Advice on a new bike (the pedal variety)

[Zathras]

Hi guys

I'm after a new mountain bike after having my old road bike stolen from outside my flat. I only need it to cycle a couple of miles up and down the towpath every couple of days and I need something dirt cheap as the likelihood is it's going to get half-inched before too long. Any ideas where I can get something reliable, the cheaper the better, pref with EZ-shifters, and not the super-chavvy full-suspension look. I'd like to pay under £150-£200 as I won't be doing any proper serious off-road riding on it and would get another road bike if I could justify spending a reasonable amount.

So, advice on where I could look? Halfords? Any decent dirt-cheap discount bike stores in London anywhere?

Cheers

Z

[schmunk]

Originally Posted by PrivatePyle

Halfords are cheap enough.

And full sussers are rubbish unless you spend alot of money on them, hard tails the way to go.

Pfffffft... Rigid all the way, '94 stylee!

Seriously, I'd aim to find a proper cycle shop, as they'll be better able to suggest the correct bike for you.

e.g. Evans Cycles have a few shops dotted around the Village, and one in Fulham.

[5lab]

evans is pretty good, but i personally would strongly reccomend posting your requirements on singletrackworld.co.uk and see what happens - the for sale section there is huge (busier than on here) and the prices are silly - you could get a 6 month old 400 quid bike fo the money you have..

[Zathras]

Cheers 5lab - just the place I was looking for. I'm not going to even look at a full-suspension bike at this price, bound to be utter celeron. I'd far prefer a hard-tail/rigid.

[Konan555]

If you do go now, have a look and see what Giant is avaliable in the price range. They excell at cheaper bikes in comparison with falcon brands, for example.

[Rave]

Yeah, if you can get something secondhand with a light, stiff frame and half decent componentry you'll be sorted. Put some slicks (or semi-slicks) on and you'll be surprised how quick it'll be.

BTW, Rapidfire Plus beats Gripshift (or Shimano's equivalent) every time IMO. If you're pressing on it's an irritation to have to let go of the bars every time you shift.

[schmunk]

Originally Posted by Rave

BTW, Rapidfire Plus beats Gripshift (or Shimano's equivalent) every time IMO. If you're pressing on it's an irritation to have to let go of the bars every time you shift.

Agreed.