Cycling for Noobs

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richmac Jun 2020 9:15am, 9 Jun 2020 14,137 posts	richmac Your local FB sale groups could probably garner a try it bike before you commit to spending proper bunts, that bie can then recycled, no pun intended.
larkim Jun 2020 9:35am, 9 Jun 2020 11,221 posts	larkim My only nervousness about recommending 2nd hand to someone who is a cycling noob is that they don't know if they are getting a complete duffer or not that will put them off. I know once you get a hang of things fettling with gears and brakes etc aren't hard to do, but you could easily get put off cycling with a bike that jumps gears, doesn't stop quickly enough, has an annoying wobble in the wheel or the headset etc Not to say you can't get good second hand experiences without good cycling experience, but I'd be nervous about it. Those cycle recycle charities OTOH are excellent and take some of the risk out of getting something "pre loved"!
AJLB Jun 2020 9:36am, 9 Jun 2020 164 posts	AJLB Just caught up on this thread - two things - Halfords do often have some great bikes (particularly the Boardman range) - they also sell some lamentable "bike shaped objects" - but when I've gone to the dark side and bought there I've always ended up going to an indy shop to get set-up fixed... Back on the pedal thing, I always ride clipless - SPD (the small, walkable cleats) for commuting, and proper road one (Look) for the proper road bike. I've had one or two unclipping problems over the years, but besides all the "power and pedalling dynamics" hype, not having your foot bounce off a pedal on a pothole or bump and then skin your shin on said pedal makes it all worthwhile! Ironically the metal platform pedals that will normally give you reasonalble grip are the most painful.
Dibble Jun 2020 5:00pm, 9 Jun 2020 694 posts	Dibble That's great Angus. I am involved with something very similar down south cyclehub.org.uk We have seen much increased demand for bikes and servicing and are constrained by the size of our workshop and the need to keep mechanics and volunteers safe. Hence we are prioritising NHS and other key workers. There are a number of similar operations around the country so would recommend trying to find one if you want a cheaper second hand bike that should be reliable.
KimCanRun Jun 2020 6:15pm, 21 Jun 2020 4,618 posts	KimCanRun Does anyone have any experience with folding bikes? Good? Bad? I’m looking to maybe do a bit of cycling now and again. Think a folding one might help as I’ll be able to drive to nice, easy routes. Not looking for anything technical as likely I’ll be an occasional cyclist. Thanks.
um Jun 2020 7:23pm, 21 Jun 2020 2,724 posts	um Kim - I think McGoo may regularly tour the country on one?
AJLB Jun 2020 7:24pm, 21 Jun 2020 166 posts	AJLB With folders I'll tell you what I suspect most will: if you can afford it, get a Brompton. Simply the neatest, smallest fold (with the chain and mucky bits out of the way.) Also a surprisingly pleasant ride, nippy even, for such a small-wheeled bike. If you care about such things, made here in the UK as opposed to overseas. Other bikes don't fold as small, need bits actually taking apart, and fall over when folded. If space isn't so much of an issue (ie you're only going to be putting in the boot of the car, as opposed to on trains or buses), you can get cheaper alternatives, but with the drawbacks outlined above.
LazyDaisy Jun 2020 7:31pm, 21 Jun 2020 30,495 posts	LazyDaisy OH loves his Bike Friday Pocket Rocket (actually I think it was called Pocket Pilot when he bought it 15 years ago) and has cycled all over the world on it. For an occasional cyclist such as you describe yourself though Kim, a Brompton sounds like it would fit the bill better.
Dvorak Jun 2020 7:43pm, 21 Jun 2020 19,989 posts	Dvorak You can also get full-sized folding bikes. A mate got a folding MTB to take in his motorhome: it stowed in a large cubby rather than needing a bike rack. Said it rode pretty well. If the carrying will all be by car rather than public transport could be an option. Not that you couldn't take a folding MTB on a train, saw someone come down from Fort William to Glasgow with one.
Lip Gloss Jun 2020 8:26pm, 21 Jun 2020 41,584 posts	Lip Gloss Just been out on my bike for the first time but I have sore wrists.