Please recommend a cheapy for the C2C

[Nemesis_252]

Evening all. I'm new to your world, but going to brave the C2C in June, and I'm in need of an alternative bike.

I'm currently the lucky owner of a dual suspension Barracuda Slalom, circa 1998, weighing in at a hefty 18kg. I've been told by more than one person that the combination of the rear suspension and it's overall weight will be a significant hindrance, so I'm considering my options, which to be fair, are quite limited! So far, they are:

1. Use my current Barracuda Slalom.
2. Borrow my dads 2010 Land Rover Athabasca.
3. Buy new (budget around £100)
4. Buy used (again, budget around £100 give or take a little, plus whatever I could potentially sell the Barracuda for [last one to sell on eBay did so for £16, so I'm not holding much hope on this front])

I'm favouring #4, however I'd be interested in opinions on whether I'd find a used bike for £100ish which is better than #1 and #2, or if I'm wasting my time even looking?

Cheers,
Michael

 

[DCLane]

My suggestion: if you've only a budget of £100 I'd either borrow or buy used. Nothing for £100's going to make much difference, if any.

A couple of thoughts: where are you? And are you needing a road bike or mountain bike (MTB)?

 

[Nemesis_252]

Ah yes, I knew I'd miss something out! If I'm looking to buy, ideally I'd like a hybrid (or a tourer).

As you point out, my cash would be better spent on used than on new (it was really only mentioned as it is an option, all be it an unlikely one) it's just a case of roughly what should I expect for my money, and would it be an improvement over what's already on offer to me.

 

[DCLane]

You could pick up a half-decent hybrid / tourer for that price; I've been looking on eBay (which tends to go for higher prices) and Gumtree (a bit lower, despite being eBay owned) for something and £100 should get you a bike which will do the trip.

Make sure the gears shift OK, the chain and cassette are OK, the wheels are true and the brakes work. Tyres can be replaced cheaply, as can brake shoes but cassettes/shifters/etc start to get expensive.

 

[Nemesis_252]

Thanks. Are there any particular low-end brands to either look out for, or to avoid?

 

[biggs682]

ask in your local bike shop they might have one that will do the job .

+1 re dclanes comments re borrowing one , if you were nearer and fancied a road bike then no trouble

 

[Pale Rider]

I had an idle browse at one of these the other day:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_893191_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Not as bad as a few on here might think, and excellent value at £139.

 

[Pale Rider]

Apologies for the double post, but I've just noticed the OP is in Northumberland.

I was in Peter Darke Cycles in Sunderland recently and he had just taken a tidy 1990s Cannondale mountain bike in part exchange - he sold it originally.

Peter told me they were excellent bikes at that time, and reasonably light even by today's standards.

It has splattered paintwork which was done by hand, making every bike unique.

He was talking about putting it on ebay for about £80.

Give him a ring, tel: 0191 567 8310.

 

[Graham]

Why not spend £200 on something off ebay, use it for the C2C and then resell it? Should get your money back (ish).

 

[400bhp]

Decathlon Rockrider 5.0.

The end.

 

[HovR]

Thanks. Are there any particular low-end brands to either look out for, or to avoid?

I'd advise avoiding Apollo, Muddyfox, and Trax. These are Halfords/Sportsdirect brands that tend to be overpriced and of a low quality.

If you can find a used Carrera Subway it would make an ideal bike. They have a reputation for being a bomb-proof commuter, and can take a rack. The wide tires will keep you nice and comfy without the extra weight of suspension. The Limited Edition model sells for £220 (although at the moment they have it at £399, so they can claim a massive discount for the rest of the year), so it's entirely possible you could find one second hand around £100.

 

[HovR]

I had an idle browse at one of these the other day:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_893191_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

Not as bad as a few on here might think, and excellent value at £139.

My first bike was of a similar quality level to this, also Apollo, but a hardtail mountain bike.

The frame and gears on this bike will likely chug along for ever, although not as smoothly as one might like. The brake levers are plastic, which isn't exactly ideal - The levers themselves break extremely easily and don't inspire confidence under hard braking.

The real downside of these cheap bikes however are the bearings. The bearing surfaces on the wheels wear quickly, leading you to need to drop £50+ on new wheels. At some point in the near future after buying the bike the bottom bracket will likely wear out and need replacing with a sealed unit, as mine did.

 

[Nemesis_252]

Thanks for the advise so far. My plan was (and still is) to visit a few local bike shops this weekend, so it'll be interesting to see what they've got to offer. I've also contacted Peter Darke, I'm just waiting to hear back what he's got available, thanks for the tip.

Strangely enough the Carrera Subway was one of the first used bikes I took a serious interest in on eBay as it appeared to suit my purpose well, however I never buy anything without researching it first so that particular one came and went (sold for £89 I think), however I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time until the next local one comes along.

The Rockrider 5.0 is also an interesting suggestion - Decathlon isn't somewhere I would've considered, but the bike looks (to an amateur like me) good for the money, and the warranty on it ain't half bad either.

The suggestion to buy a more expensive one and sell it on was a good one, and usually something I'd consider doing, however my intention is after my 3 months training and (hopefully) completing the C2C, to keep the cycling up, so I'd like something that is going to last, which I can afford to keep.

My shortlist is getting longer, but more suggestions or opinions are always welcome. Cheers,
Michael

 

[Nemesis_252]

I'm still on the look out (all of the usual second hand suppliers seem to have dried up since I've had some cash in my pocket ), could someone please offer an informed opinion on this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007A9UTO6
Thanks,
Michael

 

[Widge]

That 'amazon' Barracuda looks to be marginally better vfm than most £100 catalogue bikes I see.

Alloy Frame - probably still heavier than ideal but not a cast-iron gas-pipe special.
700c Road wheels - good option for road use-big tyre choice.............those already on there may be pretty grim though.....any wheels with painted braking surfaces is a sure sign somebody hasn't thought this through!

No ghastly cheap suspension to weigh a ton and go horribly wrong within a few miles.

Simple v brakes - not mechanical disc brakes to go the way of cheap suspension. I would change them for something better as a matter of course.....but reliable 'v's', pads and blocks are relatively cheap. (Look at 'Clarks' for all three?)

'proper' replaceable stem...so you can set or change bars for your stylee and comfort easily.

Always a risk not seeing one in the flesh....and can guarantee something will cr@p out on you sooner rather than later.....but as long as the drive train and frame are serviceable it won't be too dramatic hopefully. Bearings are likely to be substanderd.

I would still prefer buy someting you can lick before you splash the cash!