Help with first bike!

jbainbridge

Any of the Giant bikes will be better than the one in your first post. Good luck!

pinkteapot

If buying second hand, make sure you've gone to a bike shop and tried the new version, to check the fit, even if you know your size.

I did research online and settled on two Specialized models. Went to the shop and didn't get on with them at all. The geometry just wasn't quite right for my body proportions, so I couldn't get a comfy position. It's like trying to find jeans that fit. I then bought a bike by Whyte, who I hadn't even heard of before going to the shop. But as soon as I got on it for a test-ride, I just knew it was mine.

ErolGirl

Thanks for your advice! I think I will spend next weekend looking at the various bike shops in my area

I have just found a nice Scott P5 Hybrid bike for sale for £150 secondhand.... http://manx.net/classifieds/health-and-fitness/advert/675087/scott-p5-29er-hybrid-disc-brake-cycle

custardy

If you can forego suspension


http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/carrera-subway-1-2015-hybrid-bike-only-229-halfords-2233412

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/22-off-any-purchase-halfords-1603626

IronWolf

I got a Carrera Subway from Halfords for £250 as my first bike. It's a hybrid but the tyres are pretty thick and good for dirt tracks. I've never had a puncture in over 18 months on it. Is a tad heavy but has disc brakes which are great for muddy terrain and has 24 gears so makes tackling steep inclines pretty easy.

I use it mainly on road and its fine there too.

penguingirl

I have a Pendleton Brooke hybrid from Halfords- they are 229 (although mine is the model before) but you can normally find a 10% discount easily enough. It might not be for everyone but it ticked my boxes of being suitable for road and paths, but nothing too extreme. It's still early days on mine but so far I love it.

ShAnE

I also have a Carerra Subway, not really a bike guy so can't compare it to anything else but it gets me from A to B and has survived me taking it off road onto some light cycle trails without any real problem.