Which of these 4 bikes?

[bokkie]

Hi all. Going to buy a bike today and was going to get either a Carrera Subway or Decathlon Btwin 5.1 or 5.2. Had a quick look on ebay and saw these 2 bikes

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...0730648312?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item23183f2af8

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Bou...0884617377?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3cbdef58a1

I posted on here already about my requirements. It will just be for gentle forest trails as I will have a child seat with my 2 year old on and my 5 year old will be cycling next to us. So a lighter, more stable bike would be best.

What do you reckon?
I'm off to reading later to look at the Decathlon and Carrera unless you recommend one of these 2 2nd hand bikes.

Thx all

 

[smutchin]

I think the Spesh looks good. Much better than the Giant.

The Carrera or Btwin would be good choices as well.

d.

 

[bokkie]

I would really love to know the weight, etc of the Specialized as I will have an extra 13 kilos on the back so want the lightest bike possible for under £230.
Just not sure if I should get a second hand bike for only a £30 saving on the subway or Btwin?

 

[Milo]

Look on their website they should have it down somewhere.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I wouldn't choose either of the ebay bikes personally. Both are fairly old and seemingly overpriced for what they are (albeit subject to offer). Neither will give you warranty. I would probably pick one from Decathlon if one is near.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I would really love to know the weight, etc of the Specialized as I will have an extra 13 kilos on the back so want the lightest bike possible for under £230.
Just not sure if I should get a second hand bike for only a £30 saving on the subway or Btwin?

If I were you I would assume all the bikes considered here are close to 14kg. None of them will be below 13kg.

 

[vickster]

I recently got an MTB while I was looking, I lifted up a Specialized HT sport - it weighed a ton, probably 16kg

I ended up with a heavily reduced older model which feels less than 13kg, may be the way to go (but still spent £450 down from £850)

Go to Decathlon and Halfords and pick them up, but won't be light at £300. Buying without suspension will certainly help

I had a Spesh Crosstrail sport wasn't too bad - might be worth looking second hand?

 

[bokkie]

Thx. I'm off to Decathlon now and then I'll stop by at Halfords. The carrera crossfire hybrid is listed as being 12 kgs and the btwin 5.2 is listed as being 13.8 kgs. Don't think 1.8 kgs will make to much difference. Would it?
Considering I'll have my 2 year old on the back?

 

[vickster]

I would always go for the lighter bike as long as it does what I want - depends how off-road you'll be going - for light trails, either will be fine. More roads, the Carrera, proper off road, the btwin

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Thx. I'm off to Decathlon now and then I'll stop by at Halfords. The carrera crossfire hybrid is listed as being 12 kgs and the btwin 5.2 is listed as being 13.8 kgs. Don't think 1.8 kgs will make to much difference. Would it?
Considering I'll have my 2 year old on the back?

Am unsure if we are talking about the same bike, but if we are talking about the Crossfire with Suntour suspension forks, I will eat one if it weighs 12kgs...

 

[smutchin]

To get the lightest possible bike on a budget, go for the simplest possible option. That means, eg, a bike with no suspension (you don't really need it for the type of riding you say you'll be doing anyway) and fewer gears (a single chainring is sufficient unless you're going up lots of very steep hills).

Maybe something like this...
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/ebwPNLqrymode.a4p?f_ProductID=13013&f_FullProductVersion=1

d.

 

[Peteaud]

B Twin looks good.

I tale bike manufacturers weight with a pinch of salt, most even admit its only a guide.

 

[bokkie]

Well I'm back and I got the Btwin 5.2 in the end. Went to Decathlon and looked at the bike which looks pretty good for the money. Went to look for a cycle carier but they didn't have any high mount. So went to Halfords to get the carrier so I could take the bike home.
Whilst there I looked at the Subway which also looked pretty good, but staff were so unhelpful. All to busy to help and when I asked if they'd fit the child seat and cycle carrier they said yes...... For £12.95 per item.
So I left in a huff, went back to Decathlon and found a very helpful member of staff. He attached the cycle seat for me and was very helpful in helping me decide frame size, etc. Just had to squeeze the bike in the boot and I'll get a carrier tomorrow.
Not sure how happy the missus will be when she finds out I spent £ 275 though :-)

 

[Peteaud]

Well I'm back and I got the Btwin 5.2 in the end. Went to Decathlon and looked at the bike which looks pretty good for the money. Went to look for a cycle carier but they didn't have any high mount. So went to Halfords to get the carrier so I could take the bike home.
Whilst there I looked at the Subway which also looked pretty good, but staff were so unhelpful. All to busy to help and when I asked if they'd fit the child seat and cycle carrier they said yes...... For £12.95 per item.
So I left in a huff, went back to Decathlon and found a very helpful member of staff. He attached the cycle seat for me and was very helpful in helping me decide frame size, etc. Just had to squeeze the bike in the boot and I'll get a carrier tomorrow.
Not sure how happy the missus will be when she finds out I spent £ 275 though :-)

Nice one. I found Decathlon very good when i went in one. If you use your bike and get fitter etc then £275 is well spent, and buy her some flowers or perfume to keep the peace

 

[vickster]

Excellent - just let your wife know that you'll take the kids out a lot' so she can have some 'her time'

Oh and flowers or chocolate will always help