I want to buy a "comfort" upright bicycle, need advice!

Thistle-down

Can anyone give me some advice? I am looking for one of those "comfort" upright bicycles, with a low step-through frame, preferrably with a chainguard and rear rack already one it. I originally wanted a Pashley Princess but they are so expensive and only come with 5 gears.

I want to spend under or around £300, and buy something new, but of good quality that will last for years if taken care of. I have looked at the Trek Navigator, Dawes Mojave, and a Raleigh Metro LX. They all have 21 speeds, which is nice. Both the Dawes and Raleigh have EZ-Fire shifters, which I quite like. I've never had a bike with those twisty handle shifters, so don't know if they are easy or not.

I have seen some nice looking bicycles on ebay, brands I haven't heard of like Viking, Probike, and Barracuda. They seem to sell for under £200 but I have no idea of their quality. I don't want something that will fall apart or can't be repaired.

I know nothing about Dawes, are they decent bicycles? I have seen the Raleigh Metro online for £226, so am leaning towards that, also they are made in the UK which I like.though the local bike shop says the Trek is a better bike. (they sell Treks!) I don't know where Dawes are made.

Are there other brands I should be looking into?

Any advice from bicycle experts?

Many thanks!!!!!:D

catt_2

Trek and Specialized are good brands with quality components. Have a look at their websites.

Get the right frame size for your height.

Don't rule out a secondhand bicycle from Ebay as the comfort bikes often get little use before they are sold. They tend to be a bit heavy so get an alu not steel frame.

More technical advice on cycling forums.

Finally, get a decent lock!

....and a safety helmet!

Thistle-down

Thanks - I was able to ride both a Raleigh Metro and the Trek T30 Navigator- the Trek was far nicer built and comfier to ride, even with the twisty gear things.

I wasn't able to find anywhere near that has a Dawes in stock.

I might get the Trek because the local shop will set it up for me. They spent ages making sure of the correct size and seemed very compitent, plus the price was the same as what I've seen on the internet.

Now, which lock is best.....;)

Nile

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pianeet

i would look on ebay under dutch bicycles,sparta are an excellent make