After a bike for commuting and such

[zombryn]

Hey people,

I found your forum whilst trying to look for bike reviews and it seemed pretty great so I joined up to see if I could nab myself some lovely advice.

I've recently moved to Cambridge and am after a bike to commute to work. My budget is is around £150 but could probably stretch to £200 if I really liked the bike.

I'm unsure as to whether going with a new or a used bike would be a better idea. My brain tells me that a second hand at £150 would be better than a new one at the same price but I have bad experience with used bikes so my eyes are currently winning.

I was originally looking at this, and it still really interests me - http://www.gumtree.c...y-bike/84202718

but was recently given links to these which look shiny but probably aren't as good:

http://www.fieldandt...ing-bike-933046
http://www.fieldandt...rid-bike-933033
http://www.fieldandt...ity-bike-933042

I can go and see the gumtree bike any time I want as I've contacted the seller to ask about it but since I don't know about brands/parts/bikes in general I'm left unsure as to what to do.

Any help/advice/recommendations would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance,

Bryn

P.S. Oh and apart from using for commuting 5 days a week I'd like to be able to go shopping and what not with it as well as general rides around the city/country roads.

 

[vickster]

With that budget used is best, but if buying from Gumtree/eBay etc, be very sure it's not nicked before parting with any cash! There is also a good classifieds section on here. The Gumtree bike does look

If you want new, Halfords Carreras aren't bad for around £250 or Decathlon's hybrids. Or go to your local neighbourhood bike shop (must be loads in Cambridge) and see what they have, possily an outgoing 2010 model is your best bet.

Good luck and enjoy

 

[g00se]

Oh - and most online 'sale' prices at the low end are as much of as sale as DFS have - if you know what I mean

Personally, those new ones you linked too, I wouldn't touch. Best bet would be second hand.

 

[zombryn]

Thanks for the comments guys What do you think about the bike on gumtree? The guy seems to know what he's talking about (I think?) and wrote up plenty about the bike.

 

[zombryn]

What do you folk think between these two?

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/b...e-mens-city-bike/84202718#gallery-item-full-1

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320738640490#ht_500wt_1156 (I wouldn't have to pay the £30 P&P though so it'd still be around £150)

Thanks in advance guys.

 

[The Jogger]

What do you folk think between these two?

http://www.gumtree.c...ery-item-full-1

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...0#ht_500wt_1156 (I wouldn't have to pay the £30 P&P though so it'd still be around £150)

Thanks in advance guys.

I think the one on ebay looks fine, especially for shortish, flat commutes.

 

[g00se]

Personally, I'd go for the Raleigh (provided it's in good nick). The rod-brakes and wheel sizes may make it trickier to service; and it probably weighs a TON compared to the other (which will be half a ton).

However, old Raleighs have a bit of class - see: this

I'm not sure if the Marlboro is worth that though. It might be, but it's not a famous marque and there's not much from googling it. But here's one in really good nick that went for £60. And a reference to one that went for £35.

But if you hunt about ebay for old Raleigh roadsters, then prices are better:

My link

My link

My link

So even if you don't like it, I reckon you'll get a similar price for it if you sell it again. I wouldn't go much higher than it is currently though.

 

[zombryn]

Thanks for the replies guys, you've helped so much. I honestly would have made an awful mistake by now if it wasn't for your wise words

I love the first bike you linked g00se and may actually go for it even though I'd have to get the train to Norwich to fetch it. Looks beautiful!

Not sure which to go with between the Raleigh I linked earlier and that black one though...decisions decisions.

 

[zombryn]

Another thing I haven't got my head around yet are bike sizes. For example the bike I like says it's 27", how do I know if this will be the right size for me or not?

 

[g00se]

I think the seller has made a mistake. An old bike like that will have 27 inch wheels. A frame is measured along it's seat tube which will tend to be between 18 and 23 inches.

Best thing would be to ask them to measure the seat tube. Bike sizing can be a pain with modern compact frames with sloping top tubes, but the older ones are more straight forward.

Looking at the wheels and frame, I would guess it'll suit someone who's 5' 10" ish.

 

[g00se]

Best bet, get them to measure the height above the ground of the top of the top tube. This should be an inch or two smaller than your inseam.

 

[zombryn]

Lovely, thanks g00se Just sent the seller a question about it now.

 

[zombryn]

Allo again,

I have this reply for one of the bikes I'm looking at. Would this be a good size for someone who's around 6 foot?

Hi frame size is 22" just count from bottom bracket to the top is 58cm =22,8"

Thanks again

P.S. The bid runs out in just under 2 hours so any comments about this are more than welcome as I have no idea

 

[vickster]

58cm is fine if 6ft I think. I am a little under 5'10 and ride a 55cm. You can always get shorter stem, shift the saddle around if a "little" big

 

[g00se]

How tall are you?