Opinions please...

[Ming the Merciless]

Arrange a test ride and see. Decide on a price you are prepared to pay and haggle.

 

[Cycleops]

Difficult to say if it's a MTB style frame (which looks like it may be) with a higher bottom bracket then you should be okay. Give it a try.

 

[JAH]

You snooze, you lose!
That's gone too!!! Can't shop for used bikes and go to work.
So, still looking out. Still pondering the Carrera Axle. Took a little ride on it in the store today and it felt nice. (Also tried out the Carrera Crossfire 1 and that was good too - I liked the upright riding position, but the suspension fork put me off a little). Could get 10% off Halfords, and both of these are on offer so would just about be within my budget.

 

[Vantage]

Shame the claud butler went.
The council run social cycle group here have a fleet of about 30 of them. They just work endlessly well despite the abuse they take.

 

[vickster]

You snooze, you lose!
That's gone too!!! Can't shop for used bikes and go to work.
So, still looking out. Still pondering the Carrera Axle. Took a little ride on it in the store today and it felt nice. (Also tried out the Carrera Crossfire 1 and that was good too - I liked the upright riding position, but the suspension fork put me off a little). Could get 10% off Halfords, and both of these are on offer so would just about be within my budget.

You said you’re in Nottingham. Why not see what your local not for profit bike coop has. You’ll know that it’s decent mechanically

http://www.nottinghambikeworks.org.uk/what-we-do/bikeshop/bikes-for-sale/
Eg
http://www.nottinghambikeworks.org.uk/product/claud-butler-bike/
...
Bikeshop

Fantastic selection of refurbished, serviced and guaranteed used bikes for sale
Professional repair and service workshop where you can get your own bike serviced and repaired by our qualified mechanics
Comprehensive range of good value parts and spares both new and used

 

[Cycleops]

Here's a few off Gumtree that might interest you;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/ladies-raleigh-pioneer-160-hybrid-bike/1347249182

https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/elegant-viking-ladys-bike/1347246705

https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/saxon-kontiki-ladies-mountain-bike/1347236435

https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/ladies-bike/1347165541

Or if you're feeling brave;
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/raleigh-pioneer-trail-ladies-bike/1347201590
These Raleigh Pioneers really make great all round bikes. Might need a bit of fettling though. Better than the one at the top as it has solid fork.

 

[JAH]

Good afternoon!
Can anyone give me any info about this bike?
Someone near me is selling it and wants a tenner! She says it needs brakes and tyres. Apparently the tyres are 26" x 1.5" and the frame size is 18".
I'm tempted to give it a go and see what it will cost to sort it out. If it is too much money/time/trouble, then I'll donate it to my local bike charity and cut my losses. The woman needs it gone by midday tomorrow as she is moving away. I can't read more than 'Raleigh' on the frame! What kind of brakes are these? (Trying to get some idea of replacement costs!)
Thanks for your time...

 

[vickster]

Certainly worth a punt for a tenner. How tall are you? I think an 18” frame would usually be for 5’5-5’8 or thereabouts

 

[Cycleops]

For a tennner take it. It's an old MTN style bike from the 90's. Could possibly be a aluminum frame or oversized steel, if the former it'll be quite light. Can't see properly from your pic but the chain set looks worn, if so the chain and rear free wheel may also need replacement. Not too expensive. Check the tyres are not cracked, even if they are its a cheap replacement. What's on look like Schwalbe, a premium make with puncture protection.
The brakes are cantilever type, very effective if pads are good. Budget for new cables all round, about a tenner.
These are the bikes @SkipdiverJohn loves.

 

[JAH]

I'm 5'4" - will the 18" frame be dangerously too big do you think?

 

[vickster]

I'm 5'4" - will the 18" frame be dangerously too big do you think?

Go sit on it, have a ride if it’s safe

 

[Cycleops]

You should be okay.. The seat looks at its lowest just about. Sit on it, when seated and one pedal at six o clock that leg should be straight or thereabouts.

 

[vickster]

And make sure you can reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably while sat on the saddle

 

[JAH]

Thank you.
I'll go and see. The vendor leaves Nottingham tomorrow, so just needs it gone. I may well just take it and check it out. If it needs too much time/money or expertise to get it sorted, I'll pass it on to someone who can do that, or donate it. I need something to be up and running soon, or half of the school holidays will have gone and I won't have had a single ride!

 

[tom73]

Hot foot it round and take it. As @Cycleops say's its not too hard to check if it fits.
It don't look too bad maybe a new chain and stuff but it's not that much to fix it.
Take it to the local bike charity you know about and get them to sort it for you they will soon fix it up at little cost for you.