Touring bike on a budget

[alea]

Hi, I want to apologise in advance as I know nothing about bikes, I am more used to being carried by 4 legs, not 2 wheels - so I am sorry for my ignorance.

I am going to be cycling across Cuba (over 1000km) and would like any advice on what bike to buy. I'm only 5 2" , fairly fit (will be by then!!), not planning to do any proper off-roading, travelling light with necessities in rear panniers.
The main problem is my budget. I'm looking to spend as near to £100 as possible, but could go up to £200. Ideally I wanted a second hand bike, but they all seem to be extortionately priced or in such bad condition that I wouldn't know where to start.

If anyone has any tips/recommendations for me it would be much appreciated.
Thank you so much for your time,
amy

 

[GrumpyGregry]

someone in CC has got a revolution country explorer for sale. Not sure what size it is.

EDIT: Here it is; expect it is too large.

 

[alea]

thanks for that.
Yeah, too big, also I just can't afford them. the second hand ones i've found are all around £300

What are your thoughts on the Land Rover bicycles? (just because i've found one for sale not too far from my house for £150)

thanks again.

 

[jjb]

This is more interesting than the "I have 2k to spend" threads, I think. On the basis that you know nothing about bikes, I suggest new not second hand (knowing what a new bike rides like will help you diagnose worn parts later, rather than having to figure this stuff out from the start). Also, you are strict on the £200, I read. And I know nothing of road surfaces in Cuba, so I'm swinging towards fatter tyres rather than thinner. As a start (5 minutes looking around, so just for ideas), I suggest this, 16" frame, £200, reduced from £250, nice and small, will carry weights fine (though you must add a rack at £20ish from same shop).2" tyres are a bit fat but then they have a smooth rolling strip. Looks like an adjustable stem (you can raise the handlebars if you have sore back etc). Bit heavy but solid like a donkey. Many gears, good for carrying loads.

One point - might be pricey to get a bike to Cuba. Surely, many people do pedalling in Cuba, charity riders from Europe I mean, and there may be hire options worth investigating.

 

[jjb]

Oooh, 16" Carerra Subway, £200. Bit better. 1.6" tyres is optimal. Much lighter. No mudguards or rack though.

 

[alea]

Thanks for the quick replies!
Virgin take bikes for free (if they weigh under 23kg I think).
I've looked into hiring one but it seems difficult if you're not going with some sort of group.
I'd also quite like my own as I don't want this to be a one off trip.

Are Viking bikes worth looking at? The Kendal or something like that? - or would they just not be able to handle it?
Also I've seen a Barossa Milan reduced to £170 - I've never heard of that make though.

I'll have a look at that bike now, thank you !

 

[jjb]

Interesting re Virgin. Re bike ideas, if you pop links to the bikes you're suggesting in your message, you'll maximise the number of eyeballs that see them and also the amount of subsequent advice.

 

[alea]

thanks !

here are a couple of cheap bikes i've found - no idea if they'd be up to the task or not.

Viking Kendal http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3867.html?mv_pc=gp1
Viking seem to do a few touring type bikes in this price range - they all look the same to me though!!

Barossa Milan http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/30324/Barrosa_Milan_Womens_Bike_2011

 

[growingvegetables]

I suggest this, 16" frame, £200, reduced from £250, nice and small, will carry weights fine (though you must add a rack at £20ish from same shop).

+1 - lovely bike; bought one second-hand for my daughter as a quick stop-gap - which she (and I!) promptly fell in love with. "Bit heavy but solid like a donkey. Many gears, good for carrying loads." ---- yes!

 

[L.R.C]

Thanks for the quick replies!
Virgin take bikes for free (if they weigh under 23kg I think).
I've looked into hiring one but it seems difficult if you're not going with some sort of group.
I'd also quite like my own as I don't want this to be a one off trip.

Are Viking bikes worth looking at? The Kendal or something like that? - or would they just not be able to handle it?
Also I've seen a Barossa Milan reduced to £170 - I've never heard of that make though.

I'll have a look at that bike now, thank you !

Viking bikes if given the right care are brilliant... tbh i love mine but it's had it's faults and pretty fragile when it comes to gears etc but i have a road bike which get used for 200/250mile or so every week.

Good luck with you cycle anyhoo (Y)
Lewis

 

[wiggydiggy]

Oooh, 16" Carerra Subway, £200. Bit better. 1.6" tyres is optimal. Much lighter. No mudguards or rack though.

The better spec'd ltd edition is £199 as well:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_821657_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

 

[Mark Grant]

I've got a ladies Dawes Stirling

but it's a 21" frame so may be too big.

 

[alea]

it looks great! - but I think I can get away with an 18" max

 

[alea]

Thanks for everyone's input.
So I found out today that I am smaller than I thought- and I need a 16" maximum! - which limits my options!
I've been looking at the Carrera Subway (thanks for that advice) - and that at the moment seems to be my most sensible option.
But I just found these on the Evans website http://www.evanscycles.com/products/mongoose/crossway-125-2010-womens-hybrid-bike-ec025878 and wanted to know if anyone had any knowledge about the Mongoose - or would my saving £50 (compared to the £200 carrera subway) here not be a saving in the long run.
Thanks again.

 

[alea]

Sorry ! another post.
Here is a Ridgeback Speed (it's gents, but 15" so would be fine for my little legs) http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B3743.html
would a Ridgeback be better than a Carrera Subway?
thank you for your knowledge.