Which hybrid bike for budget of £200?

[chapperz]

I bought a full suspension mountain bike around 6/7 years ago when I thought a bright gold and red Viking bike was cool. I've decided it's time to upgrade to something a little better, but only have a budget of around £200. I realise I wont get much new for that kind of money so am looking at second hand bikes.

I live in the countryside and will mainly be using it for road use but may also use it on gravel tracks, etc, which is why I thought a hybrid bike would be a good choice?

I've had a look online, on ebay and bike sites, but I just end up confusing myself because there's so much choice! I need recommendations on good makes of bike within my budget and even models of bike if possible, just to give me a start. I like the sound of the Specialized Sirrus but they seem to go for around £300 second hand.

Are Trek, Carrera and Giant decent makes?

 

[400bhp]

Carerra Subway - see other thread.

 

[Pauluk]

I have Carerra Crossfire1 and Crossfire 2 and I have been really pleased with them. They're a bit out of your budget but they do keep coming up on ebay now and again. I saw a what looked like a good condition one go for about £90 a couple of weeks ago. You won't get much new for £200 but if you hang on and keep looking I'm sure you'll get something quite good for £200. Most bikes don't hold their value very well.
Where abouts are you out of interest.

 

[chapperz]

I have Carerra Crossfire1 and Crossfire 2 and I have been really pleased with them. They're a bit out of your budget but they do keep coming up on ebay now and again. I saw a what looked like a good condition one go for about £90 a couple of weeks ago. You won't get much new for £200 but if you hang on and keep looking I'm sure you'll get something quite good for £200. Most bikes don't hold their value very well.
Where abouts are you out of interest.

Thanks for the suggestions, gives me something to look for.

I live on Suffolk/Essex border

 

[caimg]

Carerra Subway - see other thread.

+1, I have one and it's a great hybrid for the price.

 

[musa]

Carerra Subway .

FTFY

 

[Pauluk]

You may have to be prepared to travel because all the ones I've seen are 'pick up only' but as I said I think one will turn up sooner or later. You need to know what size you require though, sounds obvious but that's the limitation with second hand as well as location.
You could also try the classified wanted sections of local news papers. Some people have the bikes but can't be bothered to advertise their sale. Don't be tempted to buy a second hand bike that doesn't fit even if it seems like a bargain. Good luck.

 

[Psyclist]

Found this C'dale Badboy for sale in Weybridge...£160

 

[MarkF]

You can get a new Dawes Discovery 101/201 for £200 or a higher specced used one. I have owned many, 201,301, 401 and a 501 and the build quality is far better than the Sirrus, which IMO, is shockingly bad, I currently own a 2010 Sirrus so it's easy for me to compare. The Discovery's are very underrated (unfashionable) bikes, a used 501 with low miles would be a superb buy at £200.

 

[scotty110788]

i had my subway for over 3 years, was a great bike and couldnt fault it unlike my riding which is why it no longer exists

 

[GetAGrip]

Carerra Subway - see other thread.

+1 Brilliant bike for the money!!!!

 

[chapperz]

It seems like the Carerra Subway is a popular choice! Would people recommend buying one new at £200 over maybe a better spec but second hand bike?

Oh, and I'd be sure to try one out for size but I'm guessing being 6' 1, I'd be needing an 22"/XL frame?

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I live on Suffolk/Essex border

Ditto, are you Manningtree area?

 

[chapperz]

Ditto, are you Manningtree area?

Yea, not far, over near Sudbury.

 

[caimg]

It seems like the Carerra Subway is a popular choice! Would people recommend buying one new at £200 over maybe a better spec but second hand bike?

Oh, and I'd be sure to try one out for size but I'm guessing being 6' 1, I'd be needing an 22"/XL frame?

Yeah I've got an 18 and I'm 5ft 8 so that's a good shout!