Which 2nd hand hybrid....?

[warp9]

Hi Guys
Looking to get back into cycling to work (5 miles each way) and currently have a battered 20 year old fixed frame mtb. Think the best think for me is a hybrid bike, looking to spend around £350 and am wondering if 2nd hand would give me more for my money? However
1) I have absolutely no idea as to the brands of bikes, quality and suitability as I'd also like to do some easy off road recreational stuff (e.g. tow paths).
2) Am concerned about buying shonkey second hand goods as have some bad experiences with ebay.

Please advise on brands and models of bikes to look out for, plus any buying tips when dealing 2nd hand.

Thanks
Warp.

[Roman]

For mostly on road riding I'd recommend a Specialized Sirrus - even the base model has an excellent frame - well worth upgrading the forks and chainset or going for a discounted or secondhand 'elite' version.

[A - W]

Roman said:

For mostly on road riding I'd recommend a Specialized Sirrus - even the base model has an excellent frame - well worth upgrading the forks and chainset or going for a discounted or secondhand 'elite' version.

Me too, second vote for the Sirrus here.

[warp9]

Hi Chaps,
Thanks for your comments. As it is me that would be setting up the cycle to work scheme, I can say that yes we do! Do you think that using this would offset any saving I could gain from buying 2nd hand?

[Roman]

I would say so.

Try www.cyclescheme.co.uk - gives you the opportunity to buy from most cycle retailers in your area so you get more choice than other providers (Halfords and Evans do their own schemes).

[richardxjr]

Same remit as you but didn't want to spend over 300 absolute max. Just bought a Carrera Subway Ltd from (sorry, Halfords) BUT it is a bargain.
Stickered £399, was £259 I bought for £200 last week now last few at £160
18" frame only it looks like though (fine for me 5'10')

Very pleased with it: good reviews too.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

ETA: Looks like no stock left now.

Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 16th September 16:29

[warp9]

My understanding is that the other advantage of the government scheme is that you can get the discount on helmet, lights, panier etc.

[ClassicMercs]

The best form of Cycle Scheme is not one of the big ones - you pay the retailer / scheme to shuffle paperwork.

The best way is to 'self administer' and then ask the retailer for a minimum 10% discount (off RRP). You would still have to fill in paperwork whichever route - the shuffling pays a middle mans wage and profit and nothing that is of benefit.

There is paperwork on the web - or your local shop may have some.

Why buy second hand when you can get something brand new to you for the same price after the VAT\PAYE saving. And you get to pay for it over a year.

I have one guy who got a £1250 GT full sus. After a substantial discount and the other savings it is costing him a few quid off £500 !

[BoRED S2upid]

richardxjr said:

Same remit as you but didn't want to spend over 300 absolute max. Just bought a Carrera Subway Ltd from (sorry, Halfords) BUT it is a bargain.
Stickered £399, was £259 I bought for £200 last week now last few at £160
18" frame only it looks like though (fine for me 5'10')

Very pleased with it: good reviews too.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

ETA: Looks like no stock left now.

Edited by richardxjr on Wednesday 16th September 16:29

Ive got one of these. Does the job fine for the cycling I do (10 miles max).

[anonymous-user]

Ridgeback do some good hybrids for reasonable prices