Are cheaper bikes a waste of money?

[RiverSkater]

I cycle to work about 4 miles a day. I need a new bike. I'm looking for secondhand but few coming up, time of year I suppose. I've looked at Halfords and Argos who have some in stock in my price range- about £200 top.

I popped into to my local bike shop and the cheapest was £380 and was told buy cheap pay again in getting stuff fixed and getting it serviced.

I don't have the money to

Definitely get the saddle at the correct height, I see loads of cyclists round here with saddles way too low- it may be a lack of confidence but you will really notice the difference. Enjoy your new bike. My kids are in a triathlon club and lots of them have decathlon bikes. You often get bike accessories in Lidl or Aldi, the muck off cleaner is great. My son does repairs for people and sometimes all he had to do is give the bikes a decent clean, degrease and lubricate.

Oh, and you will probably be able to sell your old one on gumtree etc. My son looks out for slightly unloved bikes to do up and sell on!