Cheap Commuter Bike

[Arth]

Hi There,

I am planning to cycle to work and back.

One side distance - 8 miles
Track - Half road and half cycle trail
gradient - uphill (100 ft gradient difference from home to work).


I have been advised an MTB by half the people who take the same route and hybrid by the others. I am looking for something cheap to begin with. Below are my choices (under £320). Please can you suggest what i should go for?

Carrera Crossfire 2 (Hybrid)
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-crossfire-2-mens-hybrid-bike-black

OR

Fuji Nevada 1.6 Hardtail 2016 (Mountain)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/..._dc|pcrid|161845658788|pkw||pmt||prd|588377UK

Appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Arth

 

[User32269]

Hi Arth, have you considered going for a used bike? A few hundred quid or even less and you could get a really decent mtb or hybrid.
Look on local Gumtree or on eBay, or find local bike dealers.

 

[Drago]

Carrera Subway.

 

[biggs682]

@Arth an 80's mtb with no suspension is what you want like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152549809902?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Arth]

Hi Arth, have you considered going for a used bike? A few hundred quid or even less and you could get a really decent mtb or hybrid.
Look on local Gumtree or on eBay, or find local bike dealers.

Thanks Odav. I'm new to the whole cycle buying, so really not sure what to look for when buying a used one.

 

[vickster]

Carrera Subway without the suspension unless you are riding on really rough stuff. Entry level bikes have cheap and heavy suspension, unnecessary unless mountain biking or issues with arm pain

 

[TheDoctor]

Hi Arth,
I'd have a look at the Decathlon range - they're normally a good recommendation for cheaper bikes.
Or, if you're OK to go second-hand and you're about five-foot sevenish, I've got one I hardly use.

Slick tyres, 21 gears, V brakes, butterfly bars (but I could easily fit riser or flat bars).

 

[User32269]

Thanks Odav. I'm new to the whole cycle buying, so really not sure what to look for when buying a used one.

vickster summed it up. Suspension is not needed for normal riding, and cheepo suspension is heavy and useless.
I like 80s & 90s steel mountain bikes. 26 inch wheels. Can fit Slick or semi slick tyres if used predominantly on good road surface. Usually have fittings for racks and mud guards. You can pick up nice ones for very little money.
That's just my preference, hope you find something you like.

 

[vickster]

Couple of modern options

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-parva-mens-hybrid-bike
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-2-hybrid-bike

Doubt you need the extra weight and maintenance of discs

 

[Arth]

Thank you all. As advised, I have just booked a Carrera Subway 2 Hybrid; it was on a good deal as well. Delivery on Friday. All excited. Now its time to buy some gear, lock, pump (and mudguard?)

 

[vickster]

Get a good lock, £50 should cover a D lock and cable, track pump, some sort of clip on mudguard. Get some decent pedals for it too, the ones it'll come with are likely rubbish

And check the insurance on it (home insurance usually the cheapest option)

If you join British Cycling (around £35), you can get 10% off at Halfords, probably cover cost of membership with bike & kit purchases...and other important benefits (legal and 3rd party indemnity cover)

 

[User32269]

Thank you all. As advised, I have just booked a Carrera Subway 2 Hybrid; it was on a good deal as well. Delivery on Friday. All excited. Now its time to buy some gear, lock, pump (and mudguard?)

Enjoy!

 

[Cycleops]

Good for you, you'll enjoy the extra security the discs will give you. The mudguards will likely be a necessity.

Let us know what you think.