WWHFD? Bike related (updated)

[Deleted]

Okay, so I bought a bike. The aim of having it was to supplement my fitness. I'm not really a bike person. Or at least I thought I wasn't... But, since I live in the land of the gorgeous country pubs and I like to eat I thought it would be great to ride to the pub. Note: I don't cycle and drink, that's almost as stupid as drinking and driving, especially given how narrow the roads are and how fast the cars go here.

Anyway, I have a few miles under my belt - not many, just enough for a taste. And I like it. A lot. Like I want to ride LONG rides. Maybe even do the London to Paris ride in August.

So what's the dilemma??

Well, the bike I bought is a hybrid. The chain keeps slipping. I took it back to get it fixed, which they happily did. Except it hasn't fixed it.



Edit: I've borrowed a specialized road bike from a friend. Will head out tomorrow for a spin...! Excited!

[Susie]

I never really enjoyed my hybrid, so I'd want a road bike. The hybrid was fine for tooling around at the beach, but I could've used a cruiser for that. I never enjoyed actually exercising on it. My road bike is much more enjoyable for me.

Do you know if they'll take the hybrid as a return? I can't remember how long you've had it.

[Deleted]

They will take it as a return - I bought it on 30 March, they have a 90 day return policy so I think I'm okay on returning it.
As far as road bike - I could still ride it to the pub I'd use toe clips (cages) rather than those special pedals and cleats (think that's what they are called) so I'm leaning towards just having a road bike and not having both. I don't think I'd ride every day or enough to warrant two bikes, if that makes sense. Except I like the comfort of the hybrid. Argh! Am I just being a bit keen out of new enthusiasm for cycling? I do this. This is how I ended up doing my first half marathon after just 5 weeks of training.

[joenali]

I suggest returning the hybrid for a road bike. You are not going to want to go on long rides with a hybrid.

[katinthehat]

Both. Keep the hybrid or return it for a cruiser to ride to the pub. Get a road bike and start riding long! Also, find a new bike shop if they can't fix the problem or you think they're blowing you off. And, ask them how they're fixing it and what you should do if you're out riding and it happens. Then practice fixing it at home. There's not a whole lot you can do to your bike at home that they can't fix, so don't be afraid of screwing up.

[sadlebred]

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1. Therefore, you should get a road bike, too!

If the chain keeps slipping, that means it hasn't been fixed. It should not be too hard for your bike shop to fix it! I'd have them look at it again.

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2014 17:34:39 GMT -5 katinthehat said:

Both. Keep the hybrid or return it for a cruiser to ride to the pub. Get a road bike and start riding long! Also, find a new bike shop if they can't fix the problem or you think they're blowing you off. And, ask them how they're fixing it and what you should do if you're out riding and it happens. Then practice fixing it at home. There's not a whole lot you can do to your bike at home that they can't fix, so don't be afraid of screwing up.

They don't seem to sell cruisers here much. I loved the one I rode in Paris - so fun. However, there are a few hills where I live and I think cruisers are going to struggle on them. Great for Amsterdam and Paris, but not so much here.

I wouldn't have a clue what they are saying. I took my husband last time (degree in engineering, keen cyclist) and he was immediately able to tell them they were talking shit. He's in the US at the moment so it's just me. I would never

And I am SO nervous about going for a long ride on it now - if something happens, I'm stuffed. I'd have to phone someone to fetch me and I live a long way from most of my friends.

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2014 22:12:49 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

The correct number of bikes to own is n+1. Therefore, you should get a road bike, too!

If the chain keeps slipping, that means it hasn't been fixed. It should not be too hard for your bike shop to fix it! I'd have them look at it again.

You wouldn't think so, eh?
I'm not certain I have room for another bike. Remember, we live in tiny places over here!
I've got my eye on a sweet Boardman carbon roadie on eBay. It's going to be a long wait til the auction ends on Sunday.