Gonna get me a road bike - I'm tall and heavy, hoping the bike will get me less heavy and better at running up mountains. Not ridden a bike for years - any advice?
Martyn, the Boardman bikes look good value for money; BUT a Tour de France look-a-like ( and spotty faced young oiks in Halfords ) is probably the last thing that you need if you are heavy and just getting back into cycling!! A touring or audax bike with a wide spread of gear ratios is probably what you need, for where you are at, at this moment in time!
For lightweight steel touring/audax bikes and an excellent fitting service you could do far worse than having a look at Paul Hewitt's ( Leyland, Lancs ) own brand, off-the-peg bikes.
Ian.
Thanks WD - just found their website - looks good
Martin, be very careful, there is no limit to the money you can spend on bikes!
If you're just testing the water to see if you fancy a bit of cycling, here are a few suggestions;
Graham Weigh - in Shotton - do part exchange on bikes, you may be able to get a serviced pre-loved bike from there.
I picked up a bike on eBay for about £235 & I've been happy with it, but I may have been very lucky.
You could have a word with Rich Wykes, he's a seasoned triathlete & may be able to help you.
I could put a message on the Wrecsam Tri site & see if anyone has anything suitable in their garage.
I've just decided I don't trust you anymore.
Not sure if you are emplyed by a Local Authority (with your teaching). Some LA's offer a 'Cycle to Work' scheme, which means you can save at least 25% as a tax payer. Jim from the Clwydian Runners bought a bike through this sceme last year, and I am seriously considering it myself.
Yeah, the C2W scheme is for new bikes up to £1000. Fantastic value if your employer runs it.
I know nothing about West End Cycles, but if you're passing, it makes sense to visit them & a few other bike shops to start finding out what you want & what you're willing to pay. They're normally quite intimidating places for non-bicyclists, I still don't much like them.
The Boardman bikes are very well reviewed. The frames & componentry are really good value. Some people have had bad experiences with the Halfords staff who sell/put them together. The commom consensus is to buy the bike from Halfords & then take it to a local bike shop to check it over.
I've just decided I don't trust you anymore.