto
the local moors (North York Moors) on two wheels and found I really enjoyed
the off-road stuff, so much so I'm looking at the possibility of investing
in a 'proper' mountain bike. I initially just wanted to use the bike to
rebuild my fitness levels but I'm finding I'm venturing out more on the bike
than I am on foot!

Although I have been riding bikes for years (I used to travel to work and
back every day until I changed jobs three years ago) I will admit to not
really knowing a lot about bikes. I will also admit to being one of the
people who bought a full suspension bike from a local store when my work
bike reached the end of its useful life. I think it cost around £150 four
years ago.

I have recently paid a visit to a local bike store, Bikescene in Guisborough
just up the road from where I live, which was very useful in seeing what is
available and at what price. I seen a Specilized Hardrock Sport Disc for
£370 which, at first, seemed a lot to pay for a bike! Then there is the
Giant Terrago Disc (hydraulic) at £400 or the XTC4 at £500, both with a 6061
frame (I believe that is slightly better than the 7005?), neither seen at
the bike shop but by searching the web. I was initially looking at a top
price of about £370 but I think a more realistic price might be nearer to
£500. Its just very confusing at the moment with the sheer number of bikes
to choose from! I'll end up not getting one at all at this rate ;o)

Anyway, I'll keep on lurking (and learning!), buying What Mountain Bike and
Mountain Bike Rider, and hopefully when I'm ready to purchase a bike, get
some useful feedback from the more knowledgeable amongst you ;o)

Regards, Paul
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Paul
Bikescene are a very good shop IMHO, or they were when I lived on
Teeside. They used to let you take test bikes out in to Guisborough
woods if you left a suitable security and that is the best way to tell
the difference between bikes. Apart from the specs, it is vital to get
one that fits.
As in the rest of life, you tend to get what you pay for.
Hardtails (front suspension only), you will get a very good bike for £500.
Full suspension bikes tend to give you a lot less knocking about which
may be helpful if you have fragile bits. A new one would be above
budget, but bargains can be had second hand.
People used rim brakes for years and I still do, buy depending on your
weight and the conditions you go out in, the sand of the NYM can wear
your rims out in a season and your blocks in a ride or 2.
The NYM is a fantastic mountain biking region and I am envious of you as
you discover it. Don't forget Swaledale, Hamsterley, Kielder etc etc.....
Cheers
Graham

Following on from Paul Rose's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Evening All

I've been lurking for a few weeks now (apart from a short request for advice
on cycle computers) and have enjoyed reading the various posts, learning as
I go!

Try to find a buddy or two. There's 'bikes' and there's 'biking'.
Apart from the pleasure, security and mutual egging-on you get with a
group, you can get a lot of useful and practical advice and pick up
handy skills that would take ages to learn (possibly the hard way) on
your own.

--
PETER FOX Not the same since the submarine business went under
[email hidden]
www.eminent.demon.co.uk/wcc.htm Witham Cycling Campaign
www.eminent.demon.co.uk/rides East Anglian Pub cycle rides

I bought a second hand Specialised Enduro from a well know bike retailer
..........it was a £1700+ 2004 demo bike and I got it for just over £800
It looked like it had been ridden twice ..totally spotless and pristine.
It was serviced and sent to me with all the buying done on the net.
Previously I had sat on similar bikes to make sure the size/fit was
ok...................my advice is to hunt around /buy a well known quality
bike
and dont worry about an ex demo or a non current year
bike...................there are bargains out there.

Barry
--

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"Paul Rose" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Evening All

I've been lurking for a few weeks now (apart from a short request for
advice
on cycle computers) and have enjoyed reading the various posts, learning
as
I go!

I must admit I'm a keen walker (can I mention that on here? ;o) ), mainly
in
the Lake District, but after returning to work after 7 months on sick
leave
(dodgy disc causing hip and leg problems), I have recently ventured out
onto
the local moors (North York Moors) on two wheels and found I really
enjoyed
the off-road stuff, so much so I'm looking at the possibility of investing
in a 'proper' mountain bike. I initially just wanted to use the bike to
rebuild my fitness levels but I'm finding I'm venturing out more on the
bike
than I am on foot!

Although I have been riding bikes for years (I used to travel to work and
back every day until I changed jobs three years ago) I will admit to not
really knowing a lot about bikes. I will also admit to being one of the
people who bought a full suspension bike from a local store when my work
bike reached the end of its useful life. I think it cost around £150 four
years ago.

