New or secondhand hybrid?

[1973prl]

Hello all,

I am just at the point of wanting to get back into recreational cycling after 15+ years and need to replace my rusty old mountain bike (I will be using it for road and bike track). I am in the UK and have found a second hand 2010 Gary Fisher Monona for sale locally that appears to be in very good condition. I haven't seen it in the flesh yet, but probably will this weekend. The seller wants £200.

I now notice that Halfords are offering the Carrera Subway this weekend at a 50% reduction, so £199.99. I can't really spend much more than £200.

My predictable question is, assuming the Monona is in good nick, is this the best option, or the brand new Carrera? I don't really rate Halfords, but the reviews of the bike seem generally positive.

All comments appreciated.

 

[RiflemanSmith]

How much did they Gary Fisher cost new?
The Carrera is a really heavy bike.
Keep looking for a decent second hand bike.

 

[1973prl]

I think the Gary Fisher was around £500 new.

 

[AndyRM]

If it's in good condition, the Gary Fisher is very well specced.

It would be my preference over the Carrera, but the Subway series are decent bikes: I wouldn't pay £400 for one though! Halford's can be... 'creative'... with their pricing.

 

[1973prl]

Thanks for the comments and advice.

I stopped at the local halfords today but felt the Carrera Subway seemed 'cheap' and wasn't impressed despite some good online reviews.

I have now bought the secondhand Gary Fisher as it turned out to be in virtually 'as new' condition. Having tried it out it seems very smooth and unabused with everything working as it should. Am very pleased and looking forward to making good use of it.

 

[Ladytrucker]

Good luck with your new(ish) bike purchase.

oh, and welcome.

 

[Cycleops]

Let's have a pic of the Monona. Hope it's running well.

 

[1973prl]

Let's have a pic of the Monona. Hope it's running well.

Here it is...

 

[vickster]

Nice

 

[Cycleops]

Here it is...

Thats a really nice bike! It's good it doesn't have suspension forks as it adds too much weight. I have a similar Marin and wish I didn't have them. You got yourself a real bargain there. Keep the tyre pressures up to max on the road.

 

[chewy]

nice one