Need a new push bike but dont know what to buy???

Question

Im thinking about buying a new push bike. It will be ridden on the roads, the paths and maybe off road occasionally.

I wont be doing anything "extreme" with it.

Currently i am looking at a bike with FRONT suspension. The bikes are around the £400 mark and the brands im looking at are Trek, GT, Specialised and Pinnacle.

1. Is suspension necessary?

2. Will it reduce the speed of the bike?

3. How do i know that when i push off and start cycling, the suspension wont always push in (which will be annoying)??

4. Which of the above four brands would you recommend?

5 Any other tips for this novice??

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

in your price range, check out the different models from Trek, KHS, Specialized, and Giant

do you need front suspension? not really, but it is nice
reduce the speed? only because it adds weight
test ride a few and it will be easier to make a decision
they will also make sure you pick the right size bike, that's why you should always go to your local bike shop, not a department store

Answer 2

1. Is suspension necessary?
If your riding on quite rough tracks at speed. The handle bars could shake out of your grip. Especially braking or changing gear

2. Will it reduce the speed of the bike?
Yes but only slightly. they weigh a bit more and have a greater aerodynamic drag. Unless your competing it won't bother you.

3. How do i know that when i push off and start cycling, the suspension wont always push in (which will be annoying)??
Suspension will always give a bit when you start off. Otherwise it can't soak up the bumps. You get used to it pretty quick.

4. Which of the above four brands would you recommend?
The one that gives you what your looking for, the best components and the price you can afford. They are all good.

5 Any other tips for this novice??
Spend a bit of time at a few bike shops have a chat to the people there (If they are not busy they usually love a chin wag). Tell them what you want to do with the bike. Try a few out. Get measured up. Check out what accessories you might like. Learn about your maintenance needs. Check for local riding groups that you might like to join.

Answer 3

I like Specialised and Orbea. That's is just an opinion.

Most suspensions can be adjusted, so they are stiff or soft enough according to what you like.

Because of the riding you plan on doing, you do not need a rear suspension. Maybe not even a front one either.

Your best choice would be to find a bike shop that listens to you, that gets you a bike that is right for your size, and needs, where people are willing to let you try them and give you some advice.
Avoid the shops where they are to busy to attend a customer, or that want to push you into getting their overstock bikes regardless if you need what they have, etc.

A proper fitted bike and a reliable bike shop expert/mechanic are as important as the bike you finally get.

So enjoy your search, give it the time you need and get the bike you like and that is the wright size for you, form a shop you can trust for repairs, maintenance, gadgets, etc. The rest is secondary.

Answer 4

Trek or specialized would be the best and if you choose the correct suspension 4 ur weight then it will not push in when you set off although most duspension is adjustable to prevent this anyway. above all though try the bikes first and see which is most comfortable for u and ur riding style