Bike for commute to work - £200 budget

AndyBSG

fitzpm01 wrote: »

Ride any bike for a year and you'll have to replace components- as far as I'm concerned

'Maybe' things like brake pads and other consumables but I've had my current road bike for over a year and average over a hundred miles a week.

So far the only thing I've replaced on it is a couple of inner tubes.

Things like my gear/brake cables, cassette, tyres, shifters, brake levers, etc all have plenty of life left in them yet and I seriously doubt I will need to replace anything for another year.

That's a big difference to a cheap supermarket bike that will probably need several parts replaced over a two year period if it's doing similar mileage.

underhanded

Hi guys - I went on a bit of an adventure yesterday to around 5 second hand bike shops in Bristol to do some digging, and am starting to build up enough knowledge of whats good and whats not - for the price. At the moment I have 3 options, yet all have small drawbacks so might just be patient and wait a bit longer to see what else is on offer.

Gary Fisher Wingra (£175) - the bike offered by the first guy, he's given me an update its a 17.5 inch frame, new tyres, new inner tubes, new brake pads, new cables etc. I can go give it a ride at the end of the week (i think it might be a touch too small but will try it out).

Specialized Hardrock (£180)- MTB style, yet has new tyres, new front forks, new handlebars, new brake pads, brake cable etc. 19 inch and fits me perefectly, yet not sure if I want a MTB? (although if I did get one I'd feel compelled to take it off road for some fun)

Dawes Giro 300 (£210) - This bike is £350 new, this years version, and a second the guy got off a retailer and fixed up himself. Looks so nice, brand new, apart from the part he fixed. Full on road bike though, and also a 22 inch frame so a bit big for me, I haven't been able to try it yet though, but he said of course I can try it out. I have a bad feeling it'll just be too big, but seems like such a good deal I'm hoping it might do?

Thanks for all the help so far guys - I think I'm getting close to finding a good deal!

Dawes

Avoriaz

underhanded wrote: »

At the moment I have 3 options, yet all have small drawbacks so might just be patient and wait a bit longer to see what else is on offer.

I think I'm getting close to finding a good deal!

I suggest that you keep looking.

Those are three good bikes but one is too small, one is too big * and the other one has suspension that you neither want nor need.

Don't rush a decision that you might regret.

There are plenty of bikes out there that will be just right for you. You might have to spend a week or two searching or travel a bit further afield than ideal but you will find one.

* I'm guessing of course, The proof is to try them for size. One or the other may be a good fit for you.

underhanded

Thanks, that's what I'm thinking to be honest. The shop where I found the ridgeback has 17 more second hand bikes coming in at the start of the week, so im going to go in and see what I can find. Here's another bike that caught my interest, what do you think?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/dawes-discovery-301-hybrid-mens-bike/1033803775

dandelionclock30

Looks o.k, you would need to go see it and check it over for play etc. If you dont know how to do this then you need to take someone with you who does.
Its been priced at £180, but she will probably get £140 - £150 if she is lucky.
Apart from road worthyness the main thing is does it you properly. If its too big / too small its not a bargain as you will most likley be uncomfortable etc. So make sure whatever you get is correct for your height.

cyclistinbradford

Hi, Bristol is a cycling city and will have at least one good bike recycling charity or not for profit organisation. We have two locally which can provide people with basic, and sometimes better, bikes from around £40! As winter is coming it is probably better to get a recycled bike to get you through until the better weather comes along. This would also give you time to decide what you actually want and need. Now is not really a the time to get a good deal on a bike as everybody wants one for Christmas!
Happy Cycling

HappySad

I used to commute to work. I would start the working day happy and refreshed from being outdoors and doing the exercise. Work having a shower is a real bonus. I found out that I could use the director's shower when I got into work.

underhanded

Hi, I think this will be my last lot of questions as I've seen a lot of good bikes recently, and feel I just need to go for one of them! I've got 5 options, listed below, and I've setup trial rides on all of them (already tried two) and just want to see what people think sounds like the best deal. As said, I will probably just go for one of these, as I think they all represent fairly good deals, and the two I've tried have been good rides and good fits.

- Carerra Subway Ltd Edition, 18 inch with mountain bike style tyres - £175 - great fit, disck breaks, feels really nice to ride, idealy would have liked road style tyres, but still a really nice feel to it in my opinion.

- Raleigh town bike, think its the one linked below. Very good condition, seller said they guy he got it off only used it half a dozen times, and I think hes probably telling the truth, doesn't look used at all. Squeaky brakes, but said he'll fix that -£150
http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B5506.html

- Sirrus Sport 2013, After a bit of research, this seems like a really good deal, almost too good?? Asked for a ride tomorrow but if its in good nick, and fits, I feel inclined to go for this - £150
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/sirrus-sport-2013/1038599293

- Raleigh Retro Bike, bit of a left field choice, but caught my eye for some reason, and the guys said I can give it a try tomorrow. A lot cheaper than the rest, just thought I'd see if anyone thought I might actually be saving a bit of cash by going for something like this? - £90
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/raleigh-1980-retro-bike/1038382374#photo-content

underhanded

forgot to mention the first two are from bike sellers - so have both had full services

atmclg

Hi underhanded,

I'd second the suggestions for mudguards - they'll make cycling in the wet (whether it's just rained or is raining) much more enjoyable. Other things that will make riding the bike easier:

• Keep the tyres pumped up to their maximum inflation - usually about 75psi for a mountain bike, up to 100psi for a hybrid. That will mean you put less energy into compressing the tyres and more into going forward.
• If you're only using the bike on the road, get narrow "slicks" - tyres with no tread. Again, it'll help you go faster (or the same speed more easily).

The suggestion about getting a bike from social enterprise (e.g. Action 21) is a good one. They get some good bikes there, and if you go in when a mechanic is in they'll be able to give you some good advice too.

All the best with the cycling!