£250 budget for new bike - Butler, Raleigh, Dawes or Sarace

nordle1

Hi there, I'm a complete newb on bikes not having owned one for last 12 years.
Previously had a Raleigh Amazon, which while completely basic, also pretty bullett proof!

I'm 6ft1 + 15st (hoping to lose a few lb's) and am looking for a bike to commute the relatively flat 4 mile trip to work.
It cover's about 50% roadside tarmac cycle route + 50% slightly bumpy/sandy track.

The bike will be outside 100% of time, so figured something without disc brake that would rust, but maybe I'm being dumb.
Limited to <=£250 budget and have narrowed down to these:

20" Claud Butler Urban 200 gents £190

20" Raleigh Voyager Mens 2008 £194

20" Dawes Discovery 301 - Gents - 2008 £235

21" Saracen Venturer 2 gents £254

I've read a couple of positive mentions on these forums about the Urban 200, and the price point is spot on!
Plus I figure the simpler the better ie less gears, no disc etc

I realise at this level its not going to set the world on fire and perhaps I'm expecting too much, but I would very much value any thoughts and inputs from you guys!

Much appreciated.

EDIT:
Oops forgot to mention, I was taken by the idea of the seat having some sort of suspension, as hoping to sit down at work without blow up ring aid But again, is this marketing rubbish that just adds weight?

artaxerxes

Wherabouts in the country are you based? Can you get to a branch of Edinburgh Cycle Co-op or Decathlon? Both do good value entry level bikes.

Remember to factor in the cost of mudguards (if you want them - only the Raleigh in your list comes with them fitted), lights, pump, puncture repair kit etc.

Also you'll need something to cover the bike, leaving it outside in the rain will be the quickest way of turning your bike into a pile of rust.

RockyHopperShow

Wotcha,
A quick look at the Evans website shows that you have a surprising choice of bikes coming in at under £250 and some of the big names are in the mix too! If I was biking on a budget then I'd like to get the biggest bang for my buck so, at £155 the Raleigh Oakland looks exceptional value. You can add a suspension seatpost (they are on eBay for under £20) but it already comes with a sprung saddle, and also mudguards and a rack. This is everything you want in a commuter. Some folk would say that the steel frame will give a nicer ride too. For a very comfortable "heads-up" riding position, Specialized's Expedition Sprt is in there @ £199, but you'll need to add lights, guards etc which will probably bust your budget.
I hope this helps, let us know what you go for.

artaxerxes

Oh and I've not tried it but lots of people seem to recommend Halford's Carrera Subway (well under your budget for £184.99).

nordle1

Hi guys, many thanks for the replies! The £250 is purely for the bike, I've another £125 for a helmet, lights, pump, guards, gloves + cover.

The choice is huge so help in narrowing it down a bit is much appreciated. Plus, as with most things, there's some info you only find out having lived with something for x period of time, which again is useful to know about.

I'm near Godalming, Surrey.

TheHatter

linoue wrote:

Oh and I've not tried it but lots of people seem to recommend Halford's Carrera Subway (well under your budget for £184.99).

I can vouch for the Subway 1 - great commuting bike. Though as your budget is a little higher it may be worth stretching to a hub geared model as they often come with chain guard which, whilst not cool looking, will protect the chaing a bit in the elements and no shifting across sprockets reduces wear.