Need a bike for daily commute

neildraws
neildraws Posts: 4
edited September 2012 in Commuting general
I'm looking at getting a bike for getting to and from work (2 miles), plus whenever else I need to get around town quicker. I haven't ridden a bike since my early teens so I know very little about them. I don't really want to spend too much money as I'm on a tight budget, I'd really like to pick up something for about a hundred quid but I know that's probably being a bit cheap, I can stretch to about 200. Any recommendations, or brands to look for (or avoid)? I wouldn't mind getting a used one but the trouble is I don't really know what specifically I should be looking for. If anyone could help me out I'd much appreciate it!

Comments

  • estampida
    estampida Posts: 1,008
    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... brid-bikes

    http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... brid-bikes

    summit like this??
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    You could check out the Carrera range at Halfords. Generally, Halfords don't have the best reputation amongst cyclists and they sell some pretty low-quality bikes (lots of them around the £100 mark, so be wary!) but the Carreras seem to get good reviews. Halfords also seem to have special offers on every few weeks, so it's worth keeping an eye on the website. You could also check out the Vitus Vee, which Chain Reaction Cycles sell online. It's available in single-speed and geared versions, depending on how hilly it is around you.
  • Big_Paul
    Big_Paul Posts: 277
    Vitus Vee-1, cheap, pretty much indestructable and great fun. :)
    Disc Trucker
    Kona Ute
    Rockrider 8.1
    Evil Resident
    Day 01 Disc
    Viking Derwent Tandem
    Planet X London Road
  • neildraws
    neildraws Posts: 4
    Thanks, I live up a hill in Brighton so from what I've read I don't think single-speed would be very suitable? the Revolution Trailfinder looks like it might be a good option. Vittus Vee might be pushing the budget a bit.

    Any thoughts on this one? Someone in my area is selling a brand new one on gumtree for £130. Is this a reliable brand?
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Kendal-G ... B004R3B7AS
  • Karlos69
    Karlos69 Posts: 107
    You need to be careful, if you spend 100 quid on a bike (new) it will probably be so heavy and hard to ride it puts you off riding. Something decent second hand for £200 might be a better option.
    Cannondale Killer V
    Trek 6500
    Cannondale Bad Boy
    LOOK KG176
    Giant TCR Composite 1
  • Karlos69
    Karlos69 Posts: 107
    Doesnt look that bad for 130 spot.
    Beware of Gumtree though, people on here have been ripped off when buying bikes.
    Cannondale Killer V
    Trek 6500
    Cannondale Bad Boy
    LOOK KG176
    Giant TCR Composite 1
  • craker
    craker Posts: 1,739
    neildraws wrote:
    Any thoughts on this one? Someone in my area is selling a brand new one on gumtree for £130. Is this a reliable brand?
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Kendal-G ... B004R3B7AS

    It's not very cool is it?

    Get yourself a cheapy mtb then at least you can pootle onto the south downs whenever you fancy it.

    My mate's got a Viking road bike. In a year he's spent a bit of cash on tyres and drivetrain and rear hub replacement, but he does do 60 miles a week or so. You get what you pay for etc etc
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    The Carerra Subway is a decent short range commuter that can impersonate an MTB on the South Downs way.
    The Edinburgh Cycles are also good, similar basic, but well thought-out spec.
    In the used market you have to take what you can find but any major-brand hybrid will suffice. Avoid the discount store brands that were crappy when new, they don't improve with age.
    You need lights, lock, mudguards, helmet, repair kit and probably rack and luggage for shopping.
    You may want kevlar protected tyres to get to work on time everyday.
  • Glasgow Calum
    Glasgow Calum Posts: 52
    Karlos69 wrote:
    You need to be careful, if you spend 100 quid on a bike (new) it will probably be so heavy and hard to ride it puts you off riding. Something decent second hand for £200 might be a better option.

    Heavy bikes are fantastic if your looking to get fit!
  • malcsussex
    malcsussex Posts: 32
    Have you considered cycle to work scheme and upgrade!
    No one told me about that hill!!!
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    neildraws wrote:
    Any thoughts on this one? Someone in my area is selling a brand new one on gumtree for £130. Is this a reliable brand?
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viking-Kendal-G ... B004R3B7AS

    I would buy a Carrera Subway over that every time. There are plenty of bad reports on Viking bikes online, whereas the Subway seems to get mostly positive reviews. There are always loads of them on eBay, too, if you want to pick one up second hand.
  • neildraws
    neildraws Posts: 4
    Thanks for the help guys, ended up picking up a nice second-hand Carrera Subway with a lock and lights for a little under £200. :)
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    Nice one. Good choice.

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