Tips on buying a <50£ bike

Pate

Pate

Pate

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I'm currently looking at reducing my cost of living and was thinking about getting a bike instead of the bus, as the distances I travel never really go above 4-5 miles.

If I was looking at buying a bike for around £50 max, what things should I look out for? Eg common pitfalls, advantageous extras etc etc

Thanks
 
I'm definitely buying second hand, buying new never even entered my mind!

So it's simply a case of giving the bike a trial run and that's that?

I live up several "sloped places" so I'm looking for a bike that I can cycle up a hill. :)
 
AcidHell2 said:
Go simple, no suspension. Other than that, for that price just get anything in good nick. Check grearing works and is the gearing you want, wheels are not buckled. Things like tyres are cheap and easily replaced, so not really a problem, you'll want road tyres on.
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Sounds good to me, albeit confusing, last time I rode I bike I was like 12. :/

zipp0r said:
get one with 15+ gears, comfy seat and brakes that work :P
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Brakes working is a definite! haha

semi-pro waster said:
Just check that everything looks to have been reasonably well maintained, the wheels are in reasonable true etc. You'll obviously have to replace consumables such as brake blocks as you go along. If you're lucky the drivetrain will be reasonably matching but at £50 you're not in much of a position to be too fussy.

Also worth remembering that if it doesn't feel too comfortable that it's relatively easy (and cheap) to affect the feel of the bike by changing the saddle and grips as those are the major contact points for you. If it feels a bit harsh then you might get a better ride by changing the tires for something else.
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Thanks for taking the time to post that, very much appreciated. Nice advice on the feel of the bike.

Truth be told, I'm a ***** student, so if it gets me from A-B with mimimal hassle I'm going to be happy. Going to be tough as hell at first though :eek:
 
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