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Need a new budget bicycle.

post #1 of 7
3/18/10 at 1:49pm
Thread Starter 
Sirs,

I would like to buy a new bicycle. I shall use my bicycle mostly on the roads but a little off-roading will not be unknown. I am willing to spend £200 or less on this bicycle and really cannot afford to stretch to more than this price. What bike can you recommend?
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post #2 of 7
3/18/10 at 2:10pm
Check out the UK equivalent to craigslist (assuming this exists). Buying used is almost always a better value. Most newer (2000-present) entry level bikes were made in Asia using poor quality raw materials. Look for a steel road frame made in the 80s or 90s with little to no rust. Update components (wheels, tires, tubes, brake pads, etc.) as needed. Add wider, knobbier tires if you foresee any off-road use. All of this should be doable for much less than 200 pounds.
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post #3 of 7
3/18/10 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmf895 View Post
Check out the UK equivalent to craigslist (assuming this exists). Buying used is almost always a better value. Most newer (2000-present) entry level bikes were made in Asia using poor quality raw materials. Look for a steel road frame made in the 80s or 90s with little to no rust. Update components (wheels, tires, tubes, brake pads, etc.) as needed. Add wider, knobbier tires if you foresee any off-road use. All of this should be doable for much less than 200 pounds.

What brands am I looking for?
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post #4 of 7
3/18/10 at 2:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmf895 View Post
Check out the UK equivalent to craigslist (assuming this exists). Buying used is almost always a better value. Most newer (2000-present) entry level bikes were made in Asia using poor quality raw materials. Look for a steel road frame made in the 80s or 90s with little to no rust. Update components (wheels, tires, tubes, brake pads, etc.) as needed. Add wider, knobbier tires if you foresee any off-road use. All of this should be doable for much less than 200 pounds.

It does, I think it's called GumTree or something (beware of nicked bikes on there!). You may be better off searching ebay.co.uk tho, that's where I got my bikes.
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post #5 of 7
3/18/10 at 2:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BareSolid View Post
What brands am I looking for?
BRand is really subjective unless you're going hardcore. I'd search for a "crosstrail" bike similar to the one pictured here: Or "townie" here:
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post #6 of 7
3/18/10 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice but I'm really not sure how that translates to what I am putting into the search engine... what can you suggest?
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post #7 of 7
3/18/10 at 3:29pm
Here are two bicycles I purchased on craigslist and fixed up:

1988 Schwinn World Traveler

- frame/fork $40
- white powdercoat $80
- removed derailers/cassette
- added single speed freewheel/crankset/chain/tires/tubes $140

1984 Ross

- frame/fork $75
- gold powdercoat $80
- new wheels/tires/freewheel/crankset/front brake & lever $350

Don't be intimidated by bicycle mechanics. It's very easy to learn. Check out bikeforums.net for info/help. These bikes are better quality and will outlast any new bike from Walmart/Marks & Spencer etc. Plus it's a fun hobby!
LL
LL
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