Is this bike any good?

[Nathan182]

Guys I need some info on this bike? as I don't know anything about bikes and im new to the whole thing after about 10 years. looking for a good quality bike at a good price, mainly for going up the canal and going on bike paths etc, ive seen this one, any idea if its any good?

http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B5266.html

 

[smokeysmoo]

In a word no. A harsh word granted, but it'd be hard for anyone to argue otherwise.

Any 'bike' you can buy from bikes2udirect, Littlewoods, Sports Direct, JJB, A.N.other catalogue type/high street sports outlet is commonly referred to as a BSO, (Bicycly Shaped Object).

This is due to it's appearance of being a bicycle, but the very low quality of the frame materials and components used.

Get your old bike checked out properly, (as per your other thread), and if it is indeed FUBAR, then look to replace it, but if your budget is £150 then IMO the only option you have to stand a chance of getting any level of quality to buy something second hand.

 

[simon.r]

It's a very basic bike. Hi-tensile steel is the cheapest steel that frames are made of. It will have very basic components and will be heavy. It'll work (assuming it's set up correctly) but don't expect it to last forever.

If you could double your budget you'd get a bike much more than twice as good. Alternatively, second-hand may be the way to go.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

It'll be alright but that's about it. Heavy, possibly not very comfy with that basic saddle, cheap tyres probably won't roll fast/grip particularly well. Even so, I've bought worse.

I saw your other thread and find it hard to believe that a bike that has been in the shed for the last 6 years needs everything replacing. It probably wants a damn good fettling but unless water has been leaking on to it during storage, probably doesn't want much in the way of new parts. Second opinion time!

 

[RiflemanSmith]

Where are you based Nathan?

 

[Nathan182]

bases in Newport wales mate, yea its been in the damp shed for years, all the metal components are rusted really bad too, how about this bike? http://www.decathlon.co.uk/rockrider-50-mountain-bike-black-id_8238214.html#avantages

 

[HLaB]

Id personally want to go for something with fixed forks at that price and narrower tyres but Decathlon have a good name for value for money.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

The Decathlon bikes are generally well regarded and tend to be slightly better value for money than other bikes in the same price range. Bear in mind that this is still at the budget end of the market so saddle, tyres etc won't be great.

That Rockrider is more of an off road bike really. Is that the sort of riding you had in mind? If you are going to be mainly on road you might like to consider their Riverside 1 which has slightly larger wheels which will tend to roll easier and faster.

 

[fossyant]

Decathlon... Do it.

 

[Nathan182]

Mainly loose grit paths due to the fact that my house is 5 mins away from the entrance to a 50 mile long canal with great views, so which would be better ?

 

[Sittingduck]

Decathlon one will be better but for 150 budget, you are almost inviting problems, buying new (IMHO). Save a little more or look second hand, is my advice.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Any of the bikes shown so far should cope easily with gravel paths.

If it was my choice I'd be looking more towards the Riverside as suspension is just extra weight/maintenance for not much gain at that end of the market.

 

[Nathan182]

that's for the info guys, think im going to go for the riverside 1. seems a good all rounder. and it should cope with my weight? as I said before im a heavy guy.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

From another thread I believe you're about 18 stone? These bikes will cope as well as any other bike at that price. You won't break the frame as it is steel and each wheel has 36 spokes which is the most a standard bike will offer.

If you are worried about the bike taking your weight have a read of this.