Cheap hybrid bike. Best options?

[LR90]

Hi all, I’m thinking of getting back in the saddle, as it were, and buying a new bike.

I’m not an expert by any means and I’d like to spend as little as possible. I’d be prepared to go up to £200ish, but I love a bargain and I like a bit of spannering, so I’m mainly looking at the used market.

I’ve narrowed it down to a hybrid bike as I don’t need a MTB and my old B’Twin road bike always felt a bit flimsy on bad road, gravel etc.

I’m probably overthinking this purchase already, but I just want to avoid buying some absolute rubbish. Does anyone have any recommendations or, more importantly, brands to avoid.

I know B’Twin are well regarded but to be honest, I wasn’t impressed with mine. I hear Carrera are terrible? I’ve had a Google already, but I always think it’s worth seeking out first-hand knowledge from real people.

Incidentally, I found a 1992 Marin Palisades Trail close to me for £40 in need of minor TLC. Are these any good? I’m guessing not?

Thanks in advance.

[defblade]

Yes, you're definitely overthinking it.

A cheap hybrid is a good thing for getting back into riding IMO, especially if you're not sure exactly what sort of riding you want to do. It'll not be great at anything, but it'll cope with everything. Spend some proper money on a nice bike once you're sure you're using it regularly, and you've decided exactly what sort of bike you'd like.

That Marin model looks perfectly good. Check the brakes work, check the gears work, check the hubs run smoothly and the headset has no front/back play and turns nicely. Budget for new tyres at least as they're likely to be well past their best. Have a good look at the state of the chain and cassette in the pictures, I've always felt that a rusty chain is a very bad sign about the general maintenance, storage conditions and love a bike has had.

I picked up a £30 Giant hybrid a year or so ago, everything worked fine, stuck an e-kit on it and it's doing good work commuting ever since.

[LR90]

Thanks for taking the time to reply, and for your great advice. I’ll take this all on board.

Your Giant looks great btw - just the sort of thing I’m after. I’m off to Facebook Marketplace!

[Sarkmeister]

At the price range you are looking at I wouldn't dismiss Carrera so quickly. They a really decent bikes. My wife has had a Carrera Subway for 7 or 8 years now and it has been really good for generally family rides.

I'd just keep it as simple as possible. Avoid suspension and anything too fancy.

[sugerbear]

Pinnacle neon one is a bargain if you can find one seconhand. The eight speed is light and can do most things. Fit some bigger tyres and a comfy seat.

You dont need 21 gears you need lightness.

Edited by sugerbear on Sunday 7th July 08:04

[Cats_pyjamas]

With your price range, I wouldn't care about brand. Moreso condition and group set. £200 is a fairly limited budget, but there are bargains out there!

[McMoose]

I owned a Carrera Subway 8 for a number of years. It was the best hybrid I have ever ridden including a few at higher price points. The hub gear change is as smooth as silk. If you can find one near you in good condition you will not be disappointed. They are getting on for 15 years old now will need a thorough check over first.

[defblade]

Sarkmeister said:

Avoid suspension and anything too fancy.

That's something I forgot to say - any suspension fork (or full suspension!) at this end of the market will be a heavy, useless lump there entirely to sell the bike to silly impressionable people. Simple rigid fork all the way.