Bike for £200 or less?
Discussion
Want to get the g/f a mountain bike (mainly for road use but will build up to some off-road over time) She's 44, 5ft and it's not too serious - mainly to get fit and have some fun. Is there anything around the £200 mark that would fit the bill and any decent online places to buy such a bike. My local bike shops in Poole seem to start at around £350!
www.evanscycles.com might have something in their sale and Halfords do a cheap range. Failing that eBay.
I got a year old hybrid that would have been £600 new for £180.
I did have to spend another £100 to sort it though
I got a year old hybrid that would have been £600 new for £180.
I did have to spend another £100 to sort it though
Check out the two links below from recent postings. If you mean for £200 and not a little more then I'd say the best value is the kona smoke from Rutland cycling, it even comes with mudguards attached.... see link below. Alternatively i'd try the Carrera or GT range at halfords or Decathlons own brand, the decathlons are highly spec'd for the price compared to other brands. Obviously at this price point things are going to be very basic, expensive items on the bike such as a suspension will be more for show than any real advantage.
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
One suggestion from experience is to try and involve her as much in the process as possible and just accept that the colour and pattern are sometimes more important than the spec, no matter how ridiculous it seems. A bike that is liked will get far more use!
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...
One suggestion from experience is to try and involve her as much in the process as possible and just accept that the colour and pattern are sometimes more important than the spec, no matter how ridiculous it seems. A bike that is liked will get far more use!
If you can stretch to £299 these are good. I've had mine a month or so and it's been great . Read the customer reviews , it's quite well regarded.
I don't know if your g/f will ride that shape or want the womens version ( if there is one )
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
I don't know if your g/f will ride that shape or want the womens version ( if there is one )
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
In Poole you will have a lot of choice of bike shops. The trouble is I cant think of any who will sell a £200 women specific bike. Primera dont have anything below £300. If you get over to Charminster there are some bike shops who specialise in bikes for students and are very reasonable, in the back streets of charminster there is a very cool Polish guy who builds up nice bikes, cheaply. On yer bike (Charminster) do some really cool cruisers that would look great on the prom! Very relaxed riding position and easy to maintain, big comfy road tyres and delicious paint jobs. Pedals on Holdenhurst road work on the cheap end of the market.
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/info.asp
http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/
(the schwinn corvette looks a snap for £200)
Be aware - the very cheap end of the market is likely to be more trouble than it is worth. Halfrauds bikes at this sort of price are just a disaster and I would recomend you steer clear, 9 times out 0f 10 you are buying a problem that will rust away in a garage till you have to be bothered by taking it to the dump.
That Schwinn would probably be a good deal. American kids are brought up on cheap Schwinn's, they are generally well built (if a little heavy) but not good off roaders. The things that make an "off road" bike great are a liability at the £200 price break. Suspension forks? well that will be a hefty spring (at best) and decent brakes will be impossible to find.
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/info.asp
http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/
(the schwinn corvette looks a snap for £200)
Be aware - the very cheap end of the market is likely to be more trouble than it is worth. Halfrauds bikes at this sort of price are just a disaster and I would recomend you steer clear, 9 times out 0f 10 you are buying a problem that will rust away in a garage till you have to be bothered by taking it to the dump.
That Schwinn would probably be a good deal. American kids are brought up on cheap Schwinn's, they are generally well built (if a little heavy) but not good off roaders. The things that make an "off road" bike great are a liability at the £200 price break. Suspension forks? well that will be a hefty spring (at best) and decent brakes will be impossible to find.
R60EST said:
If you can stretch to £299 these are good. I've had mine a month or so and it's been great . Read the customer reviews , it's quite well regarded.
I don't know if your g/f will ride that shape or want the womens version ( if there is one )
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
That looks very nice!! She's happy with a mans version so will definitely go take a look!I don't know if your g/f will ride that shape or want the womens version ( if there is one )
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...
Gooby said:
In Poole you will have a lot of choice of bike shops. The trouble is I cant think of any who will sell a £200 women specific bike. Primera dont have anything below £300. If you get over to Charminster there are some bike shops who specialise in bikes for students and are very reasonable, in the back streets of charminster there is a very cool Polish guy who builds up nice bikes, cheaply. On yer bike (Charminster) do some really cool cruisers that would look great on the prom! Very relaxed riding position and easy to maintain, big comfy road tyres and delicious paint jobs. Pedals on Holdenhurst road work on the cheap end of the market.
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/info.asp
http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/
(the schwinn corvette looks a snap for £200)
Be aware - the very cheap end of the market is likely to be more trouble than it is worth. Halfrauds bikes at this sort of price are just a disaster and I would recomend you steer clear, 9 times out 0f 10 you are buying a problem that will rust away in a garage till you have to be bothered by taking it to the dump.
