Finding a bike to cycle to work

[tj2419]

Hi

 

I am looking at starting cycling to work. Need to get a bike as some kind sole nicked mine last year but i've moved to a house now.

 

Basically don't want to spend more than £200 if poss.

 

Was looking at these, anyone know if either is any good or have any other recommendations?

Halfords | Raleigh Pioneer 1 Mens Hybrid Bike

Halfords | Apollo Belmont Mens Hybrid Bike

 

 

Cheers

[Oaktech]

Worth having a look at ebay for some second hand ones too, people seem to lavish ridiculous care on some bikes...

 

I got an 18 month old second hand Specialized HardRock that looked brand new - still the original lube on the chain - for £250 a couple of years ago. New price was about £650, and last years model was still retailing at £500.

 

I've always found Apollo bikes to be more grief than they are worth.

[hardtailstar]

Have a look at this site Fahrräder - Citybikes | Chain Reaction Cycles

 

Theres a few in budget that are miles better then Apollo.

 

Plus their service is 100% better than Halfolds.

[Oaktech]

I am plenty happy to +1 Chain reaction. I buy all my tyres and tubes from them as well as my brake fluid.

 

My actual bike, a 2011 Felt QX85D, bought in 2012 came from Evans via their ebay outlet.

[tj2419]

They look good but all over £200 probably asking a bit much for half decent bike for that much. I'll have a look at second hand. Is there anywhere for second hand you recommend or just like ebay?

[HaleStorm]

I'll +1 Chain reaction cycles too, excellent service and good prices, buy tires etc from them whenever I need them

[flyinghaggis]

Revolution Courier Race

 

I've got one of these (£260). It's fantastic for commuting if you add mudguards. Slightly over budget but I don't think you'll find anything half decent for under £200 TBH.

Edited March 5, 2014 by flyinghaggis

[Oaktech]

Thats not a half bad bike... It's got 700c wheels and it'll be pretty light, I'd change the handlebar stem as I personally don't like rising stems, mine is on upside down to get extra drop on the handlebars!

[HaleStorm]

Wow that courier race is a helluva bike for £260....tempted to sell my Ridgeback Velocity and get one of those instead

[jinnantonnixx]

You get far more for your money second-hand. The problem with cheap bikes is poor components - bottom brackets that last months, poor pedals, cranks with integrated chainrings, poor sealing on bearings and so on.

If you want new, I rate the Carrerra Subway (disc version), you can sometimes find this on offer at Halfords. The Subway is a solid bike.

 

If the simplicity of single-speed is your thing, I've hammered my Vitus Dee 29 and it's still going like a trooper. Apart from the nylon pedals (changed for studded platforms), the components are good.

Edited March 5, 2014 by jinnantonnixx

[GeekyPete]

Apollo is still a halfords own brand, Very unconvincing spec for £200. You can get better for the same or very little more. Don't be fooled by the £200 saving, because it's their own brand they put a silly price on it for 28 days then they can legally call it half price even if they never sold any.

[nicholab]

I could never buy a bike in Halford go to your local bike shop. Your local bike shop will fully support you as you add to your bike.

[tj2419]

Saracen Urban ESC Mens 2013 - review

 

Had a look around local shops and can pick one of these up for £199 as there is a 2014 model out now but thats £299. Any thoughts or experience with Saracen?

 

Thanks

[hardtailstar]

Saracen use to be crap bikes but in the last few years they have been getting better in the reviews.

[Oaktech]

Saracen use to be crap bikes but in the last few years they have been getting better in the reviews.

 

Think thats a little unfair - I'd probably phrase it as 'uninspired, old fashioned and heavy'

[Oaktech]

You get far more for your money second-hand. The problem with cheap bikes is poor components - bottom brackets that last months, poor pedals, cranks with integrated chainrings, poor sealing on bearings and so on.

If you want new, I rate the Carrerra Subway (disc version), you can sometimes find this on offer at Halfords. The Subway is a solid bike.

 

If the simplicity of single-speed is your thing, I've hammered my Vitus Dee 29 and it's still going like a trooper. Apart from the nylon pedals (changed for studded platforms), the components are good.

 

Actually, if Halfords is, for some reason, your only option, the Carerra Subway is, as has been stated, solid. My Lodger and my Ex both have different versions of this, I know my Ex was doing 150 miles a week on hers, no Idea if she still is, but while we were still living together it was faultless.

[LosOjos]

I can't recommend a bike I'm afraid, but I will say this: avoid Halfords

 

I decided to get in to cycling a couple of summers ago and made the mistake of buying a cheapo bike from Halfords. Ended up spending almost as much on it replacing the crappy gears, tyres, pedals, chain and saddle; it's almost a different bike now! Their service was crap too (bike and customer), ended up watching hours of YouTube and learning to service the bike myself.

 

It's OK now, not great, but for the time and money I have put in to it, I'd have been better off just buying a decent bike from the start!

 

I know Halfords have other, reputable brands, but all bikes need a decent service and you won't get that in [most] Halfords IME

Edited March 6, 2014 by LosOjos

[mats]

Basically don't want to spend more than £200 if poss.

 

There's a BSA 3-speed for sale on a card in my local co-op. New tyres and a rack - £8. Yes, £8. For that kind of money you could even forgive the fact that the brakes will be non-existant in the wet. I suspect it will go on for ever as long as you replace tyres every couple of years.

[GeekyPete]

I'd rather go online than buy at halfords. Something like this - Ridgeback Motion 2013 Hybrid Bike | Evans Cycles. If you want mud guards and a back rack I'd wait until Aldi get them back in. Cost you about an extra £20.

[alemanyorks]

I'd recommend Edinburgh Bike Co-op stuff, well made & good value, they know what they're doing in there. Same for Evans Cycles too bit more expensive though. Try before you buy if at all possible, riding positions can vary a lot & get help in adjusting the riding position to suit you.

[Griff]

All my bikes have been second hand for example my latest bike is a cube arial ready for race 2009 RRP 700ish got it off a mate for 200 as he has moved to AUS. So I would recommend looking on ebay/asking around..also if you have a friend that is well up on bikes take them with you the money you save getting a second hand bike you could put towards a decent service at your local bike shop, its worth reading up/videoing up on general bike servicing skills plenty out there on Youtube.

[irpens]

I got one of these 3 years ago.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vittesse-Sprint-21-Speed-Alloy-Racing/dp/B003DZ15CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394317803&sr=8-1&keywords=bike

I've used it sporadically but I'm heavy and the wheels are still true and it all works properly. Replaced tyres and brake blocks once but otherwise it's still the same.

I used to race many (many) years ago and this costs less than one of my wheels from then!

[pcstru]

How about something a little different ....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6StgpukFNk

[zag]

I bought the cheapest decathalon mountain bike I could then bought some new anti puncture commuting tires for it.

 

Total cost was about 150 quid. Runs really well.

[Bananas]

Our county council offers employees an interest free loan to buy a bike payable over 12 months so I bought myself an electric bike for £800, love it cycling to work along the coast road, unfortunately some serious health issues have stopped me for now but i'll be back.....