Looking for a new bike. Can you help me?

[Up2nogood]

My bike is knackered. And good riddens. I bought it probably 8 years ago from halfords for under £100 I think, it weighs an absolute tonne!! My husbands bike is considerably lighter!

Previous use was for holidays and local bike rides around the countryside (some road travel abnd slightly off road but not 'off road' per say. Needs to be light weight as I'll be likely carrying a child seat on it as we have 2 children with another on the way.

Not expecting excessive use of it but regular as my son who although just 3.5 is keen on his bike and loves to cycle so expect it to be a family activity.

Where do I start looking? Brands? Spec? Costs....? Is £250 a realistic figure? I'd like to keen it under that if possible but I have just spent almost that on my sons new bike so appreciate that quality costs!!

For some reason I found navigating childrens bikes much easier than adults!!!

Any advice anyone please?

Have a look in a chain shop like Cycle Surgery or Evans. I understand that the Pinnacle range from Evans is supposed to be good.

The alternative is to go to an independent bike shop, and ask for advice there, but these sort of shops can be intimidating if you're a newbie!

Do look on the internet for reviews as that can help you feel a lot more informed before shopping.

Good luck!

You will get the best advice doecific to you from an indrpendent local bike shop, but you'll probably get the most bike for your money from a large chain. I'm afraid I don't rate Evans, but would recommend Decathlon if there is one close enough for you to get to. Their own brand "B'Twin" is often very highly ranked in bike comparison tests, particularly for the price.

I think you need a hybrid bike - sturdier than a road bike, lighter than a mountain bike. Try out a few, and actually ride them - a good shop should allow you to do this. Check that the baby seat you are planning to use fits on your bike.

For £250 I'd consider second hand, but don't recommend delving into the second online world of bikes as a novice. Checkout Gumtree locally though - good brands to look for are Trek, Specialized, Dawes and Scott. They all do women specific designs, which are not just "small pink" versions of men's bikes. They are proportioned and balanced for women. Maybe try one - some women (including me, I'm 5'8", it's very much about proportion rather than size£ love them, some don't (all women are individuals too). Actuslky not sure if Dawes do a women specific range.

Please feel free to ask any more Qs.

Whereabouts are you - I might be able to recommend a shop.

I don't rate Evans either, but I am a big believer in supporting your local bike shop Although I would second Decathlon's B-Twin brand. DP had the Triban 3 for his first road bike a couple of years ago and got a lot of bike for his money. They have excellent customer service too.

Also interested in what area you are in? That would help people recommend specific shops to try.

I have a Trek ladies hybrid and it fits the bill you describe perfectly (don't ride it much these days as I got a Specialized road bike).
One of our local bike shops sells second-hand, he takes old bikes as part-ex on new models, that could be a way of getting a decent bike at a lower price. Also look out for the sales when the 2016 models come out - usually late summer/autumn time.

Ooh, can I join this thread? I am thinking of buying a bike for cycling to office - just a few km a day. Partly on road and partly through park. I don't need fancy but do want comfortable. Will monitor suggestions here.