What bike? From Where?

[philyyy]

I plan to do a 80/120 mile (on roads) cycle over 4-5 days for charity at the start of the summer. I have a budget of appx £200 for a bike, where would I found a mountain bike or cross bike with the best spec for that price? I'm new to all this so please be constructive even if I am being stupid.

 

[shippers]

Ebay probably a good starting point. That amount of miles per day isn't too great. 20 to 30 per day isn't going to be too tough if you can get some practice in.

The other thing you could look at is a bike to work scheme- you'll be able to shell out more as it's tax free. Have a look at evans cycles or edinburgh bicycle coop for more details.

Other, cleverer people will give you details about what sort of bike to look for.

 

[philyyy]

I presume the cycle to work scheme involves what it suggests. I would love to but for my work it's not really practical or do they have no way of checking?

 

[snorri]

I plan to do a 80/120 mile (on roads) cycle over 4-5 days for charity at the start of the summer. I have a budget of appx £200 for a bike, where would I found a mountain bike or cross bike with the best spec for that price? I'm new to all this so please be constructive even if I am being stupid.

I think we need more information please.
Do you mean a maximum of 120 miles over 5 days, or a maximum of 120 miles per day for five days?
Why are you considering a mountain bike for an on road trip?

 

[TheDoctor]

If you're really only looking to spend £200, I'd maybe suggest getting to Decathlon and getting one of these
At £150 quid they're a bargain, and a lot better than a full-sus supermarket bike.

 

[philyyy]

More info

I think it will be 20-30 miles per day as me and my friends are no cyclists and need to build up the stamina before trying anything further, it may expand depending on training. I think I would prefer a mountain bike or a cropss type thing as I think once the road trip is done I'd like to use the bike for a bit of off roady type messing.

 

[andym]

Decathlon is still a worthwhile option - if you have a store within travelling distance. I wouldn't dismiss the Doctor's suggestion out of hand - it looks capable of riding off-road, but Decathlon's Rockrider MTB range which starts at £99 range are definitely worth a look

 

[philyyy]

Halfords Carrera

I did see a carrera (I think) bike in Halfords reduced from £499 to £149 would this be better or is this so marketing gimmick, or does it depend on the exact bike?

 

[andym]

I did see a carrera (I think) bike in Halfords reduced from £499 to £149 would this be better or is this so marketing gimmick, or does it depend on the exact bike?

It does depend on the bike. If you can provide details of the spec and/or a web link then I'm sure someone will be able to comment. Bear in mind though that bikes are often reduced because they are in the very large or very small sizes - so may be a bargain, but only if they are the right size for you.

 

[Muddyfox]

Get in the For Sale Section and snap up Wilko's 2009 Sirrus Sport for £200

Jobs a Good'un

Simon

 

[philyyy]

Halfords bike

I'll pop down tomorrow and see about this Carrera beast.

 

[snorri]

Get yourself a second hand bike and start training now. After a few months of cycling you will have gained enough experience to know what sort of new bike to go for. Plan to get your new bike 4 weeks before the charity event.