Help a newbie get onto a bike!

[Fixxer]

Hi guys!

I've lurked for a little while, researching here and there a few things, reading reviews, things lurkers do. I've read so many first bike things, it's unbelievable! Do forgive me if there's something glaringly obvious I've missed.

Anyhoo, I'm looking to get into riding to help lose weight. I've not ridden in a long time. I've done some measurements, used online calculators ETC to get some figures, and have plenty of questions all round!

For information's sake, I'm looking to mainly ride light trails around the many reserves located in the foothills here. Minimal if any road use, maybe a few paths through those reserves. I'm 6'1, 110kg, measured my seam at 33 1/2".

According to the calculators this puts me at a 58cm +-1 frame, which is apparently generally regarded as a large frame. My budget is realistically anywhere up to $1200. New or used, I'll be looking at both. Haven't found much in the way of information on new since all the bike shops' websites here in Adelaide don't seem amazing.

I've gone through the used bikes available on gumtree, found a few things that seem relevant, though I've got literally no knowledge on the bike front. I'll supply a few links of the few bikes could be OK. It's hard as many aren't including sizes.

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/thebarto ... 1088046552" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/gawler-e ... 1087576213" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ingle-fa ... 1087489073" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/ingle-fa ... 1088125938" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/sturt/bi ... 1087905082" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I did lots of googling on the models, and learnt very little. I found lots of posts recommending hybrids, found lots suggesting to not bother with hybrids. Nothing is set in stone, happy to look at new. The budget is for the bike alone, will have other money for protective gear.

Off those linked, the norco interests me the most, the mongoose is there purely due to the quality of the write up, however everything I could find suggests that the bike is 15 - 18 years old.

I'm also worried about damaging things on the bike, I'm not exactly light.

To those that have bothered to read all these and respond, thanks!

[AUbicycles]

Hybrids tend to be MTB style though with smoother tyres for urban cycling.

For your intended us, my question would be what kind of trials are they? For dirt trails / fire trails and non-paved or sealed paths, I would be looking at having some grip. Not necessary big knobbly tyres, though a tread that allows you some grip.

Lets now look at the bikes you have spotted:
1 - Giant Boulder - rubbish
2 - Giant Roam - this is the style of bike I would pick
3 - Mongoose - rubbish - avoid Y frames
4 - Giant Seek - maybe with new tyres
5 - Norco Torrent - wrong style, too much travel (front suspension)


The problem with second hand is that you don't know how well it works, even if you have a look, you could buy it and then have to go to the bike shop to fix it up. With Second Hand I would factor this in, for example that you may have to pay $250 on top for new chain, cassette and maintenance.

I think you can get a new bike for a very affordable price and enjoy the peace of mind that you have warranty and a box that works well.

Here is an example:
Cell Stromlo 1.1

This is $649 and you can go up to a higher specced bike for $849, or down a model range for lower priced Cell MTBs. Cell are an example of one retailer and they have retail stores and an online shop. I should also disclose, as the forum admin, that Cell advertise here though I have no experience with this bike so it is an example and not a recommendation. In your local bike shops - even Giant Dealers you will find new bikes which are very well priced and will do exactly what you need.

In any case, I would be very careful of buying second hand unless you really know what you need and know your bikes to ensure you get good quality at a good price.

[Fixxer]

The bike you suggested seems fine actually. I'm not after a monster or anything. Just fitness and recreation.

I'd say 80% of the trails I'll ride are dirt and/or gravel.

Thanks for the help.