What make of hybrid bike do you recommend for a limited budget?

Question

I'm looking to buy a second hand hybrid bike for road and country track leisure cycling. What are the most reliable and sturdy makes that won't break the bank balance?

Answer 1

No brand is really better than another. The bicycle business is so competitive these days that any two bikes at the same price point are very likely to be equivalent values. One way to get the most for your money is to look for shops that have some of "last year's model" left over. You will probably be able to work the price down fairly significantly when the shop wants to move the bike off the floor.

HTH

Answer 2

I agree with what has been said- To add something to these answers I would also recommend for you to anticipate what kind of riding you will be doing the most and thus knowing what extras you might need or want. Crud guards?, lights, panniers, ?... etc Bicyles that have this included in the sales prices could be a good choice, but if you do not need those extras, then no need to spend the money or time looking for them. But most important, since up-grading is always a possibility, make sure this future attachments will fit your bike and that the frame, and the rest of the components will allow you to include these in the future.

Seems to be a trivial matter, but solving or anticipating this will get  you a better bike for the money.

Also, ask around and get good tyres for the kind of riding you are mostly interested in (forget big mountain bike tyres, or very city oriented ones). Cantilever brakes would be my option too. And, if possible, 3 chain rings in front, for easier and a wider arrange of gears to have at hand. (hard to change from 2 to a 3 chain ring bike, so once again, anticipate).

Enjoy!!

Answer 3

there are hybrid bikes now? are they better on gas or something?

Answer 4

There are many to choose from. You can get some pretty decent buys with Mechanical disc brakes for less than $300 if you shop around. Makes such as Schwinn, GT, Mongoose, Fuji and many others are out there at significant bargains. Like another poster said, you might find a great bargain if you are willing to go with a previous years model. Shop around and enjoy the process....