Greeting everyone,
I am 25, living in Wales. I love nature walks, I can never get bored of doing ...
Greeting everyone,
I am 25, living in Wales. I love nature walks, I can never get bored of doing that. When I am not out and about looking at some breathtaking landscape I am total couch potato. I occasionally work as translator and love it.
Member since:04.07.2008
Reviews:11
About a month ago I entered Halfords to have a look at the bicycles they are selling. Quite a few caught my eye. The shop was rather empty. I took a good look around at bicycles and accessories.
I did not even know then how to ride a bicycle or what I was looking for, but I knew I need to get myself back in shape, so a few days later I was back with my husband to purchase my first bicycle.
The staff, the treatment, the decision experience A+
There were only 2 staff assistance in the shop but customer free which suited me very well as I wanted to talk to them and ask for advice. I was guided by a really nice young boy who showed me the bicycles I liked. I got to sit on them in order to find out what size fits me best. I think I tried about 10 of them.. The staff was very patient and helpful. I really appreciated that all my questions were answered. I was helped and explained on how to adjust the saddle up or down and what sort of key I need to do so
The one that really caught my eyes and I was very comfortable on was the
Apollo Fs.26 17" full suspension for ladies. This bicycle felt really nice in particular. . Ordering it was easy and simple. I was told I can get the bicycle ready assembled the next day which I decided to come and pick it up myself.
The next day I came to pick it up. My bicycle was already assembled and the lovely staff helped us get it down the stairs.
Learning to ride at 26 years
First I have to say that there are no helping wheels for adult bicycles so you got to learn the hard way.
Well now I had my bicycle and I had to learn on how to ride it so I went down my local park where there is are the most amazing cycling paths ever.
For anyone that learns to ride a bicycle I want to say that is the most easy thing ever. It took me an hour and a half to learn the balance in order to ride on my own. I learn by holding on my husband, he was walking sideways while I was pedalling, before I knew it I was doing it without any help.
The manual that came with the bicycle was very helpful as it explain to me very well on how to use the brakes and change the speeds.
After 2 more days out on the bicycle I was comfortable and got the grips on how to cycle; I was ready to go and explore wonderful paths for biking. I rode about 12 times by now and I must can't believed on how much I've lost by not knowing on how to ride. There are the most beautiful paths designs for cycling where I live that I would have never explored just by walking.
Out of all the forms of exercise I tried this gave me no back pain.
Remember: be safe and wear a helmet. I fell off my bicycle a few time, nothing bad happened but you better be safe then sorry.
How does the bike feel:
The ride is smooth and feels comfortable; if you are on a bumpy ride it absorbs the shock very well. I road a friend bicycle and I got to tell that bumpy road can feel pretty rough.
I was quite worried, as a few times as I fell off it, that I am going to break something but both I and the bike got away without any scratch
Bad points:
There is a wire present that when you are pedalling can rub the feet/ trousers area. I advise you gently twist it behind some of the metalwork on it. I did not realised I have to do that so it kept rubbing on my trousers without me noticing it and started to wear out a bit. Now that I folded it under it does not do that anymore.
In the beginning I was very unfit and unable to go up the heels so I had to get off the bike to push it. At times the bicycle felt really heavy. And I think that for a couch potato like me is a bit much to push around at times.
Be careful when you change the speed as it clicks and the pedals feel a bit weird while they go from harder to easier in order to get up hill easier - you can loose the foot on the pedals. I guess is just a matter of getting used to it.
I think is really funny that the logo placed on the bike is not painted on, is actually a sticker.
It seems to be available in only one colour.
Price:
I paid £124 in January and I think is a good value for money especial for a beginner bicycle.
I just checked the Halfords website and it sells for £209.99 - so keep an eye for a sale if you don't want to pay the full amount.
Online was £7 cheaper at the time I got it, so always keep an eye for the online price and the shop price as it may be different.
You can go in the shop, decide what you want, order it online and then come back to pick it up ready built; they also deliver it home but I am not sure if they can delivery it already built or not you should double check this with them.
Overall impression:
I road this bicycle 15 times by now, every time travelling approximately 5 miles and I must say is really nice.
It gives a really smooth ride, feel nice and sturdy- not like those flimsy road bicycles.
It still looks nice and neat even though I took it out for a ride in some bad weather, no signs of rust or wear.
Note:
don't try to assemble it at home, I don't think I would of ever managed as it looks waaaaaay too complicated.
Now I think I have a better idea on what I look for on a bicycle and I really got the taste of this hobby.
The future is on a bicycle for me. You can burn around 500 calories in an hour ridding it and have a lot of fun. Now if that's not amazing I don't know what lol
A few technical details:
• Steel made • Frame sizes available 17-18, • Approximate Weight (KG): 16.7 • Wheel size: 26" • Suspension: Full • Tyre size: 1.95" • Brake Type: V-Brakes • 18 speed
For more details visits the Halfords website or their shops, they seem to be the main seller for Apollo.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
exceptional by (6%):
very helpful by (94%):
