First bike - help please

joey0301

Hi, I'm getting a bike and would appreciate some advice on what makes and models would suit me please.

I'd like to spend around £200-250 but will go to £300 if necessary

I'll be using the bike on cycle paths through forested and country areas. So far I have seen the bikes listed below but don't know how to determine which are better than the others or the basic things i need to look for. Any advice will be appreciated - thanks

I'm planning a trip to the shops on monday to have a look but just wanted to know if you all think i'm looking at the right thing and which out of the list I should look at and more importantly which i should avoid - thanks

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.GT-Palomar-Wome ... _23498.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Boulder-W ... _20111.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Raleigh-AT20-Wo ... _24232.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Trek-3900-WSD-W ... _20742.htm

thanks for looking

Mrs Toast

They all seem to be fairly similar spec, to be honest. The best thing is to try them out and see what fits you best.

I'd also suggest that you look at the GT Avalanche, which is just under £300. It's main advantage is that the frame is the same as on the £600+ bikes, so I imagine it'll be a lot lighter than the other bikes you're looking at, with good potential to upgrade if you ever fancied it:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.GT-Avalanche-3. ... _23501.htm

I'd also suggest taking a look at the Specialized Myka Sport D4W, but it's brown.

supersonic

As your other thread ;-)

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... highlight=

SpinningJenny

A small suggestion:

Look at last year's bikes (2008) to get a potentially better spec for the same money and don't necessarily look at women's bikes. I'm short (5'3") but don't have a women's bike.

Try them out and see which one feels best. And if you find two or three that feel as good as each other, go for the lightest one - it will really help when you're out and about!