Looking for bike for casual usage - under £350

[KieranC]

Hi,

New here so hope this is the correct board! I am looking to get a ‘new’ bike, the last time I rode a bike was around 5 years ago which was basically ‘messing around’ - not actually riding anywhere.

I’m now considering getting ‘into’ cycling as I really need to loose some weight, don’t have a local gym and I hate walking, so dam slow and running is way too much energy haha.

I’m basically looking for a bike that is suitable for a moderately hilly area (like 200 feet over 0.6 miles average) and ideally costs under £350. I do have access to both student and NHS discounts if anywhere takes them.

I’m not bothered a whole lot about the design other than I do not want those ‘flat’ handlebars where you have to lean over really low to hold. I prefer to ride fairly upright.

Further context on local area, I effectively live on a hill, but most of the time I can find a ‘long hill’ rather than short and steep and at the bottom of the hill there’s a roughly 2 mile long straight stretch of road at the bottom. There’s also a off road cycleway directly through my village.

Looking at Halfords frame size calculator I believe it’s somewhere around 17-18” I need, but for reference I’m about 5 foot 10 inch and my inner leg measurements are somewhere around 28-32 inches.

I was originally looking at a short range electric bike to make the hills easier, but I’ve been advised the decent models are still well in excess of £1,000 and generally over £2,000 which is way out of my budget as I’m only planning to ride casually.

I have checked my local Facebook marketplace and gum tree and unfortunately there’s very limited range of adult bikes that’s close enough to collect (I don’t drive) and the local second hand bike shop has effectively closed (its a considerable distance away now and they won’t deliver).

Also whilst not essential it’s fairly important I can get a bike that’s mostly assembled and not a DIY kit, and delivery that doesn’t take weeks.

I would also be willing to consider refurbished if there was delivery available.

To finish off, I did ask this question over at Reddit and they recommended Decalthon, so I’ve taken a look and setup a ‘filter’ to narrow down the range (unfortunately couldn’t pick handle bar styles), so if anyone knows what all the brands are, these are the ones I’ve seen: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/browse/...odelLowestPrice|BTWN+169+406&Ns=our-selection

Hopefully someone has some suggestions, also looking for things like alarm systems, bike locks, gps trackers, phone mounts etc. Don’t really need lights as I don’t plan to travel at night and I don’t think you can go wrong with a bike helmet.

Thanks,

Kieran

 

[KieranC]

I’ve had quite a few suggestions for the Lithium 1 on my Cycle U.K. post, anyone got feedback to add? https://www.evanscycles.com/brand/pinnacle/lithium-1-2022-hybrid-bike-939171

 

[vickster]

Looks good, won’t be the lightest but should have ample gearing for the hills.
head to Evans to try one out for size, likely a large for your height looking at their size guide, focus on the reach when looking at size

 

[midlife]

Welcome. @biggs682 might have something in his stable for sale that might suit?

 

[Alex321]

Not sure v-brakes are very good nowadays.

Personally, I think the Carrera Subway 1 might be a better bet for your budget.

 

[Alex321]

Looks good, won’t be the lightest but should have ample gearing for the hills.
head to Evans to try one out for size, likely a large for your height looking at their size guide, focus on the reach when looking at size

When you have short legs for your height (as I do and the OP appears to), I think stack is probably more important than reach. If you go for too large a bike, you won't be able to get the saddle low enough to have an efficient pedaling position.

 

[biggs682]

Thanks @midlife

@KieranC where are you based ? I have a few bikes that could fit the bill .

 

[KieranC]

Thanks @midlife

@KieranC where are you based ? I have a few bikes that could fit the bill .

North East

 

[KieranC]

Not sure v-brakes are very good nowadays.

Personally, I think the Carrera Subway 1 might be a better bet for your budget.

I’ve been advised by quite a few shops and another biking forum that Carrera has quality issues.

 

[MichaelW2]

An aluminium frame, non suspension bike with flat bars seems the right style. You need threaded eyelets to fit full length mudguards and rear luggage rack.
V brakes ( ad in your Pinaccle) work well. Disk brakes keep on working well in the wet so are favouref by all weather riders.

Dont negotiate on price, go for extra accessories:
Mudguards
Rack
Pump
Spare inner tube and repair kit.
Lock
Lights
Helmet
Mitts

Lights are essential in winter when poor weather is expected and days are short. In summer you can get mist, fog and it still gets dark at night.

 

[BoldonLad]

An aluminium frame, non suspension bike with flat bars seems the right style. You need threaded eyelets to fit full length mudguards and rear luggage rack.
V brakes ( ad in your Pinaccle) work well. Disk brakes keep on working well in the wet so are favouref by all weather riders.

Dont negotiate on price, go for extra accessories:
Mudguards
Rack
Pump
Spare inner tube and repair kit.
Lock
Lights
Helmet
Mitts

Lights are essential in winter when poor weather is expected and days are short. In summer you can get mist, fog and it still gets dark at night.

Would agree with all of above, and, add only, have you a Decathlon near you, if you want new, they may have something reasonable in your budget.

 

[vickster]

When you have short legs for your height (as I do and the OP appears to), I think stack is probably more important than reach. If you go for too large a bike, you won't be able to get the saddle low enough to have an efficient pedaling position.

32” isn’t that short legged for 5’10? Mine are long at 33-34”.
Clearly he needs to ride it but stand over is less important than reach.
His height is in the middle of what is suggested for Large

 

[KieranC]

Would agree with all of above, and, add only, have you a Decathlon near you, if you want new, they may have something reasonable in your budget.

Unfortunately I’d only be ordering online at Decathlon, there is one in the region but I don’t drive so not the easiest to get to it.

 

[KieranC]

An aluminium frame, non suspension bike with flat bars seems the right style. You need threaded eyelets to fit full length mudguards and rear luggage rack.
V brakes ( ad in your Pinaccle) work well. Disk brakes keep on working well in the wet so are favouref by all weather riders.

Mudguards - No immediate plans to cycle in muddy areas, or on wet days. But will keep in mind.
Rack
Pump - Yep
Spare inner tube and repair kit.
Lock - Self explanatory - also needs to be silver rated for specialist insurance.
Lights - No immediate plans to cycle on evenings, but will keep in mind in medium term, I.e few months down the road towards winter if we have a nice winter lol.
Helmet - Self explanatory that one
Mitts - as above

Trying to start with the basics, bike, lock, helmet.

If I enjoy it a lot, then I’ll start looking into winter / bad weather accessories and then probs towards next summer get things like bike racks as I know they are one of the more expensive addons.

 

[cyberknight]

I’ve been advised by quite a few shops and another biking forum that Carrera has quality issues.

nothing wrong with carrera as a brand , good entry level bikes the only short coming is some staff at the store can be a bit hit and miss in experience.
My current commuter is a carrera vanquish disc 2 years old now and apart from replaceable parts like chains, brake pads etc theres never been an issue with it and it does 100 miles a week .