Bicycles

[proby24]

Good Morning:

i know we have a great mini community of cyclists on here so I was hoping to tap into your knowledge.

I am thinking of getting a bicycle. At this point I must admit I have ridden a bike in anger since my childhood. I am after a racing bike for general pottering around but serious enough if I fall in love with the sport. I live in Singapore which is as flat as a pancake.

First glance into bikes and it looks tough to know where to start. So many choices. Budget-wise I would set a preferred ceiling at around a grand but (like everything) my arm can be twisted. What are the thoughts on buying new/2nd hand? Is second hand a great value move like most watches?

All help would be warmly received!

[Josh B]

I wouldn't buy second hand at this point. Get a deal on last year's model instead and save a few hundred quid.

Find a good local bike shop. Not a big chain.

Get fitted properly (it won't be free but will be offset to some extent against cost of bike usually.)

Get one that fits you best.

Don't be sucked in by group set mania, stuff from the quality manufacturers will be similarly equipped but I mean don't be tempted to something that looks better on paper if it fits less well. Its easy to get sucked into the hardware side and in reality its not that important.

For Singapore I'd get a tight gearing set up 53-39 and 11-23 so not a compact which is often standard issue here in UK.

[jeepie]

Good advice from Josh B. I'd go down your local bike shop with the budget you want to spend. Talk to them about what you'll be doing and use their expertise. I think fit is the most critical aspect - it's vital, as or more important than a pair of shoes. Prioritise the frame quality over everything else. If in doubt a Specialized Allez is a good value make and a nice looking bike.

[Meesterbond]

I'd echo some of the above.
I've no idea what the secondhand / lbs market in Singapore is like but I'd always suggest someone buying their first bike or going back to it after a considerable break buys new, from a bricks and mortar shop, even if that means the spec on the bike is, on paper, less than what's available secondhand or over the web.

As for fitting, they vary from the bike-shop owner taking one look at you and saying 'you're a 54', to a three hour dynamic motion capture session which creates a bewildering set of angles and measurement which, for a beginner, is probably less than helpful. To be honest, sizing someone on a bike really isn't rocket science but you'll probably find that out of the box, one make and size will just feel a bit more right. If you're really stuck between two sizes, it's easier to get a slightly smaller bike to fit you than one that's too big, but if that really is the case then I'd probably look for another make.

I'd save the full-blown fitting for a little way down the road when you know what feels comfortable and feels right.

Not sure i'd agree with putting a beginner on a race gearing though. A 50/34 on the front with an 11-25 cassette will give a far more usable set of gears and you only lose 3 km/h at the top end at a speed no beginner will be doing on the flat.

[Tokyo Tokei]

Comment from a roadie friend in Singapore, which echoes other advice here :

Each shop carries specific brands. Eg, Cannasia sells Cannondale, Tay junction sells Specialized and there is another shop specialising in Pinarello. There is a good shop for repairs called "Byx" which also sells a brand. There are many bike shops around Singapore. Best is to find one close, good for after sale service

You'll have no doubt already read the fine guide to bike fit of course, and will choose something that fits your body, rather than something someone or some mag recommends

Paul

[cbh]

You'll have no doubt already read the fine guide to bike fit of course, and will choose something that fits your body, rather than something someone or some mag recommends

There is just so much wrong with that article. Raleigh Shoppers all-round

[Santoki]

To be honest I am terrible as giving advice to beginner cyclists, I can't see the wood for trees when it come to bikes. I'd probably suggest you get something pretty basic, probably around the £600 mark, make sure you get yourself some decent kit especially shorts, shoes and helmet, then join a local club and learn about all things cycling. Be prepared to throw the bike away and get a proper bike in a year. If you get into cycling properly your bikes will cost more than your watches (unless they say Patek on them) and you'll have more of them!

I'd echo the point on having a bit broader gearing than 53-39 and 11-23 for a beginner, go with a compact 50-34 instead and something like an 11-25, you'll find that is what most bikes in your price range come with anyway.

[UKMike]

If the cycle market is the same as in the UK, a sports bike will probably come without pedals because of individual preferences in shoes/clip systems etc.

Platform pedals on a sports bike will possibly lead to some ridicule but clipless pedals can take a bit of getting used to. Whichever you use, be sure to allow for the cost of pedals (and shoes) when budgetting

[Josh B]

Ive brought a few complete novices up to competent club rider status in the last few years. I stand by my recommendations.

[proby24]

Firstly I wanted to thank everyone for their advice so far. It is really helpful.

There are plenty of bike shops where I used to live out East, I certainly remember a Boardman shop amongst others. Think i will pop in at the weekend to start the search. I won't be buying anything until Jan anyway so I have a few weeks to work on my choice.