Which of these 4 should I buy today?

bokkie
bokkie Posts: 18
edited January 2012 in MTB buying advice
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/Specialized-M ... 23183f2af8

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Boulder ... 3cbdef58a1

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

Comments

  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    Personally I would go new, both are ok for pootling, but I wouldnt pay over £100 for either.
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • bokkie
    bokkie Posts: 18
    Thx. I wasn't sure either whether it was worth going 2nd hand for a £ 30 saving.
    Problem is i went to Halfords yesterday to look at the Subway and the tyres look a bit on the slick side for forest trails.
    Reckon I'll look at Btwin later and decide then.
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    I spent 10 minutes seraching for something in your budget range. Slightly more expensive I know, but I would consider this:

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=75071

    Looks a well build and tidy machine. While the Carrera isnt bad for the money, bear in mind that was never a £375 value bike. Not in a month of Sundays. The Kona on the other hand has a well thought out spec with an OK fork, bang on for the money though. For just £45 more than one of those Ebay bikes you'd get something brand spanking and easily as well specced, if not better.
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • bokkie
    bokkie Posts: 18
    Thx for the help but I really want to try the bike out first. I tried to find a store that sells them locally but couldn't.
    Will try look a bit more to check if anyone locally does.
    Thx for that
  • bokkie
    bokkie Posts: 18
    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 :-)

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