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Hive mind unite! I have a friend from the gym who is doing a coast to coast ride. She’s not a cyclist, but is very fit and does a lot of running. The issue is that she doesn’t actually have a bike, doesn’t get on with drops and has a tight budget of circa £300. I’ve suggested trying to raise more cash if possible.
Any recommendations for a nice simple flat bar bike that will do the job? I was thinking second hand Pinnacle, Boardman or Planet X / On-one of some variety. Maybe a flat bar gravel bike.
All help appreciated.
Something more road orientated but with a flat bar does sound like a good idea. Bar ends to give additional hand positions.
For £300 second hand would be the best option, but she'd be best chucking in some extra for a saddle
Bar ends is a good shout. Think I have a set kicking about somewhere too.
If she could up her budget at all, the Triban 520 flat bar version can currently be had at Decathlon for £429, That'd be ideal I reckon. Will take a rear rack, mud guards and 32mm tyres apparently.
Decathlon/triban bikes come up fairly often on ebay and can be had for a steal (got my Triban 3 that way and it's been excellent) may be worth checking there.
Supported ride or carrying all her gear? Might affect bike choice if it needs to lug a load of panniers etc. My wife did it on a slick tyres Mtb with a beam type rack off the seat post. A flat bar hybrid type sounds ideal.
Definitely second hand. I did it 3 or 4 years ago on a £200 charge juicer which was absolutely perfect for the job. Comfy and sturdy enough for panniers and with full mudguards.
Have seen people doing c2cs on some right heaps, alot depends who you are riding with. Would not try to talk them into a road bike unless everyone else has one. Hybrids are better for beginners, especially for long spells in the saddle.
IME newbies don't get the second hand value thing or not being able to try before they buy, and like local shops.
The women's Voodoo Marasa is on sale for just over 300 at Halifords. No cheap and heavy fork to contend with, reasonably robust and best spec you'll get for that budget. Disc brakes.
Thanks all. I recommended the Voodoo or Carrera Subway. She doesn’t seem keen on secondhand. Sent a few eBay links earlier.
Is she going to continue riding after this ?
If not why not consider hiring a decent bike ...
IME newbies don’t get the second hand value thing or not being able to try before they buy, and like local shops.
This’s definitely true.
Mid be looking at Decathlon, not sure you’ll get anything better than something from their range.
Which coast to coast ride? Way of the Roses can be a skinny tyred roadie, Hadrian's is more hybrid/tourer and Ravenglas to Robin Hood's is proper MTB terrirory. Off to Decathlon and pick one that fits.