Woo hoo new bike!

[Sam Kennedy]

Since my argos bike has had so many faults (front derailleur, parts falling off, handlebars coming loose) I am entitled to a refund

However my budget will only be £120, so I'm definately going second hand, I'm going to my local bike recycling place (Recyke'y'bike).

Anyone got any tips of how to make sure I make the most of my money?

 

[dhague]

Here's a random idea: buy one that looks a bit tatty, but is mechanically sound, and maybe a little bit less than your budget. Give it a really good clean, tweak the mechanicals until they are spot-on, use the budget difference to pay for a coat of paint / new bar tape / new tyres, then sell it for more than you bought it for.

Repeat the exercise for the whole summer. Result: you learn lots about fettling bikes, and end up with one that's loads better than you can get for £120.

If you can combine this with a LBS summer job (access to knowledge, cheap parts, etc), you're well & truly sorted.

All the best,
Darren

 

[Sam Kennedy]

hey thats a really good idea! B)

I have emailed my LBS (M Steel Cycles) but I will most likely drop in tomorrow and ask if I could work there. The only thing that is sort of putting me off is that they are all experienced cyclists, and I'm a 16 year old newbie

It can't hurt to ask though B)

I was considering Edinburgh Cycles, but on their site they said no vacancies.
The only other place is 'The Cycle Centre', which I'm never going to visit again let alone ask for an opportunity to stay there 6 hours a day

I'll keep my eyes open for more cycle shops and see if I can get into any of those.

 

[ajp233]

Hi Sam,

I have a 2007 Specialized Sirrus Comp that I was going to put on eBay if you are interested. It is a known as a hybrid bike but is basically a flat handlebar road bike. I was looking for around £150 for it if you were interesed? It is a size medium, and I'm located in Middlesbrough, so only 40 odd minutes down the road from you. If you're interested I can send you some pics.

Andy.