ManFromMother

Hi,

A good friend of mine if moving to London in the next month or so and is looking for someone to cycle with,... ive been wanting to get into cycling for some time, so its a good push for me. Only problem is, i dont know where to start.

Currently he's riding a 'Specialized' Roubaix and ownes two Allez's, and recommends i start there. I would much rather pay for a good bike, that i will enjoy riding and thats not going to be a pain in the ass (ok, bad joke, but you know what i mean). I'm looking for some good advice on what i should look for, what else i need and where i can start cyling.

I have looked around some forums already and checked out guides on TFL etc, though as i only just moved back a few months ago from New York, im stuck in the center of town (Covent Garden), so also, any advice on routes would be wonderful.

Thanks in advance, i look forward to your responses



Marcus

Second Mouse

Your questions are pretty general, ManFromMother. It will be hard to give any advice, not knowing how much you want to spend, where you'll be riding and what kind of riding you'll be doing.

You might want to use the "Search The Forums" function at the top of the page. Put something like "London" in, and just "Search Titles Only", don't "Search Entire Posts". You'll probably get at least a start on cycling clubs, routes and local LBSs.

Cheers.

ManFromMother

Hey Second Mouse,

Thanks for the feedback. I did mean to be quite general, though i guess it was too much...

I'm looking to spend approx £1,000 for road bike. I have little idea where exactly ill be riding, i live in the city (around Covent Garden), so any help on good routes or where to start etc would also be very helpful.

I have done a number of searches though, i like to look up a few things before i post, as im sure the regulars get very fed up of the same old same old

Thanks again,


Marcus

Second Mouse

You've probably seen this thread, but in case you haven't it looks like there's some possible info on clubs and shops and such, along with the usual good-natured banter.

Best advice I got when I was looking for a new bike was to ride as many as you can and choose the one that fits and feels best.

I'll stop now, since I know nothing about where you are in London, and I'm bitter about the weak dollar.

Cheers.

Alphonso

You should ask your friend go to some bike shops with you. He could show you some of the things to look for.
When you start looking for a bike, set a floating limit on your budget. If you ride a bike that costs a little more (within reason) than you want to spend but the fit and ride is perfect for you, it will be worth the extra $. Setting a limit and sticking to it may result in buying a bike that "will do." This often results in losing interest in riding.

Also, when you find the bike you want, look for reviews on the bike at roadbikereview.com

Good luck.

ManFromMother

Hey Alphonso,

Thanks for the good advice, ill be sure to do that. I was hoping to get into cycling before my friend gets over here, he will be about a month, so figured it would give me a good amount of time to get my act together...

Any more advice etc would be greatly appreciated

Thanks again,


Marcus

mrkott3r

i would probably wait until your friend gets there, and is able to help you buy a bike. Just pick up a beater off a bum (for a couple of bucks) and ride that, you'll figure out quite soon what you want out of a bike. lol, maybe get a bit better bike than a beater

CyckingJersey

Hi Marcus,

If this shop is anywhere near you (see the link), stop by and ask for Owen Mitton. He's the manager and a great guy who will give you all the help you need.

https://www.trycycling.co.uk/

I met Owen last year in Riccione, Italy (of all places!) . He was working there on a temporary basis as a cycling tour guide & bike mechanic. WE were visiting on a cycling vacation from New Jersey, USA. He took great care of us.

atbman

Try London Cycling Campaign site https://www.lcc.org.uk/

Plenty of info there