Adivce needed please!

[Danny251]

I am really considering buying the Carerra Subway it used to be £450 so must be a great bike coupled with what you all are saying.

I was looking for a second hand one but they are all pick up only on ebay from England and I stay in Scotland so I might just buy new.

 

[vickster]

There is a thread running here about that bike

https://www.cyclechat.net/

 

[Danny251]

Thanks didn't notice that!

I phoned a local bike shop and he said he has a better bike than any Carerra called the

SARACEN Urban Escape
Does anyone know if this is really true plus he said he would give me a years free warranty and fix any problems.

 

[exbfb]

A workmate bought one on Friday.

He only decided to get a bike last week and started off with some research on the tinterweb.
He started off looking at much cheaper stuff, so we went out one lunchtime and I pointed out some things to avoid. (Heavyweight frames, brake parts made out of folded metal / monkey metal, generally rubbish components.)

Anyway, he didn't buy that day but now knew what to avoid.
On Friday, he bought the Subway, which is one of the ones we had identified as being a very fair bike for the money.

I would have one.

 

[vickster]

Go have a look at it and a test ride Look at the tyres etc, if you are likely to ride on rough stuff, you probably won't want skinny smooth tyres - the specs for that bike says 'fast hybrid' so it may be more road oriented.

The Subways are quite rugged I think

 

[Danny251]

Thanks again guys.

I am just flipping a coin here though as I have no knowledge of what would be a better brand or bike whatever one is better I will buy.

The Carerra Subway LTD or the Saracen Urban Escape hmmm.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Hardtails have front suspension

If you are wanting to spend £100-180 on a bike that'll last go to the second hand market and ditch the front suspension and buy a more reliable hardtail.

 

[vickster]

As I say, go look at them and have a ride if you can (I think Halfords are a bit c**p on this)

See if you can persuade LBS man to chuck in a lock and a bottle cage or whatever

I would think that similarly priced bikes would be similar, however the Halfords bike was *allegedly* much more (well in one store for an afternoon no doubt)

 

[mcshroom]

Thanks again guys.

I am just flipping a coin here though as I have no knowledge of what would be a better brand or bike whatever one is better I will buy.

The Carerra Subway LTD or the Saracen Urban Escape hmmm.

I don't think you'll be disappointed with either of those. Have a go at sitting on them and seeing how they feel

 

[Danny251]

I think I will vickster and mcshroom thanks for your help!

Everyone has really helped me gain a bit more knowledge of what's the best bike and brands etc.
I will definitely stick around here this is such a great forum well done guys!

I will post back later and tell you what I purchased

 

[vickster]

Good luck and enjoy

*devil's advocate mode on* Don't forget to get a helmet *devil's advocate mode off*
​

 

[mcshroom]

Good luck and enjoy

*devils advocate mode on* Don't forget to get a helmet *devil's advocate mode off*
​

Or do

 

[Danny251]

Haha yeah I think I quite enjoy my brain being inside my skull so a helmet is a priority

 

[smokeysmoo]

Haha yeah I think I quite enjoy my brain being inside my skull so a helmet is a priority

Top man

 

[vickster]

Having dropped into Halfords, the LTD is the best looking of the Subways. They are all very chunky looking, frame and tyres, don't look quick, but suitable for the rougher stuff. Could always put skinnier tyres on. Look like they won't fall apart quickly (unless built by a Halfords 'mechanic' )

The Saracen is a sportier looking beast, but depends what sort of terrain you'll be covering (and cannot really see the tyres from pics)