What adult bike, about £100
Discussion
Right.
Having thoroughly knackered my old bike (which, granted, was designed for teenagers with a weight limit about 40kgs less than me)... I need a new one.
I'm going to go and have a nosey down the local bike shop, and Halfrauds, to see what's available. I cycle mainly to and from work, which is roads and paths, and the odd grassed incline. But I'd like to be able to go bouncing across rocky paths, properly off road, or at least look like I'm capable of so doing.
Is it possible to get something for under £100, that will work for me? Even if I order online?
Argos would be handy, since I can get discount, but are either of these any good for me? I'm 6'4, 85ish cm inside leg, about 100kg...
These two both say "14 years and older", which implies "teen" rather than "adult"?
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3...
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3...
Having thoroughly knackered my old bike (which, granted, was designed for teenagers with a weight limit about 40kgs less than me)... I need a new one.
I'm going to go and have a nosey down the local bike shop, and Halfrauds, to see what's available. I cycle mainly to and from work, which is roads and paths, and the odd grassed incline. But I'd like to be able to go bouncing across rocky paths, properly off road, or at least look like I'm capable of so doing.
Is it possible to get something for under £100, that will work for me? Even if I order online?
Argos would be handy, since I can get discount, but are either of these any good for me? I'm 6'4, 85ish cm inside leg, about 100kg...
These two both say "14 years and older", which implies "teen" rather than "adult"?
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3...
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3...
I really think you need to be buying 2nd hand at that price. The bikes you have linked will weigh a tonne, be a nightmare to ride, and fall apart in no time, which will probably put you off riding.
Look on Ebay for 2, 3 or 4 year old versions of big brand bikes like a Specialized Hardrock, Treks, Giants etc. You might also find a decent Carrera Kraken at that price if it is a year or two old. Definitely stick to hardtails though (just front suspension).
Look on Ebay for 2, 3 or 4 year old versions of big brand bikes like a Specialized Hardrock, Treks, Giants etc. You might also find a decent Carrera Kraken at that price if it is a year or two old. Definitely stick to hardtails though (just front suspension).
PeteG said:
I'm going to go and have a nosey down the local bike shop, and Halfrauds, to see what's available. I cycle mainly to and from work, which is roads and paths, and the odd grassed incline. But I'd like to be able to go bouncing across rocky paths, properly off road, or at least look like I'm capable of so doing.
The only bouncing across rocky paths you'll be doing is on your ar5e when the frame snaps or the wheel spontaneously explodes. Do you really think its possible to make a complete bike with suspension and disk brakes for the price of a pair of budget wheels? If its a work commuter/bridle path type bike, then look at Halfords Carrera Subway. Very decent bike for around £200.
If you want to go off road, then spend a minimum of £400 to get anything decent.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?...
PeteG said:
Is it possible to get something for under £100, that will work for me? Even if I order online?
Simple answer - no. And don't order online unless you've tried the bike somewhere first. Frames vary a lot and you may not feel comfortable on a bike that would appear to suit your inside leg measurement etc.If you want a half-decent all rounder for a reasonable price, go to Halfords and look at the Carrera Vulcans. If you try one and like it, order online for an extra 20% off or ask the Store to match it. That brings the Disc version down to around £260ish and the V Brake version down to £230ish.
cheadle hulme said:
Do you really think its possible to make a complete bike with suspension and disk brakes for the price of a pair of budget wheels? If its a work commuter/bridle path type bike, then look at Halfords Carrera Subway. Very decent bike for around £200.
You make a very good point.I'll save the pennies a little longer, I think.
Might be worth a look on here : http://www.gumtree.com/bicycles
Some reasonable 2nd hand bikes listed by area.
Some reasonable 2nd hand bikes listed by area.
Edited by towser on Sunday 4th July 22:45
I have experienced the depression which usually follows buying bikes in this price range twice. First i bought my eldest son a cheap (£89.99) rigid 'MTB' from a local independent shop. Big mistake, as none of the components is up to the job, and the frame weighs the same as a large paving slab. Result is that the bike almost never moves, is broken (despite lack of use), and has now been replaced by Giant Talon which cost more than 5 times the price and is used daily, and has suffered more than one major crash without significant damage.
Second mistake was buying a second-hand 'Les Smith Special' (£69.99 new) for £20 from a friend who was posted to Germany with the army and couldn't be bothered with cycling anyway. This 'bike' has front 'suspension' that is entirely ineffective, weighs more than a large paving slab, and after only 1500 (mostly undemanding) miles spent riding around an army barracks, the thing is completely dead - both wheel bearings and bottom bracket bearings are worn out, brakes and gears no longer function as intended, and front 'spring-in-a-tube' suspension makes an awful racket. It has deteriorated to the point where it is now unrideable.
Both bikes have been replaced with better ones from GT and Giant, costing upwards of £450, and i console myself with the fact that i only wasted about £110, and have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for, and quality does cost. Basically, avoid anything in the £150-£200 range, as these are for folk who regard a 4.5 mile loop round Virginia Water once a month as regular cycling on an epic scale.
Second mistake was buying a second-hand 'Les Smith Special' (£69.99 new) for £20 from a friend who was posted to Germany with the army and couldn't be bothered with cycling anyway. This 'bike' has front 'suspension' that is entirely ineffective, weighs more than a large paving slab, and after only 1500 (mostly undemanding) miles spent riding around an army barracks, the thing is completely dead - both wheel bearings and bottom bracket bearings are worn out, brakes and gears no longer function as intended, and front 'spring-in-a-tube' suspension makes an awful racket. It has deteriorated to the point where it is now unrideable.
Both bikes have been replaced with better ones from GT and Giant, costing upwards of £450, and i console myself with the fact that i only wasted about £110, and have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for, and quality does cost. Basically, avoid anything in the £150-£200 range, as these are for folk who regard a 4.5 mile loop round Virginia Water once a month as regular cycling on an epic scale.
towser said:
Might be worth a look on here : http://www.gumtree.com/bicycles
Some reasonable 2nd hand bikes listed by area.
some good stolen bikes at your price point.Some reasonable 2nd hand bikes listed by area.
Edited by towser on Sunday 4th July 22:45
Carrera Subway can take some bigger knobbly tyres and will certainly cope with the odd simple forest excursion.
I also think the bike can take an 80mm suspension fork at a later date. Personally, I'd buy the Subway with the disc brake tabs on the frame - the base model doesn't have them.
I also think the bike can take an 80mm suspension fork at a later date. Personally, I'd buy the Subway with the disc brake tabs on the frame - the base model doesn't have them.
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