First bike to buy alone £200 budget

[SteCenturion]

Hi - out of interest - do you already have your trailer thingy for the nippers ??

I don't have experience of these but you may have to budget for this too (don't know what they cost).

I would imagine (though again not from experience) the Subway to be a fine bike for £200.

The best thing about your thread (apart from being exited to start cycling) is that you are teaching your kids about fresh air family time & not sitting them in front of a t.v or i.pad with a McHappy meal.

Got to be worth getting you on a decent bike for all that.

 

[rianon]

Hi,

Since these bikes are shortlisted I tried to compare their specifications – can’t say I understood everything. According to these specifications which one would be the best, second and last? I know specifications are not everything, just interested in opinions.

edited to say I could not insert my table properly how do I do that?


annedonnelly & vickster: Unfortunately all their shops are a bit too far from me but giving them a call tomorrow

SteCenturion: Yes we’ve got a Burley Cub trailer

Thanks again for all the input this is a really friendly forum :-)
Rianon

 

[rianon]

Does anyone know how do I upload a table here?

 

[compo]

Hi,
Thanks again for all the input this is a really friendly forum :-)
Rianon

You think so? Wait until you ask about a helmet

 

[vickster]

Don't...

 

[rianon]

Don't upload a table or ask about a helmet (didn't want to do the latter)?

 

[vickster]

Helmets

Maybe you could take a photo of the table and upload the image?

 

[rianon]

Couldn't upload the image

Went to image, typed in image URL (C:\ etc) and nothing happened

 

[HLaB]

Couldn't upload the image

Went to image, typed in image URL (C:\ etc) and nothing happened

The easiest way if you have the phot file, click on the 'Upload a File' button, bottom right.

You need to upload to the web if you follow the URL route, I prefer the above.

 

[rianon]

Thanks.... I could not find the upload file button that was the problem

 

[rianon]

Rang both Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op, Halfords and local bike shop.

The local shop hasn't had decent second hand bikes for a while (I could see it myself) so that's quite out.
Edinburgh Bicycle Co-op: guy on the phone was quite sure I need 17". If bike is not good it can be sent back for exchange or refund for free.
Halfords: they have a bike put together so can try it tomorrow, will be good to see sizes. It doesn't have mudgards and rack so altogether with the discounts it would be £215. They have however a care plan (1 year £25, 3 years £40). I would need to spend on yearly maintenance anyway so that is a good price. It is only labour though and buying parts in Halfords is more expensive then elsewhere. So still unsure.

Decisions, decisions....

My partner got excited of my cycle buying plans, even looked at the pictures and reported back that he has seen 3 Revolution Streetfinders today while walking to work. Daughter looked at pictures too and wants a bike for herself. "But not those falling ones (=balance bikes) Mummy".

 

[SteCenturion]

Helmets

Maybe you could take a photo of the table and upload the image?

But don't get it all wrong & upload a photo of a helmet

 

[annedonnelly]

I don't understand much of the techy stuff in your table but the Carrera has suspension & the others don't. Generally you don't need it unless you're doing a lot of off-road stuff and it makes the bike heavier - especially at the cheaper end of the range. Can't imagine that you'll need more than 18 gears either.

Beware that the standard of service in Halfords seems to vary widely from shop to shop. Might be worth asking if anyone has experience of your local branch.
You should expect to get a free six-week check-up if you buy from a shop - they check for cable stretch, etc.

Might be worth finding out if there is a local cycling charity near you. There are a couple near me and both refurbish second-hand bikes and sell them on. That'd be a good place to get a real bargain.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Halfords have a certain reputation for the (in)experience of their mechanics & poor servicing of machines.

A tad harsh a reputation in my experience but there's some, funny when it happens to somebody else, horror stories on here and similar forums and you are right, they do tend towards expensive for stuff.

Go with your eyes, and mind open but don't be afraid to ask about their experience and history before tying yourself into even a relatively cheap service plan.

 

[rianon]

Thanks both I think the suspension (very well spotted ) and not so great service sealed the deal! A Revolution Streetfinder it is. Then at least my bike will always know which way to go. I might still go and try some bikes at Halfords tomorrow just for the fun and getting the sizing right.

Hope to report back as a proud bike owner very soon. (Thinking of uploading a photo of my new bike and I - in a helmet of course)

Rianon