Spec me a bike ~£150-180

alex_tank

alex_tank

alex_tank

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To start with, I can't even pretend to have a clue what I'm looking for as I don't know much about bikes so I'll be extremely grateful for any help anyone can offer me please. I'd like a bike for pavements and roads mostly nothing crazy so I'm thinking a hybrid. I'm 6'1" so I think I'll need a large frame. I just want a smooth, reliable bike.

I've seen an advert used Ridgeback Genesis Day 02 for £140, I know enough to know this sounds suspiciously cheap (I think?)... I wouldn't even know how to spot if someone had swapped bits and pieces for cheaper parts.

I think I'd get more bike for my money if I bought a used but I'm not confident I know what I'm looking for either.

Thanks for any help.
 
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The problem a 2nd hand bike is the potential hidden costs and hassle that come with it. Chainrings could need replacing, maybe a tyre or 2. If the bottom bracket is due then I hope you have all the necessary tools otherwise it's a visit to local bike shop. Check out Decathlon or even the Carrera range at Halfords if there is a promotion on.
 
Carrera hybrids are pretty decent. You can get decent speed on them too. Any secondhand bikes you would have to budget for at least tubes and bits for service if you can do it yourself.
 
I haven't got one yet, decided the one on Ebay looked knackered and I should read a bit more about what I'm buying first.

Is Carrera not so bad then? I've read mixed reviews about Halfords bikes so I'm not so sure.
 
Some Carrera bikes are good. Some are not so good. None are brilliant, but there are some respectable ones in the mix, notably the Carrera subway, which might be the sort of thing you're after.
 
What would you use the bike for? Commuting, off road or both? How often would you be cycling? Have you factored in costs for helmet, clothing and bike locks? For 200 you could get an okay bike from Gumtree or eBay - a new one at that price point may put you of cycling methinks
 
yeh try and stay away from new bikes for 200 quid i got bit in the ass with a muddy fox country from argos shudder.... it was dangerous and thats putting it mildly.
 
Off road rarely I think, and then only relatively smooth dirt paths. I still think a hybrid is my best bet and I guess I could up my budget to around £200. I have a cheap and old Diamondback MTB at the moment and it's only after I had a quick go on a Marin hybrid I realised the huge difference.

I hope to be using it at least a few times a week, maybe more, and I'll see about commuting one day as well. I have a decent D-lock already and a metal worker guy I know reckons nothing's fullproof but it's definitely a better lock.

I'd rather go for a used bike I think. As an example there was a Giant Escape 3 on gumtree for £160 but he wrong frame size, I thought something like that would be perfrct?
 
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alex_tank said:
I hope to be using it at least a few times a week, maybe more, and I'll see about commuting one day as well.
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For that reason alone I would consider spending more and see it as an investment. Something like a Boardman will cost £500-600 but it will last for many years and you will love riding it. Halfords often have promotions, such as £50 off £500 spend and you can join the British Cycling club for £20 which gives you another 10% off.

I've been down the same route as you, looking for something in the sub £200 range and the 2nd hand market but I was left underwhelmed. Incidentally, used Boardmans seem to go for almost as much as new ones after the various discounts.
 
For 200 quid second hand, don't worry about the components you are getting - it is unlikely you will get anything but the basic parts. However I suggest you should try and get something with hydraulic brakes, as they are more forgiving of dodgy wheels.. I've seen some which went for around 230
 
Gambitt, you're right and I might regret it later but I can't afford an expensive bike. I appreciate what you're saying though.

I'm glad you said that fretted, I'm less likely to get ripped off with parts then.

I've looked into pretty much everything people here have suggested and you've pointed me the right way so thank you. I tested a bunch of bikes yesterday including a single(fixed?) gear and have decided a hybrid's right for me, I just have to find a half decent used one now.
 
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I would steer clear of Halford's bikes to be honest. My budget at the time was £250, so brought the Carrera Crossfire Hybrid. The chain and cassette only lasted 3 months, that was doing roughly 30 miles a week. Riding only on roads or light trails. Within 6 months, the freewheel gave up the ghost. All of this had to be paid for as the warranty didn't cover these parts (wear & tear apparently). I ended up buying a new bike, and wished I never set foot in Halfords.

If I could turn back time, I would probably look at second hand bikes at that sort of budget.
 
Mixed review from Halford stuff so I've read, that's bad for a new bike! Pot luck.

How's this, 2010 Kona Smoke hybrid in good condition for £140? Also is a 20" frame ok for someone 6'1"?
 
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alex_tank said:
How's this, 2010 Kona Smoke hybrid in good condition for £140? Also is a 20" frame ok for someone 6'1"?
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Yes 20" should be fine for your height. It's best to sit on them but I know you can't always do that.

It depends on the "good" condition - has it been looked after? Does anything need replacing? (hope for an honest seller) It's a steel framed bike so it will be heavy as hell, but some people like steel tanks. Also has gripshift gears and some people don't like that (I don't but some do).
 
janp said:
I would steer clear of Halford's bikes to be honest. My budget at the time was £250, so brought the Carrera Crossfire Hybrid. The chain and cassette only lasted 3 months, that was doing roughly 30 miles a week. Riding only on roads or light trails. Within 6 months, the freewheel gave up the ghost. All of this had to be paid for as the warranty didn't cover these parts (wear & tear apparently). I ended up buying a new bike, and wished I never set foot in Halfords.

If I could turn back time, I would probably look at second hand bikes at that sort of budget.
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I didn't realise Halfords made chains and cassettes ;)
 
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