Absolute beginner bike...

[Lucozade]

Hi guys,
I'm sure you get these questions all the time, but I've been reading for around 2 hours and I'm still no closer to understanding what to look for in a bike.

The reason I want to get back into cycling is to lose weight, I've come to realise I need to enjoy exercise or I'll basically never do it. I hadn't cycled in around 8 years and rented a bike on holiday and loved it, so decided buying a bike could be useful.

To start, I'm 5"4, female, and have a budget of around 200 pounds. (I'm a student)

I'll be using the bike during evenings and mornings to cycle for a few hours as oppose to the gym.
I know people recommend spending more, but until next summer, that is my whole budget and I just need something to last until then when I can start working full time again
I'm also not sure about buying second hand as I have no idea what I'm buying, and feel i wouldn't be able to judge properly.

I know this is a broad question, so even if you guys could just point me in the direction of articles or general lists and I could narrow it down myself that would be much appreciated, but any specific suggestions would be great.
Thanks!

 

[MichaelW2]

Get the correct size, in both standover height and reach from saddle to bars.
Most hybrid style bikes have plenty of gears for varied terrain.
Consider in your budget the accessories you may need:
Helmet, lights, mudguards, lock, repair kit, rear luggage rack. If you are buying new, negotiate in free extras , not reduced price.
You don't need any special clothing, but a light coloured windproof jacket with reflective bits is a good start. Aldi do occasional sales of cycle gear and are well regarded for the price.

Women's bikes usually have a stepthrough design, but not all of them. Some have women's shaped saddles.
Ridgeback and Dawes and Raleigh seem to be the most reputable brands at this budget. Mizani seem to crop up, not a well known brand but maybe OK

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome.

Avoid anything that looks like a mountain bike, has fat knobbly Tyres or suspension. Otherwise any basic bicycle that is the right size for you and well maintained will take you pretty much anywhere.

If you live and will be riding mostly on the flat then you dont need fancy gearing, keep it simple.

Most students areas have shops for cheap and second hand bikes, whereabouts are you, maybe someone here can help?

Decathlon used to do a very basic sit-up-and-beg old style ladies bike for around £200, might be worth a look.
..... Just checked and it's still there ... They do a nice geared and fully rigged city bike for £230. Decathlon reputation is good.
FF

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome.

Avoid anything that looks like a mountain bike, has fat knobbly Tyres or suspension. Otherwise any basic bicycle that is the right size for you and well maintained will take you pretty much anywhere.

If you live and will be riding mostly on the flat then you dont need fancy gearing, keep it simple.

Most students areas have shops for cheap and second hand bikes, whereabouts are you, maybe someone here can help?

Decathlon used to do a very basic sit-up-and-beg old style ladies bike for around £200, might be worth a look.
..... Just checked and it's still there ... They do a nice geared and fully rigged city bike for £230. Decathlon reputation is good.
FF

 

[LetMeEatCake]

I agree that a 2nd hand bike might be worth considering. Do you have a local bike recycling organisation? Up here we've got The Bike Station - they're a sort of social enterprise bunch who recondition and sell donated bikes, train up kids to maintain bikes, that sort of thing. As well as being cheap, the real bonus is that you can get some good free advice and see a variety of different bikes in the flesh.

 

[Elybazza61]

Hello.

If you can find £30 more there is this;

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/pendleton-brooke-hybrid-bike

Or maybe some classic steel s/h,for example;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-Clas...145801?hash=item5425d7b289:g:2gYAAOSwhcJWJR5n

Dunno where you are but you could get the above and find a friendly local bike shop to give it the once over.

 

[mjr]

I hadn't cycled in around 8 years and rented a bike on holiday and loved it, so decided buying a bike could be useful.

What sort of bike did you rent and could that be a starting point?

 

[mjr]

Oh and if you're willing to travel to the places where your sort of cycling in popular, you might find a very good second hand basic bike within your budget, but it is very hit-and-miss and some second-hand bike dealers make bad second-hand car salesmen look like upstanding citizens!

 

[SteCenturion]

Hello & to CC.

Firstly, it is great that you have chosen to improve your health through cycling & I hope it brings you many years of fun & new friendships.

Personally I feel that if you are not confident in looking 2nd hand or in basic bicycle mechanics you would be best looking at both Halfords & Decathlon.

As mentioned elsewhere, avoid mountain bikes & suspension.

Factor in a helmet *personal choice*, rain jacket, lights, puncture repair kit &/or 2 spare inner tubes & possibly a saddle/seat pack, a small pump or a frame pump & better still Co2 tyre inflators (they take up less room & are fast when it is cold & raining hard).

Get a knowledgeable friend to go with you & look at some prospective bikes.
Ask lots of questions, in store & on here, no question is too silly.

The Pendleton posted earlier is a good place to start.

Hppe you find the right bike for you.

 

[Shortmember]

16" frame size of this bike should fit you ok and the price is right. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/carrera-axle-limited-edition-womens-hybrid-bike

 

[smutchin]

Most hybrid style bikes have plenty of gears for varied terrain.

Most bikes have too many gears - beginners should go for something with fewer gears until they're used to them.

Here's the kind of thing I would recommend:
http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/nova-open-frame

Note the single chainring (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankset) - all the gears are on the rear wheel, therefore gear selection is less complicated and there are fewer parts needing maintenance.

That example is a bit out of budget range, and tbh you will find it hard to get a new bike worth having at £200 - any bike at that price will be heavy and fitted with cheap, poor quality components.

But if you're anywhere near Loughborough...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/131384137267
(NB - I'm only recommending this as a suitable example, can't vouch for the condition of the bike or the reliability of the seller)

 

[Accy cyclist]

How about this one. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/claud-butler-sabina-road-bike-r1-47cm It's a fairly light 25.3 pounds in weight too.

 

[smutchin]

That looks like a pretty decent bike.

Tourney components are clunky but functional. Dual-pivot brakes are definitely a plus on a bike at that price. Kenda tyres are most likely crap but they can be replaced cheaply.