Bike purchase advice, please!

[JClemmens]

I'm getting back into cycling after *mumble* years, and would like to buy a cheap, cheerful (and good quality!) bike to see whether I'm interested and healthy enough to take it up as a hobby again.

The bike will be used mostly for commuting (20 miles per day) and the occasional sunday bike ride (up to 70 miles - all road). I'm not interested in doing any off-roading/mountain biking (far too old!) My budget is around £170 for this 'tester' bike, and have found two that I like the look of, both linked below.

If anyone could run me through the pros/cons of each, and steer me away from any pitfalls, that'd be much appreciated!

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elops-3-ii-id_8166113.html b'Twin ELOPS 3 II @ £169.99

http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3866.html Viking Kendal @ £149.99

 

[simon.r]

One big difference is the number of gears - 6 on the Decathlon, 21 on the Viking. Perhaps more important is the range of gears. I suspect that the Decathlon will have you spinning your legs like a dervish when you're going down-hill and grinding enough to produce a double hernia when you're going up-hill

 

[jonny jeez]

Welcome.

If you plan on taking 70 mile Sunday rides, would you not be better off with a road/touring bike. It'll be fine for a 10 mile commute and will allow you to enjoy a longer Sunday ride...which will enhance your chances of being bitten by the bug again.

I suspect Ebay is your friend.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item27c638830c#ht_500wt_1413

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item4603112cb9#ht_500wt_1413

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/road-bike...UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3cc5541c83#ht_500wt_1413

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fausto-Co...UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3374e10dc0#ht_577wt_1396

and the like...

 

[leemo]

I like the look of the decathlon. Mudguards and rack can be useful additions for commuting. 6 gears will be enough if your route is not too hilly; I've been commuting in flat London on a 3 speed not to mention those who prefer just one gear. 70 miles on that looks a tall order but it looks like a utilitarian bicycle to get you back into things.

 

[festival]

I had to read your post again and again, thinking i had missed the joke.
Sorry, but cheap & cheerful and good quality don't go together.
My thoughts on what you really need for the riding you have in mind will never match your budget, Don't take offence for my blunt comment but please be aware that if you do approx 100 to 170 miles a week on a bike of this value it won't be long before thing wears out and fails.
There will be some people who preach the 'sale of goods act' and fit for purpose etc but the fact is bikes of this value are not made for such heavy use.
So, its great that you will be back on the (any) bike but when it starts to let you down beware of spending too much on keeping it going. It may not be long before the repair bill exceeds the cost of the bike. By then you will know if the bug has bitten and you can retire it and move up the range to something more suitable .

 

[musa]

maybe your best off second hand...till you can up the budget
so with secondhand do the check out before buying...nothing worst than riding home to find a problem

have a look in the classifieds here maybe something is there for you

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Imho it is not easy to buy secondhand generally, you might not be able to try out different sizes, and it is not always easy to spot inherent faults. But if you could, and if you are patient, it is likely the most economical solution.

Since you mentioned Decathlon, presumably you are near one. It is commonly acknowledged that their bikes are amongst the best value around by quite a margin, and they are generally robust. If I were you, for £200 and weighing under 12kg, with better than average warranty, and a wide range of gears, I would probably go for this one.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Decathlon are well respected for offering great value at the lower end of the price range. Viking is a brand that has been revived and about which I know nothing more.

I would take Decathlon as my benchmark and be sceptical as to how Viking can apparently offer you more (bike) for less (money).

I think riding a bike like that for 70 miles would test a fit, experienced rider.

It is true that you'll get more for your money buying second hand, but unless there is someone experienced to give the bike the once over, then I would be cautious about recommending it to a newcomer; even more so when buying on-line.