Any cyclists on here? Advice/opinion sought

[johng]

Due to a long standing back injury - double ruptured discs in the L4+L5 area, I'm seriously considering the prospect of not being able to play golf for quite a while, if not giving up all together. As a result, and to avoid divorce, I'll need to get some other hobby. Cycling appeals to me, fresh air, fitness, shiney things to spend money on.....
I don't want to go mountain biking, instead i'd rather focus on bike trails, roads etc. However, i dont know if a road bike will hurt my back or not? Failing that what do people think about hybrid bikes or are there any alternatives?
Any advice on what a decent bike should cost and what, if any makes to avoid or reommend will ge much appreiated.

Thanks in advance,
John.

 

[Slime]

Sorry to hear about your back problems.
My bike is a Scott Sporster & is a hybrid. It's terrific & perfectly okay so long as you don't go anywhere silly on it, like down a mountain! I also have hybrid tyres on it which are perfectly adeqate for mixed surfaces.
I bought my bike in June 2009 & it cost me £500. I was told that (three years ago) this was the minimum required to get a good bike, DO NOT be tempted by special offer bikes from Halfords etc, that are only £149.
They are that price for a reason!
All the best,

Slime.

P.S. Don't give up golf until you really really have to!

 

[sev112]

Coincidence ..

I was going to post a thread on this today - i too have suffered with a bad back, and started Pilates 8 weeks ago which has been a revelation.

Couple of weeks ago i decided that i was going to get a road bike and start pushing myself on that to get some good aerobic exercise, set some targets to beat etc. also i've become a bit of a your de france freak for teh past 3 or so years, and thought it about time to try it out

Ive got a prett simple raleight mountain bike, but it is steel and very chunky, even though it has got hybrid tryes.
i went out for a simple ride yesterday around the back gravel tracks near where i live, and today went out and did 45 mins solid cycling on the roads. It was seriously hard work, but i didnt stop, and the adrenaline afterwards was fantastic

Cant really afford a new bike - i am looking at second hand, and quite old i.e. Peugeots etc. i'm planning on getting something old and light, and see how i go. I met a guy on a train Friday with a lovely GIANT road bike that he said cost him £800 and that he was about to get another one as well.

I bought teh CyclingPlus magazine's Essential Guide to Road Cycling in WH SMith on Thursday - it's pretty good for a start

 

[SharkAttack]

Had a back injury 20 years ago and was told I would never cycle again and golf would eventually be once a week, once a fortnight preferably. It took 13 years but got back to both and golf is no problem, just be careful cycling as sitting in the one position on a cycle can cause you lots of back pain. Don't purchase a bike until you have at least borrowed one and used it for a few weeks, as it could end up being an expensive mistake. Get some advice from a specialist/physio.

Shark

 

[connor]

Sorry to hear about your back problems.
My bike is a Scott Sporster & is a hybrid. It's terrific & perfectly okay so long as you don't go anywhere silly on it, like down a mountain! I also have hybrid tyres on it which are perfectly adeqate for mixed surfaces.
I bought my bike in June 2009 & it cost me £500. I was told that (three years ago) this was the minimum required to get a good bike, DO NOT be tempted by special offer bikes from Halfords etc, that are only £149.
They are that price for a reason!
All the best,

Slime.

P.S. Don't give up golf until you really really have to!

some of the bikes at halfords are fairly decent thats where i got mine from. Ok not the ones for £150 i agree to steer away from there. Got mine for a snip as me mates a manager so i had a nice discount

this is similar to mine

http://cdn.uploads-preloved.com/uploads/userphotos/12/0223/4535255-563m.jpg

 

[Essex_Stu]

The Boardman range which is exclusive to Halfords is fantastic and cannot be beaten for price IMO.

 

[USER1999]

I cycle a bit. £500 buys you a good machine. Much less, there are some serious compromises. My chosen brand is Specialized. Can't see cycling as good for a Bad back though, better off running.

 

[mashleyR7]

Cycling is my other hobbie, one which I need to decide if i'm going to continue or give up are try and be a good golfer, the two are very expensive, my bike cost me over £2k.......

Anyway, Halfords Carrera bikes are Ok not bad for simple path and road riding. The Boardmans get a little more expensive and are great spec and value for money.

If you've got a bad back i'm certain a road bike will not do you any good as the riding position is hunched over and pretty uncomfortable even for a good back, a hybird with the upright position will be easier and more fun to ride, but a hybrid bike does limit you to paths or roads. A mountain bike will allow you go off road should you ever need to, I dont mean serious off road but just a patch through the woods of something.
Trust me once you've got the bike you'll wish you had got the next one up, just like golf equipment.


I'd suggest £500 is the minimum spec for decent bike that won't fall apart on the first ride. As with golf stuff new bikes come out all the time so look for last years models at huge discounts. Usually it just a change of stickers and colours in the new model.

Chain Reaction cycles is a good online shop or try your local friendly independent bike shop. Usually Halfords staff are just young kids who know very little, rare to get someone who works there that has a geniune interest in bikes.

Post up on www.sktechymtb.co.uk for more advice.

Ash.

 

[DappaDonDave]

I've got a carrera kraken on semi slick tyres used on police cycles. Is great because it has a chunky frame but tyres which will roll.

My understanding is that the carrera range are very well specced for the price (brakes, gearing etc) but the frame isn't as good as others. But if you're only doing casual riding you should be fine.

Planning on doing the Manchester to blackpool bike ride again this year

 

[johng]

Can't see cycling as good for a Bad back though, better off running.

Running, uhhh! Just about my least favourite activity, also heard running can screw your back up too? Having done a bit of research, I'm leaning towards a hybrid or flat bar road bike. I want something that rolls well and is good fun.

I've had a nerve block jab for the back, but this wore off quite quickly. I really don't want an op' so my last hope is something like Gabapentin for nerve pain. If this doesnt work it really is unlikely that i'll be able to play golf half decently again (though some will say i could never play decently before this). the specialists have basically said for me to do what ever i want, if it hurts then stop. They have no major concerns over cycling. It is less traumatic than the twisting involved in the golf swing.

Thanks to all for the advice, much appreciated.
John.

 

[r1965h]

I've just sent you a message.

 

[AmandaJR]

I'd just add to the great advice already given to get to a decent bike shop and be properly fitted for your new shiny speed machine. I did that for my last purchase - a stunning Bianchi called Bella - and no more neck, shoulder or back pain on long rides as the dimensions of the bike fit my dimensions....

Still get a sore backside but that's cycling!

 

[sev112]

Any hints on good places to look for secondhand bikes - i want to see if a road bike suits me first before splashing the real cash on something shiny and new?

 

[jpenno]

Avoid ebay and Gumtree, usually stolen!! - have a look on Bike radar.com for advice

As a cyclist and traithlete for several years, I believe you will have back problems on a road bike, certainly until you get used to the position.

I would advise getting a mountain bike, budget needs to be around £500 new and £250 used to ensure you get decent frame, forks, reasonable groupset and brakes. You need hydraulic disc brakes, as V brakes are useless and mechanical disc brakes are even worse.

One thing to remember is that at some stage you will fall off - hopefully you wont be as bruised as this

 

[mashleyR7]

try the forums on the bike radar and single track world websites. They're mostly mountain bike sites but post up a wanted and you get some offered to you. Or you could find out what the main road bike magaizine is as they'll have a forum.

 

[sev112]

cheers - signed up to bikeradar yesterday so that was a good idea

 

[jpenno]

Just had a further thought for you Wiggle offer a 30 day no quibble test ride - BUT only on full price bikes - might be worth looking at

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/30testride