Budget Bike

Chiefwiggum

I would like to return to road cycling for fitness and fun, but I have a limited budget.
I've looked in Halfords and seen the usual fare of the beginners forum. Not so keen, I have also seen that Raleigh do a budget road bike, the Airlite, any comments? Would it be better to go secondhand? My budget is max £250. If it is relevent I'm big boned :oops: (16st) and 5'11 tall
Any help appreciated.

hammerite

I was in Decathlon at the weekend and I think I saw 3 different road bikes under £250, the cheapest I think being £170. They seem to get decent enough feedback from others on here so might be worth looking at.

Only problem would be I suppose if you don't have a decathlon nearby, but I reckon the shop is worth a trip (I could sepnd all day in there!).

peejay78

decathlon is very good value for entry level road bikes.

Shaky

I've got a Decathlon Sport 2 which is slightly above your budget at £280 for the trip to and from work. Equipped with a Campag groupset, it's a good ride and excellent value for money.

davidmiller

I bought myself a raleigh airlite 100 for commuting to work about a year ago. I'm 6 ft2, did weigh 106 kg but now down to 95.

The bike is actually quite good for what i paid for it (£200 - are they still available at that price?)

My only complaint has been what I've spent on repairing it. New bottom bracket, broken spokes which on one occasion so bad I needed a new wheel 9fat boy??).

Maybe I expected too much and other commuters will tell you that's normal.

Decent bike though. looks great in it's red livery (when clean) and the handlebars are much more comfortable than my Trek.

David

peejay78

dodgy wheels are often the price you pay when buying a cheap bicycle.

if that makes sense.

anything with the words "alex rims" on it should be treated with extreme caution.

acorn_user

The new Airlite is pretty different to the old one. The down tube shifters are gone with Campag Xenon shifters in their place. I think you have a 7 speed freewheel at the back.

daniel_b

There are half a dozen or more Raleigh Airlites on ebay at the mo, a couple of used ones, and a lot of new ones, a vast majority for under £200.

I think I saw the Raleigh airlite 200 for under £250 too.

Dan