buying second hand bikes

HardWorker2010_2

rev_henry wrote: »

I commute daily on a similar vintage raleigh bike, today I rode 15 miles on it lol. Don't see the point in getting anything better really.

Cool. Mine's a Raleigh Max Ogre. Weighs a ton but very comfy. Managed to lose over two stone riding it during the warmer months last year. (Put some of it back on over the winter but plan on getting back out there this weekend).

Mids_Costcutter

I don't know about Harlem bikes, but would suggest that if you want to save money look to find an independent cycle shop that sells second-hand bikes. That way you can be sure that the bike will have been checked over and serviced by an experienced mechanic and will be roadworthy. Perhaps not quite as cheap as buying from the classifieds but worth it.

no_more_cards_for_me

As previously posted, don't buy anything with full suspension at the cheap end of the market. Under £600 is likely to be utter rubbish and entirely wrong for commuting.

I have two bikes, one a hardtail for off-road work and one a 17 year old raleigh rigid that I use for commuting. 22 miles a day, no suspension, old cantilever brakes but wonderfully comfortable and at an average of 16mph then fast enough to make the journey fun. My commuter bike was free via a friend. Ask about and see if any of your friends have old bikes they are not using.

Bear in mind that any bike you buy will probably need something done if its not new. i.e new brake pads, wheel truing, headrace checked, new inner tubes etc.

There are some bargins out there but look carefully. Independent cycle store is a good bet, they often have 2nd hand bikes and can make sure its roadworthy if you know nothing about bikes.

Good luck

malcb

I'm a very keen cyclist (lands End to John O'Groats twice). I wanted a cheap winter bike for off road - not wanting to overuse my good bike - found one on ebay for £70 6 years ago and used it every day in the winter ever since. Did 40 miles on it this morning.
What you want is a reasonably cheap hybrid - mountain bikes are for mountains! - and as suggested a helpful bike shop is a goldmine if you dont fancy ebay. Make sure its comfy to ride and is the right size - a good bike shop will help here - and then enjoy some quiet rides, maybe aim for a nearby pub. In my view spending money on cycling is pretty unnecessary but anything spent on reflective jackets etc is money well-spent.
Enjoy - it will get you fit and save you a fortune as petrol prices race up!!

freakybacon

If you are thinking of taking up cycling- and are unsure of what best to do- I agree totally with the above poster. Local bike shop is a mine of information, and will help when things go wrong- they often gain their business through recommendation. Incidentally- if you are working, a comfy bike can be used for commuting, saving petrol money and increasing personal fitness.