What is the best bike for under £500?

Question

I will use it to cycle around London so I was thinking that a Hybrid is the best to go for.

The ones that I've seen so far are:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86131

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86279

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86877

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70240

Mountain:

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70058

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp;jsessionid=AE95A52681E290428BF60FAF6D079862.tc7?style=87601

I've been advised to go for a hybrid as that's better to cycle in London, but would be happy with a mountain bike too.

I get 50% off which ever bike I choose with the Ride2Work government scheme so my absolute limit that I will spend is £500 before the discount.

Thanks very much in advance

Answer 1

If its just for cyling in london a road bike is the best idea.

If you want a bit of flexibility and may go off road at some point you can get something inbetween.

I recently got a Giant - Rincon. its a great bike, good on the road and just fine for offroading.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-IN/

Do a search im sure you'll find a place that sells them, go and have a look. Dont buy a bike untill you've ridden it.

Im well impressed never heard of Giant before but they are good. Mind you for road cylcing or through the london parks id'e be less inclined to go for a mountain bike as they are built for off roading and you'de enjoy it more if you use a bike thats built for the way your riding it, off roading is great fun though ;)

Answer 2

I bought a Genesis day tripper hybrid last year on the same scheme from a different cycle shop though.

Its a top bike & really fast i just love whizzing past all the mountain bikes on it makes me smile every time lol

Answer 3

Last year i bought a Raleigh Pioneer Metro for £190 from The bike factory in chester. This included the wheel rack, a set of good lights (£19), a cycle lock (£20), Tool kit/puncture kit, a stand, and a good set of pannier bags (£50)!

It`s got shocks on the front  forks which you can adjust and a really comfy gel seat. I spent about 2wks checking out other hybrids and this seemed the best one for the money.

I use my bike every day now and feel so much healthier. Last tuesday i did a world wide tour of the Wirral Peninsula on it !

Def rec this bike. Hope this helps. Happy cycling.

Answer 4

If you'll not be riding in the countryside I don't see the point of getting a mountain bike.  A hybrid will be rugged enough for even rough streets, and the tires will pump up hard enough for efficient travel on the city streets. Either can be found within your price range.

Answer 5

This months MBR has published its $500 dirty dozen.  It might be worth you having a look at the magazine, since it might answer your question regarding mountain bikes.

Luck

Answer 6

For £500 you have a lot of choice. Personally I would chose a mountain bike. (Not one from Argos or Tesco though!). That way, at the weekends, you could get out and have yourself an adventure away from the city!

I would chose between the Trek 6000, Scott Scale 70 or the GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc. (The GT personally winning it for me). All these 2008 versions retail at £499.99, before deals and discounts. Visit your local bike shop and see exactly what you can get for your money. (You don't have to buy it from there, but they may be able to give you good advise.)

You could also consider the Specialized Hard Rock Pro '08 that comes in at £399.99. At this price you would have plenty of change for helmet, lights, gloves and maybe pollution mask - since you're in London.

Hopefully this is helpful to you,

Happy biking!