Anyone know bikes?

Drea

I'm looking to buy a bike for getting to/from work (around 3 miles each way). I just want something cheap until I know I'll actually stick to it so have been looking on gumtree.

So far, I have two options.

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/21/74608121.html - this one at £25

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/68/74771868.html - I've got this one down to £40

Thing is, I haven't a clue about bikes and what is a good price or not for a second hand one.

Are those two bikes worth the prices? Is it worth going for the more expensive one or is there not much in it? I'm clueless!

Thanks for any help

forgotmyname

1st one looks like the front forks have been fitted backwards? i would have thought more stable the other way around.

2nd one suspension type, Heavier and more to go wrong, Do you need suspension?

geri1965_2

I wouldn't buy either of those.

rev_henry

At that price, a bike's a bike. Though I wouldn't buy either. Don't get something cheap with full suspension - there's no point and it makes it very heavy. Just get whatever's in best condition, without suspension. I ride an old raleigh a similar commute to you each day. My dad bought it for about £70 secondhand about 10 years ago. Nothing wrong with it at all, it does the job and doesn't get stolen (big problem round here) because there's usually a much more expensive one parked next to it. No need to spend £70 though, the price range you've looked at is fine. Except round here it won't buy you much because all the students want them. Also, many secondhand cheap bikes are a lot better than the things you get new for £80 in Halfords etc.

Drea

Thanks everyone, so it looks like the cheaper one is maybe the one to go for.

To be honest, I don't even really know suspension is :rotfl:

rev_henry

The £25 one is tatty, the front forks are the wrong way round and looks too small for the average adult. I'd keep looking. Suspension is the springy bits on the front fork and on some bikes in the middle. Look at the difference between the 2 you've posted.

Drea

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/45/74635545.html - what about this one?

Drea

rev_henry wrote: »

The £25 one is tatty, the front forks are the wrong way round and looks too small for the average adult. I'd keep looking. Suspension is the springy bits on the front fork and on some bikes in the middle. Look at the difference between the 2 you've posted.

Thanks, to be honest I just thought the second one looked prettier :rotfl:

I see what you mean about the front forks with the first one though, once I figured out what that was....

Drea

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/51/74766451.html - this one was also an option.

rome55

i would avoid teh first one because the forks are back to front and who knows what else is wrong with it. Also no one has mentioned the size? as it could be to big or small? depends on you height?

rev_henry

Drea wrote: »

http://cardiff.gumtree.com/cardiff/51/74766451.html - this one was also an option.

That one looks decent, and is definitely a normal size. Also doesn't have knobbly tyres so will be a bit quicker for your commute.