Yorkshire Divers

Tunicates · #41 (**permalink**) 06-03-08, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_si

I'll buy you a beer at the dive show... Well I would if you were going on the Sunday. As you're not then buy yourself a beer and pretend it was from me!

Lol........when I push everyone at the bar aside to make a Big-Si shaped space and then raise my glass to you they'll all think I'm bonkers.

Noel Johnson · #42 (**permalink**) 06-03-08, 10:20 PM

Hi Si,

As someone who's just taken up cycling again after a loooooong lay off I can only add to what has already been said.

I bought an Apollo XC26s from Halfrauds at the end of September last year. It's done Cannock chase a couple of times, local bridlepaths and some road riding, and it's trashed.

All the bearings need replacing, the bottom bracket is foooked, the front disk piston mechanism has had to be completely replaced and I've buckled the wheels.

The best brands AFAIK are, in no particular order, Specialized, Kona and Trek.

We're both big lads, have a google for Clydesdale which is apparently our class of rider - hey it's not our fault we're too manly.

HTH

Noel

Tunicates · #43 (**permalink**) 06-03-08, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel Johnson

Hi Si,

have a google for Clydesdale

Word.

big_si · #44 (**permalink**) 07-03-08, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noel Johnson

The best brands AFAIK are, in no particular order, Specialized, Kona and Trek.

We're both big lads, have a google for Clydesdale which is apparently our class of rider - hey it's not our fault we're too manly.

HTH

Noel

EXACTLY!!! Not our fault at all. Just means that there's more to love!

I'll have a look at the Clydesdale! Cheers chum!

Si

big_si · #45 (**permalink**) 16-03-08, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisch

Start with off-roader and change the tyres to road slicks. Replace chunky tyres for off road use. There are some very good road tyres available in 26X1.9 to fit MTB rims.

Look for something like an old Kona Cindercone ... <snip>

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunicates are Mad

If you do go for a 2nd hand Kona, these are only measured S/M/L/XL I would say you would fit an L. This may be true for some other brands also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisch

That would be my route, but dunno if Si can do that with the rent scheme? You can pick up an old hardtail for not very much these days. Bang on slicks and some mudguards and away...

Chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tunicates are Mad

....would think that as you are a big lad, you will wear things out quicker, and need more servicing... For this reason alone, you need to spend more like £400 to £450 on the bike.

You will need mudguards.... <snip>

I dont think it matters much wether you get a mountain bike or a hybrid.
Remember that suspension adds weight and expense, but its most likely that you dont actually need it. If the bike you want has it, then no harm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisch

My mate was over at the weekend with his (lovely) Kona Cindercone and I thought about you. See I can't escape the YD massive...

Ok.... So after some thinking... It's obvious that a cheapy bike is not the way to go as being a lump it'll only last a little while. So a bigger budget is required.

After reading the words "Kona Cinder Cone" a few times I thought I'd have a look at the beastie and see what it's like.

KONA Cinder Cone 2008 : £539.99 : Mountain Bikes : Front Suspension Below £600 - Triton Cycles

Looks like a pretty lurvely looking bike.

What I'm thinking is... Mountain Bike is the way to go for me at the mo. Nice sturdy frame.
More useful off road which I think is going to be more fun than plodding the roads.
Efficiency / speed isn't really a factor so if it's a bit more work to peddle thick tyres round to get to some off road stuff then the fitness will come quicker! When I'm closer to doing 25 miles each way to work I can look to switch to skinny tyres.

I like the look of the Kona Cinder Cone. I can up my budget to cover that. I think £600 will cover the bike, some mudguards, and helmet. That'll work about £45 out of my wages each month for a year (half of that has just been saved for me by a lovely lady at vodafone!

)

So what do you more expert than me folks think? Good decision? Bad decision? Anything else I've not taken account of? Anything else I should be adding to my shopping list? (Nice bright lights? Pump? Erm.... skin tight lycra clothing? Think I know the answer to that last one!

)

I'd like to really thank all those who have put their 2p in on my question. I'm a complete numpty as far as bikes go so you've all been a great help!

Cheers,

Si

chrisch · #46 (**permalink**) 16-03-08, 11:53 AM

Its a classic cross-country machine with a good strong frame. The advantage of anything "standard" like this is that you can fit replacement parts forever. The effort to pedal the thing is largely determined by the tyres. Chunky off road tyres are hard work on tarmac and urban (or semi slick) tyres are useless in mud.
You need to run about 40psi in the tyres whichever you fit and a good pump (the vertical stirrup pump type) with a pressure gauge is a good investment. (look at something like the Topeak Joe Blow ChainReactionCycles.com - Pumps - Buy Pumps) Underinflated tyres puncture a lot easier and the little hand pumps you carry as an emergency tool require a lot of very hard work to get the tyres hard again. Getting lots of punctures will soon piss you off and the bike will sit in the garage and you've wasted the money.
You need to factor in running costs and a big lad will stress the chain and rear sprocket (called a "cassette" for some reason) as you power up the hills. The bike you linked to has disc brakes and these should give really good stopping power and the pads are relatively cheap, a good choice IMHO.
I doubt very much you will be disappointed with the bike, whether though it is the absolute bestest ever choice for you personally will depend on you and I only know you on here so I'll hedge my bets. The secondhand machine will sell reasonably well (but will loose half its value) should you change your mind.
Make sure you get a frame that's the right size. With both feet on the floor you should be able to get a clenched fist between your bollocks and the lowest part of the frame. (If the man in the shop want to put his fist there shop elsewhere

)

I really hope you enjoy it mate - all the best with whatever you decide on. The missus my mate and I will do the "wild warwickshire" later this year (from/back to Kenilworth castle) its an ideal starter run (45km IIRC) and you would be welcome to tag along. There's a pub at the end of the route

Chris

EdHornby · #47 (**permalink**) 16-03-08, 12:23 PM

that is a very nice looking bike - any decent bike shop should give you a proper ride on it (not just round tthe carpark) so go midweek when it's quiet if you can... if youre splashing out good money with them it's worth it to be sure

all tthe best

big_si · #48 (**permalink**) 16-03-08, 10:51 PM

COOL!

Then that's the one I shall probably get!

So... Shopping list...

Bike...
Mud guards...
Helmet...
fancy Pump...

What lights? As said earlier up the thread. I'm moving out into the sticks so there won't be any streetlights. Will probably need something a bit bright. Do Salvo or Greenforce do bike lights?