which budget bike?

[bokkie]

Hi all. I haven't really ridden a bike since I had a BMX back in the 80's but would like to get into Biking with my 5 year old boy. I'll also be taking my 2 year old on a child seat or trailer but am a bit confused as to what I need.
I don't want to spend more than about £ 150 as it'll only be used for Biking round the Forest on family friendly trails once every 2-3 weeks.
I believe that in this price bracket a rigid frame would be better, but what should I go for. A new bike or a second hand one? I'd really prefer buying something I can actually try out which makes this one stand out.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-five-white-92622763/

or this one but second hand

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/rockrider-5-2-2010-141402418/

or at the other end of the scale

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_1000 1_catalogId_10151_productId_770971_langId_-1_categoryId_165499

or second hand

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Carrrera-Banshee-SE-mountain-bike-aluminium-disc -brakes-/180695002273?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a1242eca1

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TREK-7000-Mountain-Bike-Aluminum-21-speed-Made-U SA-/400213250892?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item5d2e91934c

I've done a few searches but just got more confused, what do you reckon is best for me?
Thanks for any help you can offer

 

[Turtle Dude]

Does the £150 include the child's seat ?

With that budget personally I would look first for what is for sale second-hand around you - local papers, gumtree, small ads in the supermarket etc. Go and have a look is always the best thing compared to buying blind. In the past I have picked up for our family some great bikes locally second-hand, most for less than your budget. Ebay has been better when I knew specific bikes, or components, that I wanted.

Just be ready to say "no thanks, its not for me" and don't feel obliged to buy just because you turned up.

 

[albion]

Go with the Decathalon maybe.Best to do 2nd hand only if you 'know bikes'.

 

[bokkie]

No, the budget is for the bike only. But it is a bit difficult for a novice like me to know the good from the bad in the 2nd hand market. Also restricted to my local area because most sellers don't deliver, Cash on collection only.
Probably why I'm leaning more towards the decathlon 5.1 or 5.2. Probably not that much difference between the 2 for someone like me who's just going to go on easy family rides.

 

[bokkie]

Sorry, another thing. Is the Decathlon the best in that price range? Would there be much difference between the steel and aluminium frames for my use?

 

[albion]

Cheap bikes use hi-tensile steel is weak so to compensate its fat and heavy.Best avoided unless you are flat broke or just want a bike to get to the shops.

 

[chris-s]

The decathlon bikes generally get good feedback, definitely better than most supermarket fodder.

Chris

 

[mcshroom]

The decathlon bikes generally get good feedback, definitely better than most supermarket fodder.

Chris

Yep, I have the Rockrider 5.1 (the previous one). Little bit heavy and clunky but does everything well enough and gives quite a comfortable ride.