Either way this dilemma has been amplified on far more than 1 occasion. This was evident not too long ago when shopping for my latest “get thin quick” scheme -cycling.I’m a massive chap, so road cycling was out three fold. 1 I’d search stupid on a little skinny bike, 2 I’d search like a weirdo in spandex getting 16 stone, 3 I’m not shaving my legs.
So Mountain biking it is, now should this be downhill extreme style or not? Should this be on a full suspension, Hard tail or a hybrid bike? Do I need mountain bike shoes? What do they do? Is anything made out of carbon suitable? Should I get a helmet? Of course I should, What kind? A full face or the normal type? What Brand of Bike should I get? Kona? Specialized? Trek? Are they different and Why are some 500 and why are some 5000?
This is getting complicated…Ok so who can help me? I know Halfords…they are always there aren’t they. After 2 hours in there I decided that Craig, the 16 year old shop assistant knew less than I did so I needed an expert. After a brief sting of Google bashing I came across so decent reviews for Rutland Cycling and store that wasn’t to far from me. The store was amazing, racks of great bikes, some mega deals and a generally nice feeling to being there, this was paradise compared to the stark and sterile supermarket aroma that Halfords exuded.
Now where talking. It was rapidly understood that for my specifications a 800 Kona Tanuki was just the ticket, a full suspension beast suitable for a few excellent off-road abuse and general acquiring to and from.
I was given sound advice on what protective clothing was suitable, and even got to ride my bike around the beautiful Rutland Water on the same day. So I am now the proud owner of a mountain bike that will stand the test of time, the next thing is to decide where to ride and who to ride with. I am so extreme.
Look at these bad boys out! My Kona Tanuki was bought from this store Rutland Cycling. My Tanuki is a beatiful, well specked cycle so it may be worth puchasing yoursefl while it is in stock.