Best bicycle for getting fit / losing weight - Hybrid Type.

Donnie

Donnie

Suspended / Banned
Messages
7,027
Name
Paul
Edit My Images
No
Right, I need to lose some weight and do some exercise and am looking at buying a bike to do some regular excercise.

I wondered if anyone here had any recommendations as Im looking at wanting something that will go on the road but also capable of some gentle off road, ie the occasional farm track etc NOT going through forests etc at 30mph lol.

So, I've an approximate budget of £300 and can only seem to think of evans cycles, halfords and go outdoors currently and wondered if anyone here has any bike they would recommend in that sort of money?
 
I'd avoid Halfords and other cheap shops. They sell steel bikes which are twice the weight of a decent bike- though that is probably ideal for your purpose!
The way to lose weight is to use as much energy as possible, which would be easier with a heavy bike.

Up here, in sunny Scotland, a dedicated bicycle shop such as Edinburgh Bikes will steer you in the right direction- I'm trying to get a few bike puns in here!
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/
There must be something similar in Bedford.
 
Avoid halfords, poor bike and service before I returned it. Went to a local bike shop and got great advice. Do the same.
 
Halfords sell more than just steel bikes. Certainly my boardman comp is anything but steel.
For such a low budget you will be limited for choice with decent spec.
What about decathlon?
 
Halfords previously stocked the 'Boardman' range of bikes, which tended to be universally well reviewed. If they still stock them they would be worth a look (if in budget). Halfords own brand seem to have a worse reputation but I have no experience of how valid or not that it.

Decathlon also seem to have a good reputation. I only looked at their road bikes, but they seem good value (or did when I looked around 18 months ago).

Always worth going to your local bike shop and asking if they have anything from last season's range.

Edit Stuart beat me to it!
 
Weathers becoming rubbish your better off buying a exercise bike! Unless the wind n rain doesnt put you off, there's always chain reaction cycles, there ok for bikes! They say it's 80% diet 20% exercise! Good luck with it
 
Specialist shops have bikes at all price points. That's their business.
Don't write them off without a visit, you may be pleasantly surprised.
If nothing else, you can check out the weight and what features are available.

Second hand is another option.
 
eBay sell some £50, simple with a resistance gear, and you've got warmth and tv inside for a distraction while on it! Your be surprised if you watch something interesting you get carried away and spend hours on the bike!
 
akr said:
Halfords previously stocked the 'Boardman' range of bikes, which tended to be universally well reviewed. If they still stock them they would be worth a look (if in budget).
Click to expand...

They should stock them as Halfords now own Boardman Bikes!
 
Donnie said:
Or my other option is an exercise bike indoors?
Click to expand...

No. Whilst you're putting that much effort into it, you might as well get some fresh air and scenery!

daugirdas said:
steel bikes are good for you. You'll work harder and lose weight faster! Trust me on that.
Click to expand...

Get a nice three speed 1970s bike like mine. No point spoiling yourself with twenty one gears.


Steve.
 
Last edited:
If you are considering the indoor alternative of an exercise bike, how about a rowing machine? Though having a bike is very handy; often quicker to go to shops on the bike than in the car.

Dave
 
You could look for a second-hand hybrid or CX bike through cycling forums, occasionally on here or other forums you frequent. If you're active on social media, stick up a 'want' post and see if anyone you know has a bike they don't use. Gumtree and preloved can be useful or there may be a cycle collective in your area that you could ask for advice.

Fact is that nearly any bike will do what you want. You don't really need a specialist bike, you need to get out and take some exercise!* And I say that as a nearly full-time salad dodger who's been dodging exercise for far too long. :(





* Ok, a proper road bike's wheels will buckle in a few seconds on a rutted track. The point is that you don't need to find the specialist bike that fits your precise needs, you need a bike that you can get out and ride.
 
Tringa said:
If you are considering the indoor alternative of an exercise bike, how about a rowing machine? Though having a bike is very handy; often quicker to go to shops on the bike than in the car.

Dave
Click to expand...

Indoor bike will take up less room than a rowing machine as that did cross my mind
 
It's a bit of a cliche but the only bike which will help you get fit is a bike which you use. So pick something which is the right size (I was going to say comfortable but hard&narrow saddles are actually more comfortable over longer distances/times) and which you are excited about buying and riding.
I'd also recommend working out a routine of how you are going to get cycling into your lifestyle as its all too easy to leave it in the garage whilst its colder/dark/wet outside - that's why I cycle to work everyday come rain or shine or snow, I don't give myself an option!
 
Steve Smith said:
Much less hassle than a derailleur gear with too many speeds crammed into a small space. I got fed up with constantly adjusting mine so I gave it away and bought a three speed!

http://stevesmithphoto.webs.com/HERCULES.jpg


Steve.
Click to expand...
horses for courses, if you dont need 7-10sp then you dont need them. derailleur runs on cable tension so should be a piece of pie, if i remember rightly (its been a few years since i had the pleasure) much like a sturmey.
 
Specialised do a very nice hybrid for £100 more and are brilliant bikes

I looked at one this morning and very nice was in blue and black surprised I didn't buy it lol


I'm 19 stone and my old specialised hardrock ( budget ) hard tail was a brilliant bike changed a few small things and was very pleased till done scroat nicked it
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top