Used or New - Not sure which bike to buy?

[Paulatic]

I would be attracted to the Vodoo or the Boardman I think both will give an acceptable ride

[531colin]

Not the HYB 8.6 because its got an achingly trendy "combined stem and bars" ...in other words, makes it harder to substitute for a different shaped bar if you want to; may even make repair/service more difficult. Alloy fork with a steel steerer? not for me!
Triban RC is a road bike, I thought you wanted a workaday hybrid for commuting?
Carrera zelos is a particularly nasty/cheap imitation road bike with obsolete screw-on block

[londoncyclist007]

Not the HYB 8.6 because its got an achingly trendy "combined stem and bars" ...in other words, makes it harder to substitute for a different shaped bar if you want to; may even make repair/service more difficult. Alloy fork with a steel steerer? not for me!
Triban RC is a road bike, I thought you wanted a workaday hybrid for commuting?
Carrera zelos is a particularly nasty/cheap imitation road bike with obsolete screw-on block

Hi mate

I did not know this about the boardman so i think will avoid it. The zelos has pretty good reviews that's why i added t to my shortlist, Also the Triban RC120 is just in my list if i can't get a hold of the other bikes.

I think i have decided to buy either the Voodoo Marasa or the Carrera Subway 2 as these two models seem to fit my needs.

I think the Marasa looks slightly better in terms of components in terms of weight and materials used.

Thanks a lot guys, i am glad i have narrowed down the choice of bike i will buy as it can get confusing for novice cyclists like me

Cheers

[Chris56]

The drop bar bikes both have mechanical rim brakes whereas all 3 flat bar bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, which work well in all weather conditions. Rim brakes are less effective in the wet

[londoncyclist007]

The drop bar bikes both have mechanical rim brakes whereas all 3 flat bar bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, which work well in all weather conditions. Rim brakes are less effective in the wet

OK i will stick with the marasa/subway

[markjohnobrien]

The drop bar bikes both have mechanical rim brakes whereas all 3 flat bar bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, which work well in all weather conditions. Rim brakes are less effective in the wet

OK i will stick with the marasa/subway

Agree: Carrera Subway is a good choice and it has hydraulic disc brakes.

[londoncyclist007]

The drop bar bikes both have mechanical rim brakes whereas all 3 flat bar bikes have hydraulic disc brakes, which work well in all weather conditions. Rim brakes are less effective in the wet

OK i will stick with the marasa/subway

Agree: Carrera Subway is a good choice and it has hydraulic disc brakes.

Hopefully this is the start of my journey to becoming a proper cyclist, my next bike will be a road bike possibly a carbon one depending on how my new marasa/subway performs.

Cheers

[simonhill]

Wel done and good luck. However don't fall into the trap that to become a "proper" cyclist you need to ride a carbon road bike.

Cycling takes many shapes and forms. Each unto their own.

[londoncyclist007]

Wel done and good luck. However don't fall into the trap that to become a "proper" cyclist you need to ride a carbon road bike.

Cycling takes many shapes and forms. Each unto their own.

I now know what type of bike i want but still thinking shall i..... buy new online or from a shop (will have warranty, not be stolen etc) ....or go for a used bike from facebook/gumtree/ebay and then take it into a LBS to have it checked over....hmm

I think the second option might be better as the money i save i can use to pay an independent mechanic to bring my bike up to tip top condition servicing etc

What do you guys think will be a better option for me where i will face the least issues?

Let me know
Cheers

[531colin]

Unanswerable question; it depends on
the shop selling the new bike
the mechanic fixing the secondhand bike
the condition of the secondhand bike
NONE of these things are known!

[londoncyclist007]

Unanswerable question; it depends on
the shop selling the new bike
the mechanic fixing the secondhand bike
the condition of the secondhand bike
NONE of these things are known!

OK, say the new bike option is from halfords online or ..... the used bike is from gumtree in excellent condition and i take it to my local shop which has good reviews called brick lane bikes.

What would you feel is the best option?

[markjohnobrien]

Brick Lane bikes is a good and reputable shop but, at the end of the day, it’s your choice.

Still, I’d have no qualms taking the bike to this shop for a check over.

[londoncyclist007]

Brick Lane bikes is a good and reputable shop but, at the end of the day, it’s your choice.

Still, I’d have no qualms taking the bike to this shop for a check over.

cheers

[ClappedOut]

Decathlon Triban r540 second hand would be my compromise.

Or possibly a local bike shop may have something on their website refurbished.

[Jamesh]

Id go for the Boardman over the voodoo if your wanting a decent bike for recreational use.

I've picked up the voodoo limba and massara and found them to be quite heavy frames. Ok for commuting but for recreational riding they are heavy I wonder if they are not butted?

Boardman make decent Alu frames. There 3xb frames were really quite light so I doubt much has changed

Carrera would be in the middle. My sister has a Carrera vanquish And it's in a par with a specialised allez tbh.

You could change the stem / bar combo for £20 and 10 mins work.

The stem will probably fit ok if you get the right sized frame good your height.

Cheers James