Buying a bicycle help

flutterbyuk25

Hello

I am looking a buying a bike, just to go on the odd cycle here and there (mostly cycle path, but some paths aren't tarmac, just grass), and maybe ride to work on the rare occasion when I don't have a works vehicle.

I'm a bit confused by frame sizes etc. I am a woman, but I'm 6ft tall, inside leg 32inches. So not sure if a womans bike is going to be the right fit.

I'm only after cheap and cheerful, max budget £150.

Any advice would be gratefully received

Mids_Costcutter

The Why Cycle web site provides impartial advice, including on bike sizing:

http://www.whycycle.co.uk/bike_sizing_advice/

If looking to buy on a budget try a bike shop that sells second-hand bikes, as you can be sure that bikes sold will have been professionally checked and serviced.

geri1965_2

I have a woman's bike now but for many years I had men's bikes and to be honest with you I can't really tell the difference.

Lincoln_Imp

Nip into Halfords to try a bike out for size

Mids_Costcutter

Women's specific bicycles have a different frame geometry to better fit a woman's body. Women tend to have longer legs and a shorter torso than men, also wider hips so a different saddle can be of benefit.

flutterbyuk25

Thanks all

geri1965 wrote: »

I have a woman's bike now but for many years I had men's bikes and to be honest with you I can't really tell the difference.

I always had boys/mens bikes as a child/teen but they were hand me downs from relatives!

Mids_Costcutter wrote: »

The Why Cycle web site provides impartial advice, including on bike sizing:

http://www.whycycle.co.uk/bike_sizing_advice/

If looking to buy on a budget try a bike shop that sells second-hand bikes, as you can be sure that bikes sold will have been professionally checked and serviced.

Thanks for the link. There is a 2nd hand bike shop localish, problem is my ex is the new manager and I can't be bothered with the hassle of seeing him :rotfl:. I may have to look further afield.

eleven11

Go to decathlon they do good bikes for the money

neilmcl

flutterbyuk25 wrote: »

Hello

I am looking a buying a bike, just to go on the odd cycle here and there (mostly cycle path, but some paths aren't tarmac, just grass), and maybe ride to work on the rare occasion when I don't have a works vehicle.

I'm a bit confused by frame sizes etc. I am a woman, but I'm 6ft tall, inside leg 32inches. So not sure if a womans bike is going to be the right fit.

I'm only after cheap and cheerful, max budget £150.

Any advice would be gratefully received

The best advice I can give is to get down to your local, independant bike shop. They'll be more than happy to give you all the advice you need, in terms of sizing, bike styles etc.

Stay away from the likes of Halfords, but as the poster above mentioned Decathlon do very good bikes for a budget.

zurpher

The problem with second-hand bikes is that it is hard to know whether you get good value for your money.

I've read elsewhere that the Revolution Trailfinder '12 should be good value for money and certainly worth the extra £50 if you choose not to go second hand:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-trailfinder-12

I am 6'4" and am also looking for budget bikes that fit my size.

WLM21

Always try and buy as good a bike as you can afford. Cheap bikes have cheap components, such as the gears etc and these may make your cycling not as enjoyable as you would want.
With bikes ... you really do get what you pay for.
£150 doesn't seem to be enough for a decent bike. After all, a bike should last many years, so a slightly bigger outlay now will not seem so much if the bike lasts several years.

Dave_C_2

+1 for the Local bike shop and a second-hand bike.
Buying a new bike for £150 will only get you a cheap bike, maybe just better than a Bicycle Shaped Object but at the bottom end of a good bike range.

Dave