Looking for advice buying my first adult bike.

[mjr]

If you're going to be locking it on campus, get a 12+mm I-shaped-key D lock to put through back wheel, frame and parking stand, then use the free lock (probably a thin cable) to secure the front wheel, frame and ideally stand. Scratch off, draw over or tape over any branding on the lock unless it's kryptonite or Abus. I may be paranoid, but I didn't lose a bike in six years on campus or (mumble) years since.

Some police stations know who sells discounted decent D locks, either year round or sometimes. Others may look at you funny

 

[ChrisEyles]

I've also been offered this 2nd hand Marin mountain bike for £80, would it be worth buying that and sticking some hybrid tyres on it?

http://imgur.com/a/oHHAz

In regards to the Subway, I found this fairly nearby, is a 20" frame small for me at 5" 11?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW...171844?hash=item4d5b798304:g:Mc4AAOSwi7RZMAy1

Cheers

I've got a Marin very much like that one. It's absolutely ace for a long off-road ride on Exmoor/Dartmoor, but I definitely wouldn't want to commute on it!

The Carrera Subway's others have flagged up is definitely worth looking at. I also really rate the Specialised Sirrus (very nearly bought one myself but ended up spending a tiny bit more and getting a touring bike) again look out for a lightly used one and you should be able to get a decent deal too.

 

[ChrisEyles]

Oops! Sorry, just saw you managed to get hold of the Subway - great choice! Enjoy the bike

 

[vickster]

If you're going to be locking it on campus, get a 12+mm I-shaped-key D lock to put through back wheel, frame and parking stand, then use the free lock (probably a thin cable) to secure the front wheel, frame and ideally stand. Scratch off, draw over or tape over any branding on the lock unless it's kryptonite or Abus. I may be paranoid, but I didn't lose a bike in six years on campus or (mumble) years since.

Some police stations know who sells discounted decent D locks, either year round or sometimes. Others may look at you funny

There is D Lock in the pics, dunno what sort though, hence the question. Could be an Abus of some sort looking at the cable it has with it

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-53481-19255-0/1?type=4&campid=5336742846&toolid=10001&afsrc=1&customid=61076X1383750Xf9d31f2820cf581bc7ea6cb4213fc741&mpre=http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BRAND-NEW-Carrera-Subway-1-20-inches-Hybrid-Bike-/332247171844?hash=item4d5b798304:g:Mc4AAOSwi7RZMAy1

 

[mjr]

OK. Can't see pics from here

 

[Quigibo]

I have no idea what brand the lock is, I stupidly didn't ask. The listing said it cost £30 new so thats some idea as to the quality.

 

[vickster]

I have no idea what brand the lock is, I stupidly didn't ask. The listing said it cost £30 new so thats some idea as to the quality.

The best D locks cost around £70. Get another if leaving all day on campus

 

[Quigibo]

Little detective work, looks like an "Abus Ultra 410".

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-locks/bike-locks/abus-ultra-410-mini-d-lock-cable

Not bad to say it's thrown in I suppose.

 

[vickster]

It's silver rated. Look for a gold rated one. If your budget is limited, these are meant to be decent for the money

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.OnGuard-Brute-Lock-Shackle-U-Lock-Gold-Sold-Secure-Rating_59955.htm

 

[cyberknight]

Subways are cracking bikes, so good i bought another one as i missed it years after i sold my 1st one.

 

[welshman2010]

I got a boardman hybrid from halfords MX comp its called. Been very happy with it do about 120miles a week