Buying a bike

[Graphista]

Been a long time since I've had a bike but thinking of getting one.

Used to cycle a lot and would like to get back to it. But don't have loads to spend and would appreciate some guidance from those with more experience.

I'm not averse to buying second hand on this but wouldn't know where to start and don't want to get ripped off whether buying new or second hand.

I'm a shorty so needs to be suitable for that, as I wrote that I remembered in the past I got teen girls bikes as the dimensions worked better for me.

Also needs to be light as I'm in a flat and mostly get about by train.

Looking forward to hearing what helpfully mners come up with

Where are you based? I'd recommend a few sellers I know but obviously it's very much in my area, i've got https://www.halfords.com/bikes/gravel-bikes/voodoo-nakisi-adventure-bike---s-m-l-frames-452974.html (cycle to work scheme check your works policy) im also in flat and it's light and i go by train everywhere
but what are you planning to do on it? i'd go for a gravel/hybrid

I got a new Specialized hybrid recently. Extra small size, I’m 5’ 2’’
It was £750 in the sale and was brought to replace a bike I’d had for over a decade. It’s lightweight and good to ride.

Thanks for replies

I'm self employed/on benefits so budget is tight. Plan is this will save me a little on transport. So £750 a bit beyond my pocket! Maybe max £200? Hence considering second hand too

I'm in glasgow

What sort of bike do you want, or what sort of cycling will you be doing? Road, city, off road?? That’ll determine what sort of bike you buy and having a budget is good, then you really need to start shopping around and see what’s available. I struggled with sizes as by height I was right on the border of a ladies small and medium in most makes so I narrowed it down to 2 makes that used a different frame size where I was in the middle of one size and 2 models that fitted my budget. I found one of them at a fairly local independent bike store who confirmed it would suit my needs and set it up to fit me.

Road/city, needs to be light for carrying up to flat (tenement no lift) and on and off trains and occasionally maybe buses.

Yea sizing can be an issue, I'm short in height plus proportionally short legs/longer torso. Can make it tricky.

Have you searched for anything like this near you?

I love my Specialized Sirrus hybrid, it's great to ride. I'd visit a few bike shops and work out what a good bike is, then you can look for a second hand one. A secondhand bike from the range that are £500-£750 new will be much better than a £200 new bike.
I would avoid Halfords own brands but Decathlon are quite reasonable.

Does your employer do the cycle to work scheme? That can get you a good discount and spread the cost.

Try bikes for size in a bike shop and keep an eye out for second hand ones. There’ll be someone looking to sell theirs on.

Where's best to look for second hand though?

I repeat - no cycle to work scheme possible as self employed/benefits

£200 upper limit

I doubt you’ll get anything light for £200 new, it’s need to be second hand

you might get an Isla bike second hand on market place

Where do you live? If in London or a similar city where bikes are frequently stolen, buy the cheapest you can get. And spend twice as much on a bike lock.

Try your local buy nothing group as well. Bikes often come up on mine as they are something people either try and then give up on quite quickly, or they get hooked and keep upgrading,

Bike locks mean nothing these days if in a city they get angle grinders out in some areas and just cut through locks. I use my bike in the sort of way which mean it’s not unattended. I have a Claude Butler bike, it’s a really decent one but was through cycle to work scheme so had a decent discount. That would be a good secondhand bike.

I think make a list of your requirements (eg, mine were frame size, step-thru, adjustable handle bars, weight). Try out new ones in shops to see if those requirements are comfortable but then scour secondhand.

How short is short? I'm fairly short (5' 4") and get on fine with a normal small ladies bike.

£200 you'll need to go second hand and realistically you'll have to collect from nearby.

If you're somewhere hilly, make sure you have enough gears to manage all the hills. Aluminium is likely to be the best option, but a well made steel bike is likely to be cheaper.

The key is that you need good quality steel rather than a bicycle shaped object.

https://www.strongframes.com/more/metatllurgy-seven-part-series/steel-is-real/

I got my Raleigh bike for£20 on Facebook market and the men in our local man's shed checked it over free.

Find a bike & frame size that are comfortable for you in a shop, then look on Gumtree and other sites for second hand.

Some councils have refurb projects that take donated bikes, service them to ensure they are safe and then sell on.

How short is short? This kids one goes up to 150cm Kids' 24-inch robust 6-speed hybrid bike, White BTWIN - Decathlon
The over 150cm the ladies model would be this one which is only a bit over budget while it's on offer HYBRID BIKE RIVERSIDE 120 LOW FRAME - BLUE RIVERSIDE - Decathlon
The cheaper bikes tend to be steel frames and are heavier than the more expensive ones that are usually aluminium.

Glasgow is a fantastic cycling city. Try the Bike for Good charity for a second hand bike - you'll also get great advice.

www.bikeforgood.org.uk/

Carrying on trains and busses is a big ask at £200 - very few busses have racks on the back, trai s often want booking - folding might be your option, suggest go to Decathlon and try one out - then watch Gumtree / Facebook for someone selling - we get many sales round here when students go home early summer

Graphista · Yesterday 20:54

I'm self employed/on benefits so budget is tight. Plan is this will save me a little on transport. So £750 a bit beyond my pocket! Maybe max £200? Hence considering second hand too.

I don't think you'll get anything for under £400 new, so the second hand route looks like your best bet. I bought my daughter a basic 7 gear bike last August - £450 and it was probably the cheapest in the shop. Halfords do cheaper ones, but the quality isn't as good.

Whatever you do, go and try one for size and comfort, before you buy it.

Thank you so much for this hadn't heard of this.

Thanks to everyone else too.

I'm 5'1 and shrinking

Will defo try in person before buying not something I want to buy sight unseen.

There’s recyke-a-bike in Stirling. Really great choice and good prices. They have a facebook page.