Advise - cheap bike

[Spawn]

Hi all

first time I've posted here


I was just wondering what bike you may recommend for me.
With the car I own being a tad ott for a 2 minute journey I tend to cycle to work using my sisters bike (mine died many years ago). So.. I thought I would look into purchasing my own after many years without one.

All I need one for is:

- A 10 minute bike ride to work and 10 minutes back a day
- General use perhaps to nip up the vilage
- the odd 20 - 30 mile bike ride in the summer




Now, I know the Shockwave SUS500 from Halfords is bound to be a pile of rubbish, but for the price (£75) and what I want it looks spot on (even if it doesnt last as long as something a little more expensive).

I wouldnt want to go above £150 at max as I just need a basic, cheap, 'get me to work' bike. I cheaper the better really as long as it will do as I require.


Light weight would be good but not a necessity (the Shockwave at halfords is steel and will be weighty). Also has to look nice enough.

Your opinions will be much appreciated so thanks in advance.


Im sure a good amount of you are into your bikes big time and spend huge amounts compared to me but any information would be great - I have searched by the way, a few ok threads but your 'expert' opinions will be super )

[sjg]

Disposable crap. The suspension is heavy and utterly useless. The parts will be made of cheese, the wheels will likely be out of true by day 1 and get worse from there. Fine if you need a bike for a couple of months then throw it away. Fine if you're the sort to buy a bike, leave it in the shed and use it twice a year when the weather's nice.

For the use you describe, the Carrera Subway 1 is perfect. No suspension, but that pays for a decent alu frame and reasonable wheels and drivetrain. Comes with tyres better suited to road, which will handle light off-road - towpaths, etc use. RRP at Halfords is £199 but I almost always see it discounted from that. It'll be a much lighter, more durable and thoroughly pleasant bike to ride compared to that Shockwave POS.

[mk1fan]

A second for the Subway.

I'd also look at the Decathalon range - although your location may make this a non-starter.

For your budget I'd completely discount suspension and go for a rigid. You could - as an upgrade after buying the bike - replace the seat post with a suspension seatpost unit to take the sting out of the road.

[Spawn]

I think i'm going to get myself down the local cycle shop and have a browse around. I just don't need anything decent at all. As long as it gets me from A - B for a while. Good to hear your opinions though may look at raising my budget slightly

[dave_s13]

Been said nicely above but bottom line is....you NEED to spend £200 (min) for something that will last you a bit.

Or get something 2nd hand, but this has it's own drawbacks too.

Or

evans cycles have got somedecent stuff in their last miute sales bargain bit.

This would be spot on....only £170


Gary Fisher Tiburon 2006 Hybrid Bike

Ony problem with the sales bikes is getting one in your size.

Also check out Dawes....they are decent enough at making cheaper, but not crap bikes.

[Spawn]

cheers mate

[alfabadass]

The Subway as mentioned is a good buy and perfect for short journeys that you describe.

[mechsympathy]

In a similar vein are Merida bikes any good? SWMBO is after a girly road bike for shopping and towing miniMechs about with.