Looking for advice: getting into casual biking with fairly low budget

[horizon]

also looking for things like alarm systems, bike locks, gps trackers, phone mounts etc. Don’t really need lights as I don’t plan to travel at night and I don’t think you can go wrong with a bike helmet.

Thanks,

Kieran

I wouldn't bother about the gizmos (yet) but you'll be surprised at how quickly you'll want lights (getting home from a late night shift or even a party). A good lock will be useful.

[KieranC]

also looking for things like alarm systems, bike locks, gps trackers, phone mounts etc. Don’t really need lights as I don’t plan to travel at night and I don’t think you can go wrong with a bike helmet.

Thanks,

Kieran

I wouldn't bother about the gizmos (yet) but you'll be surprised at how quickly you'll want lights (getting home from a late night shift or even a party). A good lock will be useful.

I do neither of those things haha

[KieranC]

Managed to get a VeryMe code from Facebook. I can get the ‘Carrera Parva Mens Hybrid Bike’ from Halfords for £225 with free delivery in 2 days. Good buy?

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybrid-b ... 46158.html?

I'd say perfect. Straightforward, good value for money and Shimano groupset. Excellent choice. They will build it for you for £10.00.

Learn how to maintain it (it will be very straighforward) and then also start thinking about your next bike. Put a rack on it (Halfords might do his for you).

Go for it.

£35 built and delivered. Ouch! I heard that the build use to be free too

[horizon]

So the real question is, what’s the difference between Carrera Parva Mens Hybrid Bike and Lithium 1 2022 Hybrid Bike?

There are some differences (e.g. triple on the Lithium). You have a larger choice of sizes (it seems) and tyres may be different. Have a think about it.

[KieranC]

There are some differences (e.g. triple on the Lithium). You have a larger choice of sizes (it seems) and tyres may be different. Have a think about it.

What’s ‘ triple on the Lithium’?

[horizon]

It means it has three "cogs" (or chainrings) at the front (and seven at the back). That gives 21 gears. The Pava has a "double" or two chainrings and that gives 14 gears. If you live in a hilly area it would be better to have the 21 gears.

NB The Halfords website doesn't provide a very detailed specification so you might want to check things over the phone.

The important thing is that both bikes keep it simple which at this price level is important.

[horizon]

I've found the spec on the Pava. Just to say that the Lithium has much lower gears which I personally would go for given what you said about the hills. Check also for mudguard eyes.

I have a feeling that you might not be comparing like with like and the Lithium may be the better, slightly pricier bike.

[KieranC]

It means it has three "cogs" (or chainrings) at the front (and seven at the back). That gives 21 gears. The Pava has a "double" or two chainrings and that gives 14 gears. If you live in a hilly area it would be better to have the 21 gears.

NB The Halfords website doesn't provide a very detailed specification so you might want to check things over the phone.

The important thing is that both bikes keep it simple which at this price level is important.

If you live in a hilly area it would be better to have the 21 gears.

Really depends how hilly is defined haha.

[KieranC]

Just called the local bike shop and just generally asked about the 2 brands and Carrera Parva and Pinnacle and they said Pinnacle is definitely the better brand.

[nosmarbaj]

You shouldn't over-think this - just buy a bike. Until you have some experience, you won't know which of the subtle - or not-so-subtle - differences between models are important to you. So you just need something (almost anything) that is fair quality and reasonably versatile. Plenty of suggestions above.

[KieranC]

You shouldn't over-think this - just buy a bike. Until you have some experience, you won't know which of the subtle - or not-so-subtle - differences between models are important to you. So you just need something (almost anything) that is fair quality and reasonably versatile. Plenty of suggestions above.

I’ve filtered it all the way down to either Carrera Parva Mens Hybrid (£225 with discount + £35 build fee) or Lithium 1 2022 Hybrid (£300 + £15-25 delivery).

I just want to know wether it’s true the Lithium is more durable and lighter weight. Because I’d rather pay the extra £60 if it’ll mean I get another say 300 miles of usage.

[Eyebrox]

From what I can find on the web, the Lithium is 11.5kg and the Parva is 13.5kg. So the Lithium is lighter. The Lithium has a bigger cassette in terms of easiest-to-pedal first cog and smaller crankset. This should make hills easier. You won't be able to gauge "durability" because bikes are all used in different ways. Few people will have both bikes to compare them in time.

[simonhill]

I just want to know wether it’s true the Lithium is more durable and lighter weight. Because I’d rather pay the extra £60 if it’ll mean I get another say 300 miles of usage.

300 miles. Well looked after, both bikes will be capable of many thousands. Just get pedalling and enjoy.

[Jamesh]

You shouldn't over-think this - just buy a bike. Until you have some experience, you won't know which of the subtle - or not-so-subtle - differences between models are important to you. So you just need something (almost anything) that is fair quality and reasonably versatile. Plenty of suggestions above.

I’ve filtered it all the way down to either Lithium 1 2022 Hybrid (£225 with discount + £35 build fee) or Carrera Parva Mens Hybrid (£300 + £15-25 delivery).

I just want to know wether it’s true the Lithium is more durable and lighter weight. Because I’d rather pay the extra £60 if it’ll mean I get another say 300 miles of usage.

No brainer go for the lithium as it's a better bike lighter with better gearing. You'll enjoy it more as it's lighter.

The Carrera only benefit would be as a station bike as it's less nickable and heavier - all in the frame so less likely to dent.

[Nearholmer]

At £225 that Lithium is an absolute bargain!

If you look after it well, the Shimano Tourney gearing is very long lasting, more so than the high-performance gear sets further up their range, which are to finer tolerances and less wear-tolerant.