stretchybloke Posted September 8, 2014 Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Hi, I'm the wrong side of forty,6 foot 4 and am looking to get back into riding again after a long absence. Not sure of what type of bike to buy as things have changed so much since my last bike .There seems so much more available now and am a little daunted buy the bikes that are around . Used to ride bmx and an old dmr 26 inch. Quite like the look of a 24 inch bike but am wondering if I am too tall. I want to use the bike to do the round trip to work of about 5 miles a day as well as for fun . Any help would be greatly appreciated . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaccJosh Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Get whatever looks fun! And if you want to cover distance maybe a bike with gears and seat?!? dunno... like old-school maybe what you know from ye olden days. ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stretchybloke Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Cheers for that the advice,not sure about the gears as am a fan of single speed . The more I look at them the idea of 24 inch seems to be more appealing . Not sure what make yet but a guy not far from me has an inspired element for sale. Not sure what they are like as it is a new manufacturer to me but they seem to have some good reviews . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dk2 Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 with you height 24" or 26" shouldn't matter to much. im 189cm on a 24" and it fit nicely.. Inspired is good quality, no issues there... And 40+ is the right side 40- is the wrong side(getting to the right side soon)... And welcome back Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trialingtank Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 I'm just getting back in trials as well I'm nowhere near 40 though my current bike is a Dirt Jump (26" wheels, rigid fork) running 25/12 gearing and its lovely to cycle moderate distances! Usually ride around 4 miles to my local woodland tracks, have fun for a couple of hours and then ride back. I'm most likely going for a mod trials, as its smaller, cheaper and tough (I'm 6'1" and 16 odd stone)....but I'll probably end up riding around on that quite a bit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willeyeam Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 You don't really want to be commuting on a trials bike. If you're set on it then something old school or an inspired hex / fourplay with gears would be the way to go. Pick yourself up a cheap second hand road bike for commuting, i just got one for £70 and it does the job. If you did that it would massively widen your choice of trials bike as everything is single speed now and a lot of bikes have horizontal drop outs so no mech hanger. I came from a dirt jump / street background too and I think a 24" streety bike will fit you well. Look at the for sale section on here. An onza zoot is a good budget bike. If you've got a bit more to spend then fourplays come up quite regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stretchybloke Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 The commute is not far really only 2.5 miles there and it's downhill and obviously the return journey uphill which is not to steep and also passes my local pub so could stop of for a drink on the way. Good to hear that a 24 inch would be Ok for me as I was a little concerned that it may be too small. Thanks to everyone for your help. Am contacting the guy tomorrow about the element and hopefully we will do a deal. It has a rear v brake, does anyone know if a hydraulic brake can be retro fitted instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willeyeam Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 You can get an adapter for a Magura. I've never used one but from what i've heard a good vee brake is better than a maggie on an adapter. The element is a good bike, let me know how you get on with commuting on a 22:16 gear ratio . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stretchybloke Posted September 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Will keep you posted on how it goes. He's asking 650 for it but may he up for a cash deal. I don't really want to spend more than that really. It's a 2013 model and has had moderate use so will give him a call tomorrow to see if I can view it or he can mail me some pictures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waybe2014 Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Get some pictures and the specs and post them on here. That seems a little high depending on damage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willeyeam Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 Don't pay £650 for a 2013 element. Now that a new generation of inspired frames are out the 2013 element has been rebranded as the 2014 flow and it's £800 new. For £650 you should be able to get a fourplay with a spec more like the team. Keep an eye on the for sale section on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onzatpro09 Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 (edited) The element is a good bike, let me know how you get on with commuting on a 22:16 gear ratio . l ride the new element to school sometimes with 22:16 which is about 2 miles in 15-ish minutes on flat/slightly downhill. It is surprisingly easy, especially with decent hubs/bearings Much easier than when I used to occasionally ride my mod to school! Edited September 9, 2014 by onzatpro09 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifes-a-trial Posted September 9, 2014 Report Share Posted September 9, 2014 When you say getting back into riding you need to be more specific as to what type of riding you want to do.I am totally the wrong side of the big..... 40.....(arrrrgh) and through experience I wouldn't mix commuting with Trials.Thats definately a young mans game? Bike for each I'd say . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stretchybloke Posted September 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 12, 2014 Hi , have phoned the guy with the element for sale and hopefully will be viewing it on Sunday. He said there are few marks on the frame and forks but they are cosmetic only . Am hoping to take a few pictures to upload to here for a second opinion before I think about buying Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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