Messed up first bike purchase :( - advice appreciated for next one (newbie)

[Sunnydalesurvivor]

Hi all,
first post (member for all of a day!) so bit nervous as I think my bike/knowledge is v.poor and don't want to get laughed off the forum ( if my 1st attempt to start cycling is anything to go by haha).
Bought a bike to use for commuting and to lose weight having gained a fair whack in a short time (injury/immobility+boredom+choc biscuits).

Didn't know much about bikes and on a fairly tight budget so went to Halfords and bought an Apollo Etienne but it's not panned out - back wheel replaced x3, problems with many other things. Didn't expect anything great for the price but it's been a lot of trouble and only had it 12months for a short commute, on a positive note though I have lost a couple of stone

Don't want to make the same mistake again but budget is tight - have been looking at a raleigh pioneer 1, dawes sahara or one of the b'twin hybrids and would appreciate any constructive advice? Or other suggestions?
Low step through a must and budget £170-250

(Tried a ridgeback avienda but didn't feel right - sounds daft but too light for me, we are pretty flat and I don't mind a bit of weight for stability. Told you my bike knowledge was crap)

Thanks in advance

 

[Linford]

Are you climbing kerbs with it ?

If so, then you need to get out of the saddle, and after hopping the front wheel up, need to be standing and leaning forward over the bars to bunny hop the back wheel up (so your whole weight doesn't bear down on it as it rolls over the edge)

Unfortunately with bikes, you get what you pay for..figure out what size you need to buy, and then see if you can get a sencond hand one which retails new at £500+ You should get one in budget if you are prepared to wait for it.

 

[MikeW-71]

As you've found (unfortunately) there are really cheap bikes and then there are good ones, you are best cutting your losses with the Apollo.

All is not lost though but I am struggling to find anything other than those you have already seen without going secondhand. The only problem with secondhand is that it would be easy to buy something that has been made to look clean, (but is mostly completely knackered), unless you know what you are looking for.

The Raleigh seems to be much more like it, if a bit heavy (19kg!), the Dawes is better and 3kg lighter and the B'Twin hybrids are also good and will be a bit lighter again, though you may lose the step-through frame.

Perhaps another of our resident ladies like @Puddles or @Pat "5mph" will have some other suggestions.

Good luck

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Hi @Sunnydalesurvivor and welcome to CC!
Congrats on the weight loss: it is so much easier to incorporate a wee cycle in your day instead of giving up a wee chocolate or two
Ime, even a cheap tank can bring cycling happiness, unless it's falling to bits like yours seems to be.
For your budget, I would look at local bike recycling initiatives: they sell roadworthy reconditioned bikes at reasonable prices, you can test ride the bikes, I've found their staff knowledgeable and willing to advice.
Good luck, let us know what you end up buying

 

[Sunnydalesurvivor]

Thanks for the advice all, much appreciated.

Haven't been jumping kerbs am not physically able enough to even if I fancied it. The bike faults were mostly down to how the bike was put together initially (wheel not put on right, brakes not adjusted, forgot to screw something on etc etc), then a combination of the subsequent services(mistakes again) plus poor/cheapo bike (they admitted as much, so most of the maintainance has been £0,) Think we've been a bit unlucky maybe.

Did feel like jacking it all in at one point but tbh cycling has given me a new lease of life mobility wise so going to try again with a different bike. Despite all it's problems and the fact it's like a bit of a tank I have enjoyed riding it.

Can't buy 2nd hand as I'm just not savvy enough to spot a dud but will check out any local reconditioned ones - we do have a place. If not Think I'll go check out the other 3 in person and see what they're like. many thanks

 

[alans]

Thanks for the advice all, much appreciated.



Can't buy 2nd hand as I'm just not savvy enough to spot a dud

Do have a friend/acquaintance who is more knowledgeable than yourself & can accomany you to give advice/2nd opinion?