Cheap hybrid bike. Best options?

[anonymous-user]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 08 July 2025 at 20:47

[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.

[anonymous-user]

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.