Newbie Commuter Bike

[Matto89]

Hi All,

I'm about to take the plunge and ditch the tube on my 5 mile commute across west london.

I'm looking at a second hand hybrid to do so - around the £120 mark. Looking on eBay/Gumtree etc, this will get me a (what appears to be) reasonable enough condition Carerra Subway or similar. Is going for something that's second hand but of reasonable quality better than opting for a new Halfords own brand hybrid? I can change tyres, tweak v-brakes and do other odd-jobs, but ultimately for major work I'll be getting someone else to do it. Guessing this will mean a second hand could be more expensive initially if I pick up a dud, but ultimately it should still be superior and cheaper - correct?

Finally, I'm around 5"9 and of normal bodily proportions - 18" frame?

All advice appreciated.

[anonymous-user]

Carerra Subways are perfect for that sort of thing, solid and unlikely to attract much attention from thieves (though you will still need a good lock!). Just keep it maintained and when it finally dies, buy another one secondhand. At that price you can afford to run it to death as replacing major parts is not economically viable.

Try to get one without suspension forks as it will be considerably lighter.

[nagsheadwarrior]

Im a fellow newbie,5 mile commute too on road and a muddy towpath.
Just bought a brand new subway ltd edition on ebay for 185.
Its superb,much better than the halfords thing it replaced.
Im 6ft and can live with the 18 so it should be perfect for you.

[Gizmoish]

pablo said:

Carerra Subways are perfect for that sort of thing, solid and unlikely to attract much attention from thieves (though you will still need a good lock!). Just keep it maintained and when it finally dies, buy another one secondhand. At that price you can afford to run it to death as replacing major parts is not economically viable.

Try to get one without suspension forks as it will be considerably lighter.

Completely agree. Subways are to (shortish) commutes what VW campers are to hippies: ubiquitous, unexciting, but the done thing.

Depending on where you are in West London though... Boris bikes? £90 for the annual membership, never worry about theft or maintenance.

[castex]

Hmm yes, Carrera mmkay. But something like this would be *way* better if you can find one fully built. And there are many. It's all about the frame. Just make sure you can check it out / try it before you buy.

[Gizmoish]

Also: fit proper mudguards. Not just because the stripe up the back is annoying, but also because its bad form to spray fellow commuters with your spray and it helps keep your feet dry.

It doesn't actually rain that much, surprisingly - but the roads stay wet.

AND DO NOT RIDE UP THE INSIDE OF TRUCKS AT JUNCTIONS. EVER.

[castex]

Gizmoish said:

Also: fit proper mudguards. Not just because the stripe up the back is annoying, but also because its bad form to spray fellow commuters with your spray and it helps keep your feet dry.

Ha!

Gizmoish said:

AND DO NOT RIDE UP THE INSIDE OF TRUCKS AT JUNCTIONS. EVER.

Listen to this guy. He often knows what he's talking about.

[Matto89]

Thanks for the comments there chaps, all good stuff.

How do Trek hybrids compare to carerra subway's?