Wanted: Hybrid/road bike €250

starfish90

Hi guys,

I'm hoping to get a bike for getting into town, with a few longer cycles on weekends-at the moment I'm using a fairly old touring bike that we have at home- I'm not planning on getting too intense with it, thinking if I do get serious I can really invest in something good!

Looking to spend a max of €250, I'm female (don't necessarily need a female bike), 5ft 7in...looking on donedeal and adverts and I'm just a little confused as to what size frame etc I should be looking for so I'm wondering if anyone has anything or just advice on what to look for?

I know a lot of people have a gripe against halfords but just some deals I saw on it which I thought might be good:

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-zelos-womens-road-bike-2015

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/raleigh-edale-womens-hybrid-bike

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/carrera-parva-womens-hybrid-bike

Would really appreciate feedback! Thanks

godtabh

My wife bought a Lapierre Audacio 200 from Cycle Super Store in Feb 2014 approx.

She got pregnant a few weeks later so was only used for a handful of times.
Bike spec below

Fork:Carbon
Gears:Shimano Claris 8-speed 13-26
Chainset:Shimano Claris triple
Brakes:Promax RC841
Wheels:Mach1 CFX rims on Shimano 
Claris hubs
Tyres:Michelin Dynamic Sport 700×25
Bar/Stem:Ritchey Comp Curve/Ritchey Axis
Saddle:Selle Italia X1
Weight:9.8kg

I will need to double check but the above is based on a quick look this morning/googling the model.

Looking for €375

starfish90

Thanks a million for the offer godtabh, it's a little out of my price range unfortunately

Looking at these on adverts.ie-any opinions?

http://www.adverts.ie/hybrid-bikes/boardman-team-hybrid-bike-bicycle-commuter/10803568

http://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/trek-7-2-seven-two-bicycle/10400844

Seaswimmer

starfish90 wrote: »

Thanks a million for the offer godtabh, it's a little out of my price range unfortunately

Looking at these on adverts.ie-any opinions?

http://www.adverts.ie/hybrid-bikes/boardman-team-hybrid-bike-bicycle-commuter/10803568

http://www.adverts.ie/road-bikes/trek-7-2-seven-two-bicycle/10400844

Well the Boardman looks too big as the seller says they are 6ft.
My daughter has a Trek 7.3 which is a slightly lower spec than the 7.2 and its a fine bike. You probably wont go wrong with it as long as its in good condition.
Its also a ladies model which may suit you better.

If you know anyone who knows a little bit about bikes then bring them with you.

Look for

straight wheels. give them a spin to make sure no buckles
Gears all working. Try as many combinations as you can to make sure shifting is ok.
Any obvious damage to frame or forks. Scratches are ok but examine for any cracks or dents.

I wouldn't use the lock that comes with it if you buy it. It is a cheap U lock that could easily be burst open

starfish90

That's exactly the advice I was looking for, thanks Seaswimmer-I might look into that trek bike, will be keeping an eye online anyway.


Cheers

boomdocker

i have a trek 7.2 for sale - see here https://www.donedeal.ie/bicycles-for-sale/trek-7-2-fx-ladies-hybrid/12664589

in mint condition

price negotiable!

macnab

The Carrera Zelos Womens Road Bike you linked is very good value for money, if it was me that's what I would buy in your situation.

starfish90

I threw that in just to see if it was any good, I just thought at that price a for a road bike it would disintegrate after so many km!

Thanks for that link boomdocker, it's a good bit out of my price range and it could be a bit small but I'll mull over it and let you know if I'm interested

Hecman

Just an FYI...

Halfords will have an additional reduction on cycles next week (Tuesday), might be worth looking at. And the Zelos is really good value for the spec imo.

starfish90

Hecman wrote: »

Just an FYI...

Halfords will have an additional reduction on cycles next week (Tuesday), might be worth looking at. And the Zelos is really good value for the spec imo.

.....you might have thrown a spanner in the works with that one;) ha thanks for the tip, I'll do some research on road bikes and see what halfords have to offer on tuesday-could possibly be back here at that stage nagging again

boomdocker

have to disagree with the previous posters there - those 7 speed "road bikes" from Halfords are, in my opinion, rubbish
heavy, poorly specced with cheap components - alloy frame and steel fork...

Add 100 yoyo to your budget and you'll get something very decent on the second hand market

jayjbe

Checkout this if looking for a hybrid. It's suprisingly light.
Find someone with Axa insurance for 10% discount. Or just ask for the 10% discount ;D

http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/bikes/classic-bikes/pendleton-brooke-hybrid-bike

starfish90

Thanks a lot for all the replies-actually ended up getting a good deal on a giant escape 3 and so far so good! If I get a cycling bug I'll come back to you with a road bike advice request