I have recently paid a visit to a local bike store, Bikescene in
Guisborough
just up the road from where I live, which was very useful in seeing what
is
available and at what price. I seen a Specilized Hardrock Sport Disc for
£370 which, at first, seemed a lot to pay for a bike! Then there is the
Giant Terrago Disc (hydraulic) at £400 or the XTC4 at £500, both with a
6061
frame (I believe that is slightly better than the 7005?), neither seen at
the bike shop but by searching the web. I was initially looking at a top
price of about £370 but I think a more realistic price might be nearer to
£500. Its just very confusing at the moment with the sheer number of bikes
to choose from! I'll end up not getting one at all at this rate ;o)

Anyway, I'll keep on lurking (and learning!), buying What Mountain Bike
and
Mountain Bike Rider, and hopefully when I'm ready to purchase a bike, get
some useful feedback from the more knowledgeable amongst you ;o)

Regards, Paul
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

--

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The most powerful anti-spam software available.
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"BARRY" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I bought a second hand Specialised Enduro from a well know bike retailer
.........it was a £1700+ 2004 demo bike and I got it for just over £800
It looked like it had been ridden twice ..totally spotless and pristine.
It was serviced and sent to me with all the buying done on the net.
Previously I had sat on similar bikes to make sure the size/fit was
ok...................my advice is to hunt around /buy a well known quality
bike
and dont worry about an ex demo or a non current year
bike...................there are bargains out there.

Barry
--

-=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess I was also buying the last model of a type of frame that they had
decided to replace for 2005 so it was even cheaper.
However I always loved that type of frame and think it looks the absolute
dogs!!
But the fact the model was significantly different ( I heard the box section
frame was too expensive to continue to produce ) for 2005 , reverting to a
traditional tubular frame
helped to reduce the price significantly.

Barry

"Graham Bowers (Zen)" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Paul Rose said:

Evening All

I've been lurking for a few weeks now (apart from a short request for

advice

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on cycle computers) and have enjoyed reading the various posts, learning

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I go!

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

snip<

Paul
Bikescene are a very good shop IMHO, or they were when I lived on
Teeside. They used to let you take test bikes out in to Guisborough
woods if you left a suitable security and that is the best way to tell
the difference between bikes. Apart from the specs, it is vital to get
one that fits.
As in the rest of life, you tend to get what you pay for.
Hardtails (front suspension only), you will get a very good bike for £500.
Full suspension bikes tend to give you a lot less knocking about which
may be helpful if you have fragile bits. A new one would be above
budget, but bargains can be had second hand.
People used rim brakes for years and I still do, buy depending on your
weight and the conditions you go out in, the sand of the NYM can wear
your rims out in a season and your blocks in a ride or 2.
The NYM is a fantastic mountain biking region and I am envious of you as
you discover it. Don't forget Swaledale, Hamsterley, Kielder etc etc.....
Cheers
Graham

Hi Graham

Thanks for your reply. As for Bikescene, a couple of people have said its a
decent shop. Ok on taking a bike out for a test run. That sounds like a good
idea. Apparently there is another decent shop in Stokesley, Westbrook Cycles
I believe, but they are supposed to be a little expensive. Still worth a
visit though. I think I'll be looking to purchase a Hardtail for the reasons
already explained on here.

As for the NYM, yes I'm beginning to find out just how good an area it is. I
can be on the moors within a 20 minute drive from home so I should really
have explored the area before now! Thanks also for recommending Swaledale,
Hamsterley and Kielder. I've just been reading about Kielder in this months
'What Mountain Bike'.

Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

"Peter Fox" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Following on from Paul Rose's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Evening All

I've been lurking for a few weeks now (apart from a short request for

advice

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on cycle computers) and have enjoyed reading the various posts, learning

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I go!

Try to find a buddy or two. There's 'bikes' and there's 'biking'.
Apart from the pleasure, security and mutual egging-on you get with a
group, you can get a lot of useful and practical advice and pick up
handy skills that would take ages to learn (possibly the hard way) on
your own.

Hi Peter

Thanks for the reply. The trouble is, most of my mates feel walking to the
pub is plenty as far as exercise goes ;o) I happened to mention I might be
having a go at the Coast to Coast cycle route this summer (a goal I might
set myself to build-up my fitness levels again), and asked if anyone would
be interested in joining me. Their reply was that they would get the bus to
the west coast and meet me there and then get the bus home again! The words
'flogging' and 'dead horse' spring to mind!

Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

"BARRY" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I bought a second hand Specialised Enduro from a well know bike retailer
.........it was a £1700+ 2004 demo bike and I got it for just over £800
It looked like it had been ridden twice ..totally spotless and pristine.
It was serviced and sent to me with all the buying done on the net.
Previously I had sat on similar bikes to make sure the size/fit was
ok...................my advice is to hunt around /buy a well known quality
bike
and dont worry about an ex demo or a non current year
bike...................there are bargains out there.

