New bike, sub £200 budget

[fletchcmj]

Hi,

I appreciate there has been a thread on this topic fairly recently but I was looking for some specific advice on a new bike. It will mainly be used for leisurely weekend cycles and the occasional commute to work (in London).

After a bit of research I've read the Decathlon bikes provide the best value for money at this price range so I was planning to pay a visit tomorrow to view this... http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-340-mountain-bike-grey-blue-id_8321326.html

I've heard mix things about Halfords bikes but as I'm not after a top of the range bike I'm not really sure what to think. I also plan to look at these two... http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-limited-edition-mens-mountain-bike-2015-blue or http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-evade-mens-mountain-bike

I appreciate there may be great bargains to be had if I go second hand but as I don't really know what I'd be looking for I think I'd rather buy new. Also if anyone has a recommendation for a good bike shop in SW London, please share!

Any thoughts on the above bikes or recommendations of other bikes to consider?

Thanks

 

[fletchcmj]

Just to add to this, a potential road bike http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/1216422.htm

 

[stoatsngroats]

Apollo use the most basic equipment, Brakes and gears can need frequent adjustment, for example, and I for one, wouldn't buy one, Carrera however, are quite a bit better, I really enjoy riding my Subway 1, and I had many miles on a (used) Sora equipped Carrera Virtuoso a few years back. They are frequently on the action sites, and Gumtree, as people feel a need to upgrade,once they have a few miles under their belts, and want something more suitable. Hybrids are a good starting point.
The Argos bike seems heavy at 17kg, and I don't know if the brakes/gears might be similar to the Apollo stuff.

The Decathlon Btwin looks ok, but grip shifters wouldn't be my first choice.

Used might get you a recent Carrera for under £200, as with any bike purchase, just be sure to know what size frame you need.

Others will disagree regarding Carrera, but I would recommend them as a decent entry level bike, which I would happily to long runs with - my Virtuosos allowed my to do the L2B in under 4 hours, plus many over-50 milers, and we're planning a L2P on our Subway 1s.

 

[The Jogger]

If you could find an extra £50 you could get a Carrera Subway which comes highly recommended.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015

 

[cyberknight]

If you could find an extra £50 you could get a Carrera Subway which comes highly recommended.

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2015

+1
Cracking bike for the money

 

[vickster]

Or for another £75, if it's the right size, you could have this, had a £900 RRP, 10kg without the rack and mudguards. All ready for commuting. If you are comfortable buying used

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/whyte-cambridge-hybrid-2011-medium-mens-unisex.183523/

I'm in SW London if you want to come have a look. Whereabouts are you? Plenty of bike shops around depending on what you want

If you have a £200 budget, and really want new, Fudges in Epsom have some basic 'brand' models around that money

 

[fletchcmj]

Thanks for the advice so far guys. Already read the good things so far about the Carrera just got to weigh up whether it's worth the extra £50/£100.

Vickster - I live in Battersea. I'm just over 5 10 so imagine I'd be looking at about an 18" frame on a mountain bike or 22" on a road bike. Not sure if yours may be a tad bit small although I'll reflect after I've seen a few today.

 

[winjim]

You should totally buy vickster's bike (if it fits etc). If you can afford the extra £75 it's much better than any new bike at your price range and looks ideal for your needs.

If you're concerned about buying used, there are people on this forum who will vouch for vickster and I'm sure she'd help you out should there be any issues

 

[toeknee]

Buy vicksters bike....

 

[vickster]

I do have a potentially interested buyer, will keep you posted

 

[fletchcmj]

Thanks Vickster. To be honest I can't see myself going to £275 so if you get an offer close to that no problems. Been out today and really like the look of the Carrera Subway. The Apollo's and the B'twin bikes do look cheap and of a poorer quality in comparison.

Halford's are offering the Subway for £229 if you order online which I can stretch to so that remains the favourite at the moment.

 

[sanddancer]

Theres a carrera vanquish just sold on eBay near me for £110, 1 bidder.
Carbon forks and Shimano Sora.
One of many bikes I was watching for a winter hack but bought a triban 500 se from decathlon yesterday.

I have a Raleigh pioneer hybrid I bought off eBay for £54 and it's a really nice comfortable solid bike for bimbling about on.
I mistakenly bid 5 grand so I'm glad I won it for 54,

 

[sanddancer]

I do have a potentially interested buyer, will keep you posted

Just a thought for the op.
For £75 more than budget I wager you will be buying a lot more enjoyable bike to ride than some nasty tat from argos that you would probably end up throwing in the shed,
Or the river

 

[stoatsngroats]

Halford's are offering the Subway for £229 if you order online which I can stretch to so that remains the favourite at the moment.

They will price match in store!!

 

[sidevalve]

For £75 you could have my carrera subay -almost unused with rack and m/guards fitted - just not my thing. Pity you live way down south.
TBH I would go second hand with a £200 budget. Look for the bike then check it out on the net and look for any reviews. Bikes are not like cars - there is no dodgy dealerships, hidden rust, 'clocked' odometers, written off bodge ups etc etc. A fault on a bike is usually pretty obvious and even if you do need a new chain / cassette / tyres or cables they are all easy to get and fit with a little care. In fact you will have to change them all at some point anyway as they are all 'consumables'. Unless the frame is damaged - pretty obvious really [when you just laugh at the idiot and walk away] there isn't much you can't fix.
PS - 17kg is way too heavy - as I have said before [sorry] my Dawes cost £50 needed £25 ish in bits weighs in at about 10kg and rides beautifully.