Second hand is a good route, and the Subway is worth a look.
Don't be naive by thinking that heavy bikes won't bother you. It will really make a difference every time you ride. If you buy a badly made bike then you can take it back as faulty, but a heavy one is like that by design so you've no comeback!
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The reason they seem more expensive is that they tend to be made by "proper" manufacturers (I'm even including Carrera in this), whereas the factories knocking out the £99 jobbies tend to just make MTBs, particularly to appeal to the teenage market.Originally Posted by bertie
"Brilliant things instead of weeping will be for the person who comes to the truthful one. But a long period of darkness, foul food, and the word 'woe' - to such an existence your religious view will lead you, O deceitful ones, of your own actions." - 1000 years BCE, Zoroaster predicts the coming of Keanu.
Trek 7.0 FX ? Ridgeback Velocity ?
......"Bertie is pretty much a zen master..................."
Just avoid Halfords.
Go to an independent bike shop - you'll get staff who listen, advice, a better bike more suited to exactly what you want, assembled and set up correctly, and probably for less.
Since I had some bad experiences with Halfords a few years ago, I discovered my local independent bike shop and I will never go in Halfords again. The small shop can get anything they can, but mostly better stuff, and charges less.
"Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand" - Homer Simpson
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no the other kind of bikes... try second hand, there's some bargains to be had.
Just get a Pacifica and see if the little tinker keeps going
Pootling about rather than hard riding £100 s/h will be fine - just spend (or DIY) on a new set of tyres and service - you DO want decent brakes.
Most bikes are on average ridden twice and left in the garage. I have a grotty old £100 Holdsworth, the missus a £400 hybrid Marin San Anselmo. Both are equally under-used
Another middle aged convert to the bike here. I had an old mountain bike (still have it and it 18 Y O) which ran well enough and was reliable. New partner was keen so I bought here a halfords suspension bike in pink (had to be pink)! Well my bike ran away from hers freewheeling down any slope, I lubed both but it made no difference. And it was bloody heavy lifting it onto the cars bike carrier.
Well two years ago we said we would treat ourselves, went to our small town bike/fishing tackle shop and got a his and hers hybrid. Got a bargain at £600 the pair and they are a) quality. b) nice rides. c) lighter. d) very capable in any off road situation a couple of overweight middle aged buggers might find themselves in.
Was it the right move, you bet.
So visit a car boot sale or two and buy used to save money, but don't skimp on quality. Old school bike shops FTW.
how crucial is frame size.............for me they seem to say 18".................Ive found a Carrera Gryphon - 4months old for £195.........but its a 20" fram (im 5 10 with a 32 inside leg)
......"Bertie is pretty much a zen master..................."
I wouldn't worry too much about frame size for casual riding. For mountain biking, a smaller frame gives you more maneuverability and lighter weight. I think the weight factor is also true for road cycling. But for a jaunt round the local park, just get something that you feel is comfortable.
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so that Gryphon at £195 - worth a punt ?
......"Bertie is pretty much a zen master..................."
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