I'm confused

[webby03]

I am new here and hope someone can help. I am looking to by a new bike budget approx £250-300. I am looking at comuting and in the summer a few days touring. Any suggestions would be grateful
Thanls
P.P. I am female

 

[jay clock]

I have six bikes but one that stands out as ideal is a Carerra Subway. They do a women's version (ie slighty different geometry but not a sloping down-tube in a Miss Marple stylie) - very cheap at about £170 and you will be able to put a rack and mudguards on for your budget. The not inconsiderable downside is having to buy from Halfords. Take one of us with you!My girlfriend has toured with me on a Specialized Sirrus (pricier).As a woman you really need to try some out to see what suits sizewise. If you are tallish a man's frame may be ok, but if tall with very long legs even that may not work. I am sure someone else will be along with advice in a mo!Finally www.crazyguyonabike.com is a good place to fire your imagination. My contrib is there at www.crazyguyonabike.com/julianHappy cycling

 

[Royalrider]

Hi,
I've just been researching for a new bike for my wife and have decided on the Specialized Globe Comp D4W. It is a very well regarded bike and recommended by many on several forums. It is well specced with carbon forks. It is a hybrid bike ie comfortable on roads and light trails, tow paths etc. It is slightly more than your budget. I have just paid £349 delivered from Cycle Surgery. The RRP is around £530. They do the ladies version in three sizes and I have bought the 23cm size which according to Specialized fits ladies between 5ft 5in and 5ft 10in. Someone will be along shortly to tell you bike sizing isn't all about how tall you are but with ladies step through frames a lot of the info on sizing does not easily translate. There are of course other cycles like the Carrera Subway as in the previous post which is highly acclaimed by their owners but I think the Spesh is a lot better bike for the extra money.

 

[Royalrider]

ps I've just noticed there is another thread on here titled Subway or Globe. Have a read of that.

 

[ed_o_brain]

I know the Subway 8 is quite a heavy bike, fine for commuting shortish distances but maybe a bit arduous on tour.

I've no idea about the Subway 1 & 2. On your budget, I think I would be considering a Specialized Globe at a knocked down sale price.

 

[webby03]

Hi, thanks for the responses, I had looked at the carerra but the crossfire 2 not the subway, also the raleigh metro. I was not sure if the metro was a bit heavy. I have also looked as various Claud Butler bikes the urban 200 , the odyssey and the comfort (again a bit heay). I will have a look at the Specialized Globe.
Any other suggstions things I should avoid etc appriciated

Thanks

 

[BIGSESAL]

I have also looked as various Claud Butler bikes

I have a Claud Butler road bike (Roubaix model - £410). It has let me get a taste for a road bike before spending a lot of money. I'm not too clued up about the other models they do but I know there are some people on hear with hybrids who like them.

 

[another_dave_b]

Hi, thanks for the responses, I had looked at the carerra but the crossfire 2 not the subway, also the raleigh metro. I was not sure if the metro was a bit heavy. I have also looked as various Claud Butler bikes the urban 200 , the odyssey and the comfort (again a bit heay). I will have a look at the Specialized Globe.
Any other suggstions things I should avoid etc appriciated

Thanks

The Raleigh has an alloy frame, so I don't see that it would be any heavier than another bike in this class. Perhaps you could test ride a Metro LX?

EDIT
If you're near a Decathlon Store, their Riverside Ladies' 3 looks like a nice bike for the money.

EDIT
Or perhaps Decathlon's B'twin SL?

 

[Arch]

I have six bikes but one that stands out as ideal is a Carerra Subway. They do a women's version (ie slighty different geometry but not a sloping down-tube in a Miss Marple stylie) - very cheap at about £170 and you will be able to put a rack and mudguards on for your budget. The not inconsiderable downside is having to buy from Halfords. Take one of us with you!My girlfriend has toured with me on a Specialized Sirrus (pricier).As a woman you really need to try some out to see what suits sizewise. If you are tallish a man's frame may be ok, but if tall with very long legs even that may not work. I am sure someone else will be along with advice in a mo!Finally www.crazyguyonabike.com is a good place to fire your imagination. My contrib is there at www.crazyguyonabike.com/julianHappy cycling

May I express the hope that 'us' means 'an experienced cyclist', and not 'a man'...

I've certainly heard good things about the Subway, and the downside with Halfords really is the variable level of competence of the staff. If you can find a knowledgable mate to go along with you, and check the bike over when bought, that's good.

 

[008]

Unless you intend to do some 'proper off road', I think the concensus is that suspension is not required... adds weight, no noticeable difference in ride comfort and loss of energy from suspension 'bouncing up & down' rather than generating forward momentum.

Could rule out the Claud Butler Urban 200???

 

[webby03]

Hi
Thanks for everyones input.
I think I have narrowed it down to either the claud butler Legend or urban 200.
Looking at some of the towpaths where we intend to ride I still think I would like front suspension.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated, especially adive on brakes, gears etc
We would like to work up to doing C2C later in the year, which bike would be better.
Thanks

 

[another_dave_b]

Hi
Thanks for everyones input.
I think I have narrowed it down to either the claud butler Legend or urban 200.
Looking at some of the towpaths where we intend to ride I still think I would like front suspension.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated, especially adive on brakes, gears etc
We would like to work up to doing C2C later in the year, which bike would be better.
Thanks

If you're considering a longish trip like the C2C, you might want to add bar ends to give you the option of more riding positions.

I don't think you'd notice any difference between a 21 and 24 speed in gear range.

EDIT
I think of the two, I'd say the Legend. You're going to want mudguards and rack anyway, and the finishing kit on the Legend looks better (comfier saddle & grips).

 

[jimboalee]

Shame the tech spec's don't tell you the weight of the bikes.

I'd be taking my dad's fishing scales to a LBS who sell both.

 

[another_dave_b]

If you're still in the market, there's a Claud Butler Legend on Ebay.

EDIT
Make that two Claud Butler Legends

 

[webby03]

Well I,ve done it, picking up new bike next week, and what have a brought, well not the Urban 200 or the Legend. In the end I sat on my new bike and just fell in love !!!!............its a TREK 7300 (2008 model). So have I done good ? , I may think about changing the saddle (I decided on the mens frame rather than the womans) - any opinions.
Thanks you all your help