Cheap onroad bikes

[Bugz]

Anyone know a good place to purchase these?

University is about 2-3 miles away from my flat and the journey consists of road and cycle paths. It's really just some small roads then one long road with a designated cycle path.

I won't be using it for much else than getting to uni and maybe for getting to work, as thats on the other side of town and walking is starting to bore me!

I guess my budget is up to about 150-200 quid and I don't intend to be streamlined and moving at the speed of light just to cycle at a nice leisurely pace.

Any recommendations?

 

[Tom]

At that price its second-hand you need. Keep things simple, rim brakes, no suspension, etc.

Oh, and make sure you keep £30 or so for some lights so people can see you (although at that price you won't get lights that enable you to see where you're going).

The best rear light for the money is this one:

Probikekit.com | Rear Lights | Smart Superflash Ultra Bright Rear LED Light

It is so bright you cannot look at it.

 

[Gumbo]

Knock together a fixed, perfect for that kind of commute.

 

[Garaen]

Don't bother, just walk it - it'll more than likely get stolen unless you can lock it inside a building.

 

[taB]

make sure you keep £30 or so for some lights so people can see you (although at that price you won't get lights that enable you to see where you're going).

Christ, so much this. I live in Cambridge and there are bikes everywhere. With the new stoodent term started they're all careering around with no lights. I nearly got one the other night when he was turning right. I did wind my window down and ask him to purchase some lights (I didn't even swear and said please). I really don't want to have to explain to some 18 yo's Mum that her son was too tight to buy a couple of lights. In all honesty, the £5 ones on flashy mode are enough for most places.

 

[leviathane]

awww aren't you the big sweetie. :wub:

and on topic, have you checked out gumtree for second hand bikes in your area?

 

[Bugz]

I'm having trouble finding anything suitable 2nd hand using the local paper/gumtree =/

Any semi-decent ones I can get new in the budget?

 

[Madmaxx]

I got a decent bike from halfords for £90

Mountain Bikes from Halfords

no need to go as high as £200 just for a bike you only need for a short ride

 

[Tom]

Sorry but I wouldn't place my safety in the hands of a £90 bike, brand new. No way.

 

[00dave]

Last bike I owned is locked up in the bike shed near the gym at RAF Wittering, you can have if you can get past the guards lol, I'll even give you key.

 

[Jiggs]

Could try bumblebee auctions. Location wise it's hit and miss, you might find something nearby on there if you're lucky though.

 

[Thadius]

That 90 quid bike looks alright for the money.

Its a sturdy bike to get you to and from college. Not a fashion statement :/

I grew up with Halfords bikes, the only thing wrong with them is I outgrew the bikes too quickly

 

[TdC]

sorry but any company that uses language like this...

All of Halfords bikes only use Shimano or SRAM Rear derailers and shifters as these are the key componts of the bike and ensure accurate reliable gear changing throughout the life of you bike

Don't forget all bikes purchased from halfords include build, safety check and 6 week first service free of charge

...is to be avoided imo. Taken direct from the page.

 

[Tom]

Its a sturdy bike

No, it won't be. It'll fall to bits within months.

 

[Bugz]

I'm checking out a 2nd hand bike shop on friday tht reportedly sells most mountain/road bikes for 50 quid ish!

Should be interesting!

I saw a Marine Pine in the paper the other day but was too late & it had already gone =/

 

[leviathane]

No, it won't be. It'll fall to bits within months.

most likely the wheel will buckle aswell, and derailleur will fck up.

 

[Gumbo]

I will confess that as a boy I started my working life as a bike monkey in Halfords. You can often actually find some enthusiastic lads working there who are really knowledgeable and into their bikes outside the workplace.

HOWEVER...

The cheapest end of those bikes in Halfords really will be very very pants. With your budget, (if building a fixed is beyond you!!!) I'd maybe try to buy a decent second hand bike, but keep £50 back, or better still, try to find it on top, and get your LBS (Local Bike Shop) to give it the once over.

Actually, first of all, get the cheapest £25 piece of crap you can, and use it for 1 month first. Chances are this great idea of biking around the place won't last the first shitty day and any bike you buy will end up rusting in the garden.