Can you help me pick the right cycle?

[William Flynn]

I'm going to buy a used cycle very soon, and I was hoping the Cycle Chat members could help me pick out the correct style. I'm not looking for an actual brand and model, but rather a frame style and what to look for when buying.

Here's my situation:

• Commuter bike with daily round trip of 5 miles
• Commute is mostly through paved park pathways with the occasional flat, dirt path
• Uphills and downhills
• Buying used
• Price range up to £200

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[ScotiaLass]

It sounds like a Hybrid bike would be ideal but I'm sure more informed chatters will be along to answer your question more fully

 

[helston90]

Yeah something a bit more hybrid like sounds like it would suit- slightly wider tyres for the dirt paths maybe 35mm something like that.
It'll be you that gets the bike uphills and downhills unfortunately- not the bike itself.
Don't bother with suspension for something like this- it'll be heavy and probably rubbish.
Be wary of choosing a bike that suits this job perfectly but then in a few months wanting to ride further afield/ go faster/ go more off road.

 

[raleighnut]

Yeah something a bit more hybrid like sounds like it would suit- slightly wider tyres for the dirt paths maybe 35mm something like that.
It'll be you that gets the bike uphills and downhills unfortunately- not the bike itself.
Don't bother with suspension for something like this- it'll be heavy and probably rubbish.
Be wary of choosing a bike that suits this job perfectly but then in a few months wanting to ride further afield/ go faster/ go more off road.

That's when you upgrade the Hybrid with better wheels, thinner tyres and a 53/42/30 crankset (they're not all slow tha knows)

 

[vickster]

Carerra subway from halfords fits the bill perfectly, so a flat bar hybrid

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_912123_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Nowadays buying used for £200 really doesn't get you much of a bargain unless you are lucky