Which Bike Sub £150

[ColuGav]

Hey Guys, I know the budget isn't that much, but what would be the best bike for about £150...

I'm not a small lad, (about 18 stone not sure if that makes a difference).. inside leg about 30"

Will be using the bike for mainly paved surfaces/canal towpaths to get fit!

Any recommendations?

[skibum]

I'd say that you'd get more bang for your buck by trying to grab a bargain off eBay.

At that price point you're likely to get a heavy bike with low quality components.

Only other advice would be to avoid full suspension and possibly also front suspension.

[ColuGav]

What components are good brands? (all very new to this, only bikes before this have been hand me downs!)

[cjs]

Go second hand, ebay or Gumtree or take a look at the PH classifieds. All you will get new is a heavy, steel framed bike with poor components.

Good components are Shimano, Sram and many more.

[louiebaby]

You know what, for that money, you could pick something up of eBay, but you could get screwed.

If all you're going to use it for is a weekend ride along the canal to a pub, you'd be fine with something from Asda or Halfords new.

The bike wouldn't be good, it would dissolve in the rain, and if you try to hoon it offroad, it wouldn't last long.

However, if you can keep it in the garage, give it a bit of oil and keep the tyres pumped up, it would definatly be "fit for purpose."

Stay away from anything with suspension or disc brakes at that price though.

[Roman]

In terms of new options I'd say look at a Vitimin from Decathlon for £70. Rigid, steel single speed which is all you need for towpaths:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/vitamin-117071608/

Or for another £50 if you want to try light mtbing:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-2-black-...

Whatever you do don't buy a cheap full suss bike from a supermarket or discount retailer. I virtually had to rebuild a brand new one for someone who'd broken down on a bridleway recently. Bent drop outs, buckled rear wheel, back to front forks and a kickstand that rubbed against the tyres. You'd drag better out of a canal!

[curlie467]

Roman is right, all you need to start with is a rigid forked single speed hybrid or mountain bike.
I would try second hand though but if you dont know much then its not easy, i will have a look around.

[Davi]

Roman said:

In terms of new options I'd say look at a Vitimin from Decathlon for £70. Rigid, steel single speed which is all you need for towpaths:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/vitamin-117071608/

Blimey, I fancy getting one of those and shoving a hub gear on for my daily commute!

[snotrag]

Decathlon bikes are just about the only thing I would reccomend below about £200 - they are not flash but they are astonishing value and sensibly specced for the money.

The biggest thing is you have decent backup of a big company with a decent warranrty and the shops actually have cycle experts with workshop in them, unlike buying from a supermarket - and your bike will come fully built and ready to go as opposed to in a box.

[Roman]

Davi said:

Roman said:

In terms of new options I'd say look at a Vitimin from Decathlon for £70. Rigid, steel single speed which is all you need for towpaths:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/vitamin-117071608/

Blimey, I fancy getting one of those and shoving a hub gear on for my daily commute!

About the same price as a single speed conversion kit or a decent pair of shorts. Perfect for bombing down the pub or shops without worrying too much about it getting nicked. I'd get one myself if I had room for any more bikes!