That Schwinn would probably be a good deal. American kids are brought up on cheap Schwinn's, they are generally well built (if a little heavy) but not good off roaders. The things that make an "off road" bike great are a liability at the £200 price break. Suspension forks? well that will be a hefty spring (at best) and decent brakes will be impossible to find.
This looks a good buy, yes? http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/products.php?pl...http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/info.asp
http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/
(the schwinn corvette looks a snap for £200)
Be aware - the very cheap end of the market is likely to be more trouble than it is worth. Halfrauds bikes at this sort of price are just a disaster and I would recomend you steer clear, 9 times out 0f 10 you are buying a problem that will rust away in a garage till you have to be bothered by taking it to the dump.
That Schwinn would probably be a good deal. American kids are brought up on cheap Schwinn's, they are generally well built (if a little heavy) but not good off roaders. The things that make an "off road" bike great are a liability at the £200 price break. Suspension forks? well that will be a hefty spring (at best) and decent brakes will be impossible to find.
garyhun said:
This looks a good buy, yes? http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/products.php?pl...
Looks better than most. Where is your lady going to be cycling? Cutting to the chase - cheap mountain bikes dont last long off road. Would you buy a cheap 4x4 and expect a great deal off road? Look at the riding she will honestly do and think along the lines of a hybrid or a cruiser.
This is a stab in the dark but you say you are in Poole and by the looks of the R8, it isnt turlin moor.... The riding I would expect is the park, prom and cycle lanes to and from and perhaps the other side of the ferry. The purbecs have some serious trails and a lot of fire trails. This bike would not cope with the serious trails so you are left at worse with the fire trails (which it would do). I would look at the hybrid and cruisers for this type of riding, far more comfortable, you will be able to go further and longer and be cooler!
How cool is this?
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Raleigh_Drift_Ladies_Cr...
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Electra_Cruiser_1_Ladys
a little over budget but hey! - look at it! Cycle the prom on that! Very cool!
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Electra_Coaster_1_Ladys
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Claud_Butler_Mercury_Si...
This looks good - sympathetic to a ladies design, good components and reasonably tough to cope with fire trails
Just consider it.
My 2p worth
Gooby said:
garyhun said:
This looks a good buy, yes? http://www.pedalscyclecentre.co.uk/products.php?pl...
Looks better than most. Where is your lady going to be cycling? Cutting to the chase - cheap mountain bikes dont last long off road. Would you buy a cheap 4x4 and expect a great deal off road? Look at the riding she will honestly do and think along the lines of a hybrid or a cruiser.
This is a stab in the dark but you say you are in Poole and by the looks of the R8, it isnt turlin moor.... The riding I would expect is the park, prom and cycle lanes to and from and perhaps the other side of the ferry. The purbecs have some serious trails and a lot of fire trails. This bike would not cope with the serious trails so you are left at worse with the fire trails (which it would do). I would look at the hybrid and cruisers for this type of riding, far more comfortable, you will be able to go further and longer and be cooler!
How cool is this?
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Raleigh_Drift_Ladies_Cr...
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Electra_Cruiser_1_Ladys
a little over budget but hey! - look at it! Cycle the prom on that! Very cool!
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Electra_Coaster_1_Ladys
http://www.onyerbike.co.uk/Claud_Butler_Mercury_Si...
This looks good - sympathetic to a ladies design, good components and reasonably tough to cope with fire trails
Just consider it.
My 2p worth
) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!I have just picked a Diamond Back from Go Outdoors for my son (just turned 11). We were in the same position, budget of £200, wanted a bike to ride to school and back as well as some trail riding around Swinley Forest. The local bike shop gave us a couple of options for our budget, I then found this online for £50 cheaper; http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/diamondback-mens-outlo...
It is not a top end bike but then it's not top end money, however it does share a number of components with more expensive bikes on the market. I have to say I have ridden my sons bike and cannot fault it for the money.
I would offer a word of caution, set a budget and stick to it - it is sooooo easy to get swept away with 'advice' from well meaning bike nuts and shop owners - before you know it you have £600 of bike in the garage that gets used once a month along gentle tracks!
Good luck with whatever you choose.
It is not a top end bike but then it's not top end money, however it does share a number of components with more expensive bikes on the market. I have to say I have ridden my sons bike and cannot fault it for the money.
I would offer a word of caution, set a budget and stick to it - it is sooooo easy to get swept away with 'advice' from well meaning bike nuts and shop owners - before you know it you have £600 of bike in the garage that gets used once a month along gentle tracks!
Good luck with whatever you choose.
garyhun said:
Thanks. She actually needs a mountain bike as we will be using the purbeck trails (have used these for a while now and think of them as nothing too strenuous so guess my description of the type of riding was a little off ) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!
Please excuse my crap post then ...) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!After experiencing Primera.... They are brilliant and helpful when making a sale but if you have problems with the purchase you wont get much help.
