Greetings Posted May 5, 2012 Report Share Posted May 5, 2012 (edited) As above. Still a long way to go before I can consider myself fat but something is definitely going on down there and I don't like it one bit. Looking for a bike with a seat to just burn some fat / stay in shape and work on stamina. But have a good time in the process. Haven't sat on a bicycle seat since 2006 so I'm completely out of date with these things. As far as I can tell, there are a few options: - Road bike - Something like this (can't quite figure out what it's for exactly) - 26" mountain bike with suspension fork - 29" mountain bike with suspension fork I'm not really interested in cross country but wouldn't like to block that avenue off by buying the wrong bike. I also f**king love wheelies, used to do them until my arms would go numb back in the days. But mainly I just want to ride around on tarmac fairly quickly with some nice music and have fun. Any recommendations as for the type of bike or wheel size? If anyone wants to go into more detail I must add that I'd only be considering Merida since I have access to these bikes at a discount and can put them on expenses. Cheers! Edited May 5, 2012 by Greetings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 (edited) You could go for a hybrid bike. something like this it still has the same size wheels as a racer the tyres are a tad wider in width but you could change them on a later date plus if you have never rode a racer bike before with the drop low bars this is an ideal to start on with the flat bars to build your power and fitness before you take it seriously. Its a scott sportster 60 which is only £379 we sell them at the shop i work at very nice light weight bike for the money they also offer high spec models of this bike with different parts such as lock out suspension and hydraulic discs and different specs to cater for different budgets and they go upto £1000. Plus with the scott sporster 40 say for example with the suspension it comes with semi slick tyres so the bike can be used for off road and light bits of off road if you enjoy going down gravel lanes etc Edited May 6, 2012 by Andeee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 So you're essentially recommending this type of bike: - Something like this (can't quite figure out what it's for exactly) Must say it's the most appealing. So it's essentially a recreational, more comfortable type of road bike? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 So you're essentially recommending this type of bike: Must say it's the most appealing. So it's essentially a recreational, more comfortable type of road bike? Yeah pretty much hybrid bikes are like a jack of all trades and they give you that extra push for pedalling and so much comfortable. Where as say if you rode a MTB on the road you would not get the distance or speed compared to the hybrid ad the bigger wheels and narrow tyres help a lot. So yeah theres a lot of brands out there who offer some nice hybrid bikes such as Scott, GT, Ghost, Forme, Claud Butler and many more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 Would you say that with some fatter tyres a hybrid bike is good to go ever so slightly off road? Like riding in the woods for instance? I've got no experience with road tyres, perhaps they're good for any surface as long as it's not soft? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 Would you say that with some fatter tyres a hybrid bike is good to go ever so slightly off road? Like riding in the woods for instance? I've got no experience with road tyres, perhaps they're good for any surface as long as it's not soft? Yes maximum width tyres you can get for a hybrid bike is 40c ( racer tyres run on 23c) in width. Schwalbe do a nice range of tyres for all types of riding you could go for a semi slick tyre with kevlar beaded so you could do on road riding and light bit of off road riding. Its like with the craze of the 29" wheel scene at the moment technically they run on 28" rims the extra inch is from the sidewall of the tyre. so you could even go 29er too with a semi slick tyre if you wanted the beefyness of a 2.10-2.35 width. and for your last question yes they are not very good for soft surfaces.. stick to solid concrete or tarmac roads you don;t want to risk getting a puncture or slit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomm Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 You could get a cyclocross bike. They're pretty quick on road but then you can legitimately ride them off road. I wouldn't fancy taking that thing up there off road. But none of these options will be any good for wheelies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 How about something like this its still a hybrid its one of scotts top end models the sporter 10 comes with schwalbe nobbily tyres which would be suited for off road and you'd still get full road use. Its got the mountain bike look with the frame, forks, hydraulic discs etc just your 28" wheels with narrow tyres if your looking mainly doing off road n want more power n speed then id advise a 29er Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'scoolfool Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 (edited) you'll need more than a bike with a seat to lose weight, what's your diet like? exercise and diet is free i'd start there, if you're eating rubbish no amount of biking will do jack as your undoing your hard work Edited May 6, 2012 by old'scoolfool Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 But none of these options will be any good for wheelies. Can't say that's good news. But surely it's possible, just a bit more difficult to balance? How about something like this its still a hybrid its one of scotts top end models the sporter 10 comes with schwalbe nobbily tyres which would be suited for off road and you'd still get full road use. Its got the mountain bike look with the frame, forks, hydraulic discs etc just your 28" wheels with narrow tyres if your looking mainly doing off road n want more power n speed then id advise a 29er Andee I can only get a Merida bike due to the reason mentioned in the first post. This seems fairly similar: And then there's the 29" more mountain-bikey alternative. However, if I'll be doing 80% of the riding on tarmac then it's probably not worth it? So if I understand this correctly, the hybrid bike will be good for tarmac and a more recreational alternative to a typical road bike, the bike in the 1st pic is more off-roady than the hybrid and the one just above is mostly for off-road but also good on tarmac right? you'll need more than a bike with a seat to lose weight, what's your diet like? exercise and diet is free i'd start there, if you're eating rubbish no amount of biking will do jack as your undoing your hard work Yeah I know. My diet isn't brilliant but it's not bad either. The reason I'm getting a bit portly is due to a mono infection I got in September, wasn't able to do any exercise at all for over half a year. So despite the not too brilliant diet I never had weight issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT! Posted May 6, 2012 Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 I think you're going about it the wrong way. For a start, you're better off getting a XC bike (basic bike with front suspension forks and regular chunky tires) than a hybrid style bike. Reason being you can use an XC bike on the road, but most hybrids can't really be used on rough trails etc. You can use an XC bike on the roads, it'll be inefficient, but you're out to lose a little belly, inefficiency isn't a bad thing really. That way you won't be limited to what you can ride on. Also, most decent forks these days come with on the fly lockout. Secondly, sounds like you need to figure out what type of riding you actually enjoy doing. If you're just riding around on the roads and that isn't your thing it gets boring really fast. Boring means you won't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2012 You can use an XC bike on the roads, it'll be inefficient, but you're out to lose a little belly, inefficiency isn't a bad thing really. That's a fair point. Although all things considered, I have loads of nice roads to cycle on since I live out in the countryside but not that much trails. The surroundings are as flat as a 28AA lady and it's mostly fields. I can see the benefit of a road capable bike being that I'd be more inclined use it to ride somewhere I would otherwise take the car (provided I have the time to ride of course). As for what I enjoy, that's another good point and I just don't know. The appealing thought now is mostly just exercising alone in pleasant surroundings with some good music and having time to think. Anyway, I'm going to go to a local Merida dealer tomorrow morning and actually look at these bikes in the flesh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Went to test out a few bikes and decided to go for this one: Probably going to change tyres for something narrower and that's it. Absolutely fell in love with how these bikes ride. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Yes 29ers! i think that is what ill invest in next to my collection. Care to share the spec? Whilst were on topic heres a pic of my recent full suss after i did a frame swap last week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Vandart Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 2 words: resistance training burns 30% more fat than cardiac/aerobic alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 7, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 2 words: resistance training burns 30% more fat than cardiac/aerobic alone. Will look into it. Thanks. Whilst were on topic heres a pic of my recent full suss after i did a frame swap last week Pimp spec although what caught my attention more was the welcome gnome Spec of that bike is as follows. Not sure if it's good or bad? Hope the Merida importer has them in stock. Can't wait to get it! Speeds 30 Sizes [15]-17-19-21-23" Frame Big Nine EG TFS-D Color White [black/Red] Fork Manitou 29 Tower Expert 100 Remote Derailleur front Shimano SLX Derailleur rear Shimano Deore XT-10 Shifters Shimano SLX Rapidfire Brake levers attached Brakes Shimano M446 180 Chainwheel Shimano M552-10 42-32-24 BB-Set attached Chain KMC X10 10s Hubs Shimano M435 Cen Rims Big Nine Pro D Freewheel Shimano CS-HG62-10 11-36 Spokes Black stainless Tires Schwalbe 29 Rapid Rob PP 2.25 Wire Handlebar Merida Pro OS 660 Flat Stem Merida Pro OS Headset BB-410 Seatpost Merida Pro 2 27.2 Saddle Merida Pro Pedals XC Alloy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andeee Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 Will look into it. Thanks. Pimp spec although what caught my attention more was the welcome gnome Spec of that bike is as follows. Not sure if it's good or bad? Hope the Merida importer has them in stock. Can't wait to get it! Very nice spec with the full shimano components. 30 speed? You'll deffo have those extra gears for climbs and stuff compared to the likes of a 24 or 27 speed bike. Thanks yeah its one of my custom builds with hope brakes, lx and xt parts, 140mm rock shox.. my next upgrades is pro2 hubs. Its my new xc bike rides so nice and the longer stem made a difference and feels easier for riding up hills. The welcome ornament is actually a gargoyle .. My mum seems to have them allover our garden etc lol Let us know how you get on with it when you receive it and maybe get some pics or videos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dezmtber Posted May 7, 2012 Report Share Posted May 7, 2012 everyone needs a specialized crosstrail in there lives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greetings Posted May 9, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 9, 2012 (edited) edit: Never mind. Finally ended up ordering this one. Pretty much all the reasonably priced bikes were out of stock which left me with this slightly pricey and also rather ugly thing But hey, if I don't like it I'll easily sell it for the purchase price. Speeds 30 Sizes [15]-17-19-21-23" Frame Big Nine EG TFS-D Color Shiny Dark Silver[white/blue] Fork Rock Shox Recon Silver SA 100 Poploc Derailleur front Shimano Deore XT Derailleur rear Shimano Deore XT-10 Shifters Shimano Deore XT Rapidfire Brake levers attached Brakes Shimano M505 180 Chainwheel Shimano Deore XT 42-32-24 BB-Set attached Chain KMC X10 10s Hubs Shimano M435 Cen Rims Big Nine Pro D Freewheel Shimano CS-HG62-10 11-36 Spokes Black stainless Tires Maxxis CrossMark 29er 2.1 Fold Handlebar Merida Pro OS 660 Flat Stem Merida Pro OS Headset BB-410 Seatpost Merida Pro 2 27.2 Saddle Selle Italia X1 Pedals Shimano M520 Edited May 9, 2012 by Greetings 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1337 Trials Posted May 17, 2012 Report Share Posted May 17, 2012 2 words: resistance training burns 30% more fat than cardiac/aerobic alone. Spot on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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