Barry

Hi Barry

Thanks for your reply. That's an option worth considering. The bike shop I
visited had some 2004 models at reduced prices. Whether they will have any
by the time I decide which bike to go for is another matter! As for buying a
'well known' bike, that isn't easy for a newbie! I don't know what brands
are decent and what aren't, although I'm getting a better idea after lurking
here and reading the mags. As I mentioned in my original post, when I think
I might have two or three bikes in mind that I might buy, I'll probably ask
for advice on here before making a final decision. A lot more reading before
then though ;o)

--
Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Following on from Paul Rose's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the reply. The trouble is, most of my mates feel walking to the
pub is plenty as far as exercise goes ;o) I happened to mention I might be
having a go at the Coast to Coast cycle route this summer (a goal I might
set myself to build-up my fitness levels again), and asked if anyone would
be interested in joining me. Their reply was that they would get the bus to
the west coast and meet me there and then get the bus home again! The words
'flogging' and 'dead horse' spring to mind!

Well that's the _whole_ point. /New/ friends. Cyclists are, as a rule,
very friendly and easy to get on with providing everyone knows roughly
whet they are letting themselves in for. If necessary _advertise_.
Cyclists read ordinary papers, they visit bike shops, they read the CTC
mag, they have a local club newsletter. Even the people in the single
and divorced club sometimes go out. In short there are plenty of people
who would consider joining you for a couple of hours. (Whether they were
more experienced than yourself hardly matters - more contacts means more
'other' contacts.)

--
PETER FOX Not the same since the poster business went to the wall
[email hidden]
2 Tees Close, Witham, Essex.
Gravity beer in Essex <http://www.eminent.demon.co.uk>

"Peter Fox" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Following on from Paul Rose's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the reply. The trouble is, most of my mates feel walking to

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

pub is plenty as far as exercise goes ;o) I happened to mention I might

be

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

having a go at the Coast to Coast cycle route this summer (a goal I might
set myself to build-up my fitness levels again), and asked if anyone

would

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

be interested in joining me. Their reply was that they would get the bus

to

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the west coast and meet me there and then get the bus home again! The

words

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

'flogging' and 'dead horse' spring to mind!

Well that's the _whole_ point. /New/ friends. Cyclists are, as a rule,
very friendly and easy to get on with providing everyone knows roughly
whet they are letting themselves in for. If necessary _advertise_.
Cyclists read ordinary papers, they visit bike shops, they read the CTC
mag, they have a local club newsletter. Even the people in the single
and divorced club sometimes go out. In short there are plenty of people
who would consider joining you for a couple of hours. (Whether they were
more experienced than yourself hardly matters - more contacts means more
'other' contacts.)

Hi Peter,

You're right of course. If my lazy mates don't want to play, then I'll just
have to find someone who is ;o)

Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Hi Paul,
<snip>

Quoted message said:

I have recently paid a visit to a local bike store, Bikescene in
Guisborough
just up the road from where I live, which was very useful in seeing what
is
available and at what price. I seen a Specilized Hardrock Sport Disc for
£370 which, at first, seemed a lot to pay for a bike! Then there is the
Giant Terrago Disc (hydraulic) at £400 or the XTC4 at £500, both with a
6061
frame (I believe that is slightly better than the 7005?), neither seen at
the bike shop but by searching the web. I was initially looking at a top
price of about £370 but I think a more realistic price might be nearer to
£500. Its just very confusing at the moment with the sheer number of bikes
to choose from! I'll end up not getting one at all at this rate ;o)

Anyway, I'll keep on lurking (and learning!), buying What Mountain Bike
and
Mountain Bike Rider, and hopefully when I'm ready to purchase a bike, get
some useful feedback from the more knowledgeable amongst you ;o)

Sounds like you've got the right approach - and having time for research is
always a good thing. I thought I'd just stick my oar in for the second-hand
options. Since you have time, it's definitely worth keeping an eye out -
e.g. at www.singletrackworld.co.uk and www.bikemagic.com classifieds pages.
I picked up a very nice hardtail, 18 months old, that had been kept in very
good shape, for not much more than your budget. 500 quid can get you a lot
of second hand bike! And you might find upgrades have been done, or the
seller will throw in extras that make it a good deal. The major downsides
are lack of guarantee and local shop backup, so you might get a great
bargain, but not without risk.

Good luck
Cheers
Ben

***********************
Spam trap: Replace spamisdoomed with ben

"wheeler" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi Paul,
snip<
Sounds like you've got the right approach - and having time for research

is

Quoted message said:

always a good thing. I thought I'd just stick my oar in for the

second-hand

Quoted message said:

options. Since you have time, it's definitely worth keeping an eye out -
e.g. at www.singletrackworld.co.uk and www.bikemagic.com classifieds

pages.