If you want to get a decent bike, have the best service then go to Ride.
http://www.ridebike.co.uk/
The guy who own the shop is the biggest fan and rider, the mechanics are ex-team mechanics and they really own thier stuff. You wont find bargain basement, but you will get a great deal.
Anyway - we are riding tomorrow morning, in the purbecs. Probably getting the 8.20 ferry, if you are interested then PM me...
Always fun to get a good crowd!
Gooby said:
garyhun said:
Thanks. She actually needs a mountain bike as we will be using the purbeck trails (have used these for a while now and think of them as nothing too strenuous so guess my description of the type of riding was a little off ) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!
Please excuse my crap post then ...) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!After experiencing Primera.... They are brilliant and helpful when making a sale but if you have problems with the purchase you wont get much help.
If you want to get a decent bike, have the best service then go to Ride.
http://www.ridebike.co.uk/
The guy who own the shop is the biggest fan and rider, the mechanics are ex-team mechanics and they really own thier stuff. You wont find bargain basement, but you will get a great deal.
Anyway - we are riding tomorrow morning, in the purbecs. Probably getting the 8.20 ferry, if you are interested then PM me...
Always fun to get a good crowd!
I'm in Alton Road so that's just round the corner - cheers! Also may visit BikeLab too - I got my Marin from there a few years back and they were great to deal with at that time(obviously things can change!)MadDad said:
I have just picked a Diamond Back from Go Outdoors for my son (just turned 11). We were in the same position, budget of £200, wanted a bike to ride to school and back as well as some trail riding around Swinley Forest. The local bike shop gave us a couple of options for our budget, I then found this online for £50 cheaper; http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/diamondback-mens-outlo...
It is not a top end bike but then it's not top end money, however it does share a number of components with more expensive bikes on the market. I have to say I have ridden my sons bike and cannot fault it for the money.
I would offer a word of caution, set a budget and stick to it - it is sooooo easy to get swept away with 'advice' from well meaning bike nuts and shop owners - before you know it you have £600 of bike in the garage that gets used once a month along gentle tracks!
Good luck with whatever you choose.
I know all about the budget stuff. My Marin was well over £400 when I went to BikeLab with a budget of £200 It is not a top end bike but then it's not top end money, however it does share a number of components with more expensive bikes on the market. I have to say I have ridden my sons bike and cannot fault it for the money.
I would offer a word of caution, set a budget and stick to it - it is sooooo easy to get swept away with 'advice' from well meaning bike nuts and shop owners - before you know it you have £600 of bike in the garage that gets used once a month along gentle tracks!
Good luck with whatever you choose.
However, if my budget is unrealistic for what I want I am happy to adjust.Gooby said:
garyhun said:
Thanks. She actually needs a mountain bike as we will be using the purbeck trails (have used these for a while now and think of them as nothing too strenuous so guess my description of the type of riding was a little off ) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!
Please excuse my crap post then ...) So we can forget the lady cruisers! We're going to go to Primera next week and just ask for advice - I think if I need to go up in price I'll just bite the bullet and get her something that will do the job properly, and last!After experiencing Primera.... They are brilliant and helpful when making a sale but if you have problems with the purchase you wont get much help.
If you want to get a decent bike, have the best service then go to Ride.
http://www.ridebike.co.uk/
The guy who own the shop is the biggest fan and rider, the mechanics are ex-team mechanics and they really own thier stuff. You wont find bargain basement, but you will get a great deal.
Anyway - we are riding tomorrow morning, in the purbecs. Probably getting the 8.20 ferry, if you are interested then PM me...
Always fun to get a good crowd!
Thanks for the advice - these guys are ace to deal with following a very long phone call with them!
Did you view the GT Agressor AC3 at Halfords ? The bike you've picked looks quite good but believe me once you've tried hydraulic disc brakes I doubt you'd go back to conventional brakes again. My spare bike has a cable front disc and standard back brake and they are utterly useless by comparison , especially when they're damp
R60EST said:
Did you view the GT Agressor AC3 at Halfords ? The bike you've picked looks quite good but believe me once you've tried hydraulic disc brakes I doubt you'd go back to conventional brakes again. My spare bike has a cable front disc and standard back brake and they are utterly useless by comparison , especially when they're damp
It's the XC3 I think you are talking about? I'm having a look at that too but the Trek actually comes with disc brakes if required and I do like the idea of a pro shop that's less than a mile from me!garyhun said:
R60EST said:
Did you view the GT Agressor AC3 at Halfords ? The bike you've picked looks quite good but believe me once you've tried hydraulic disc brakes I doubt you'd go back to conventional brakes again. My spare bike has a cable front disc and standard back brake and they are utterly useless by comparison , especially when they're damp
It's the XC3 I think you are talking about? I'm having a look at that too but the Trek actually comes with disc brakes if required and I do like the idea of a pro shop that's less than a mile from me!Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff