Second hand or new?

Bobjohnson

Hi, just after a bit of advice please. I need a bike for general park/footpath riding with the children. I currently have a vintage Raleigh shopper from the 70s but it's seen better days and is destined for the great big bike shed in the sky. I really want a second hand bike but don't want to pay more than £100. I have seen a second hand btwin elops 300, in excellent condition (apparently) but it's bang on £100 with no offers. Then I saw this from btwin, brand new, for £299:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/elops-520-low-frame-city-bike/_/R-p-145734?mc=8575682&c=GREY_BLUE

So my question is, do you think it's worth spending the extra money to get a new and, I'm assuming, better model? Or is £100 for the elops 300 okay? Any advice appreciated. Thank you.

MattFalle

new if you want hassle free with a warranty, secind hand if you don't mind a bit of time and extra expense getting it and runningproperly and safe.

a pair of tyres here, brake pads there, cable here plus labour time or tools so eats up £100.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

If you are happy to consider £300, what about £315 including 10% off bikes from Halfords using a British Cycling membership?

Limited stock, but I'd choose this over the Elops, for a very strong frame and hydraulic disc brakes. https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-2-mens-hybrid-bike-2020---black---s-m-l-xl-frames-346198.html

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/carrera-subway-1-mens-hybrid-bike-2020---grey---s-m-l-xl-frames-346126.html is £300 before any discount, but doesn't have hydraulic brakes and the drivetrain is 2x8 rather than 2x9 on the Subway2. Again, limited stock, but some sizes show as being available at my local store.

Bobjohnson

Thank you both for your advice. My friend also has a Carrera and said she's pleased with it. I would much rather have second hand, mainly because I don't have decent storage so have to put bikes in the garage, which is damp. I saw a second hand Giant brand Dutch style road bike on eBay for £70 but thought the small frame would be too small for me (I'm a 5'6 woman with 32" leg) but on further research I think I may have got away with it... The grips needed replacing though. I like the step through style bikes, my Raleigh shopper is a similar style. Thanks again for your help, I will definitely take a look at the cycling membership.