Quoted message said:

I picked up a very nice hardtail, 18 months old, that had been kept in

very

Quoted message said:

good shape, for not much more than your budget. 500 quid can get you a lot
of second hand bike! And you might find upgrades have been done, or the
seller will throw in extras that make it a good deal. The major downsides
are lack of guarantee and local shop backup, so you might get a great
bargain, but not without risk.

Good luck
Cheers
Ben

Hi Ben

Thanks for sticking your oar in ;o) Some good 'plus' points for buying
second hand and something worth considering. Only problem is, I don't have
that much experience when it comes to knowing what to look out for on used
bikes etc. Having a local bike shop that I could visit with any problems or
for setting-up the bike etc., would be an added bonus. Still worth keeping
an eye open though. Thanks for the suggestion.

--
Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk

Paul Rose said:

Thanks for sticking your oar in ;o) Some good 'plus' points for buying
second hand and something worth considering. Only problem is, I don't have
that much experience when it comes to knowing what to look out for on used
bikes etc.

Well, some things to look out for to avoid, not in any order:

- make sure the frame's not been bent. The two classic problems are i)
front forks bent back, and ii) rear triangle bent sideways. For the
former, look for paint lifting/cracking/peeling on the back of the forks
in a localised spot at the back of the bend. For the latter, measuring
it is probably the safest way (the Mark 1 Eyeball is surprisingly good
at detecting skewness, but the Mark 1 Brain often refuses to admit that).

- headset wear. With the bike on the ground, lock the front brakes,
and rock the bike forwards and backwards against the locked front wheel.
There should be no movement. (Of course, this doesn't really work
with front suspension :-) It might simply be a loose headset, so get
the vendor to (try to) tighten it up first to make sure it isn't that.
If it can't be tightened any further and still moves, it's fubared.

- if it's a steel frame, corrosion. It might be obvious, and mild
surface corrosion where the paint is chipped isn't a problem (other than
cosmetic), but there might be some serious corrosion in the vicinity of
the bottom bracket. Only real way to check is to strip the bottom
bracket, mind.

- if it's a rear derailleur, make sure the assembly isn't twisted or
bent, particularly with respect to changing to the biggest ring at the
back - and check for spoke damage from the rear mech banging into the
drive-side spokes.

- check the wheels and the hubs for signs of cracking around the spoke
holes.

- make sure the seat tube comes out. It can easily get corroded in, and
it's very troublesome to shift.

- the two frames I've broken have broken on the junction between the
dropout and the horizontal/bottom part of the rear triangle on the drive
side. If the frame is at all cracked here or anywhere else (make sure
some wag hasn't tried to paint it over to disguise the crack), reject it.

- look at the teeth of the chainset. If any of them look like shark's
fins, it'll need replacing almost immediately. Not a rejection point, a
chainset is a consumable, but something to be aware of in the cost.

- if the chain (or any of the cogs) are seriously rusty, again they'll
need replacement (a light patina of rust isn't anything to worry about).

R.

"Richard" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Paul Rose said:

Thanks for sticking your oar in ;o) Some good 'plus' points for buying
second hand and something worth considering. Only problem is, I don't
have
that much experience when it comes to knowing what to look out for on
used
bikes etc.

Well, some things to look out for to avoid, not in any order:

<snip lots of sensible second hand bike checks; assuming you don't have any
techy bike mates around, if only there was an equivalent to taking the AA
inspection man out with you!>

Another (slightly obvious, sorry) second hand hint - applies not just to
bikes I suppose - use your instincts about the person selling. The guy I
bought mine from had a nicely kept garage with various shiny bikes and bits,
made me a cup of tea, we had a chat about various things and we cut a good
deal in a friendly manner. He *could* still have been having a laugh of
course, but I really doubted it, and I felt very confident that he would
have been honest about any problems. IMHO, being happy with the seller
counts for (almost) as much as being happy with the bike!

Wheeler

"Richard" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Paul Rose said:

Thanks for sticking your oar in ;o) Some good 'plus' points for buying
second hand and something worth considering. Only problem is, I don't

have

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

that much experience when it comes to knowing what to look out for on

used

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bikes etc.

Well, some things to look out for to avoid, not in any order:
snipped some very good advice<

Hi Richard & Wheeler,

Thanks for the advice re: second hand bikes and what to look out for. That
is very helpful and already copied to one side for future reference ;o) I
have used the RAC/AA to give a car the once over for me in the past, and
yes, it would be useful if there was an equivalent one for bikes!

--
Regards, Paul (R)
My Lake District walking site:
www.lakelandwalker.co.uk