Buying a Entry Level Bicycle for an Adult (Recommendations for Budget of $300)

I am looking to buy a bicycle for me to give a company to my little daughter.

I went through OzBargain posts and many suggested not to buy from Kmart or BigW and recommended second hand bikes.

My budget is not big, probably $200- $300. Could you please recommend some models (if second hand) or some brand new bikes in that price range currently?

Thanks…..

Comments

  • +4

    Honda, bulletproof engines

    • -1

      You try to be funny, but didn't workout this time mate :P

      • Okay how about.. you thinking bmx style or something with gears like a mountain bike?

        • Ha ha. Just an entry level. With this price level, I can't demand more. Mostly I will ride at parks. Thanks mate…

    • Ozbargain is Toyota

      • Very intelligent….

  • How about a scooter instead? It'll be cheaper and less maintenance than a bike and you'll be able to keep up with a kid on a bike easily.

    • Like a razor? They are exhausting for any distance

      • A child isn't riding much further than 10-20km. A scooted would be fine.

        • +1

          I am pretty fit and ride 17km twice a day to work and back. Riding a razor even 10km would be absolutely exhausting!

    • +1

      What a funny comment ! I am still laughing :-). Can I share your joke with my neighbour?

  • When lock down is lifted check out gumtree as there are usually some good second hand bikes available in most metro areas.

  • -2

    try for yeti sb150 on gumtree, good bikes and they go for next to nothing

  • Gumtree bikes are hit and miss, sizing is a big issue when trying out a bike at someone's home. I'd go decathlon - RC 100 flat bar.

  • Not sure there are many companies you can buy with $300

  • +2

    Maybe Reid?

    Still recommend second hand. Pick a reputable brand bike for around $200 and spend the extra on servicing it. If it looks ok and rides ok when you inspect it’ll be fine. Reputable bike brands have good equipment that is easier to service and can be updated more easily when compared with Kmart etc.

    • +1

      I've had my Reid road bike for over 8 years now. Still works very well. I've only replaced the tyres and kept up with regular maintenance including replacing brake pads, adjusting brakes/derailleurs, degreasing/cleaning/lubing the chain and tuning the spokes. Also very important to give it a wipe and dry after riding in the rain to prevent rusting.

  • -1

    I would suggest you push your budget a bit if you can. Get this Giant for $750 or similar hybrid city bike form a reputable brand like Trek, Norco. Buy it from your local bike shop. It will come with a free service usually a couple months in to ensure it is running well. The extra $450 you spend will pay off in the long term. I would be very suspicious of new bikes much cheaper than that, you generally get what you pay for.

    Used bikes can be a good way to go, but in my experience can be hard to find as quality second hand bikes aren’t always a great deal cheaper or well maintained. It can take quite a bit of sleuthing to fine a bike that fits and is in good nick.

    This is a great article on the topic of buying cheap new bikes.

    • +2

      Nice one. Has a budget of $300 and you suggest something more than twice that? Completely unnecessary. Buying a brand name bike second hand for $200 is a perfectly achievable and allows some spare for servicing.

      Pick a trek, giant, Merida, specialised, or a handful of other brands. Pick one that looks in decent condition - it’s typically not hard to tell if it’s been looked after. In the last couple of weeks I’ve picked up a giant hybrid for $100 and repaired the brakes and put new grips on. Perfectly serviceable now. Also got a ladies step through with 8speed internal geared hub in perfect condition for $180.

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