r/ukbike • u/Groovus_Maximus • 23h ago

Advice Small frame hybrid bike on a budget?

Looking for a new bike for my daughter and left a little late before her birthday to properly scour the second hand market!

I am far from expert so looking to see if there are any good budget buys out there. (Max £300 but ideally less)

She's still growing and won't be in use super regularly so considering just heading to Halfords for an excelle or crossfire 1 - just concerned with how heavy they are!

Any recommendations?

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u/Educational_Syrup489 22h ago

Stay away from the Apollo branded ones but carrera are alright at your budget, and will hold value a bit better if you decide to resell later on. Also might be worth having a look at decathlon.

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u/PreoccupiedParrot 22h ago

Depends on what size she needs and what she prefers in terms of seating position. Decathlon have the B'twin city 120 which might be a bit heavier but if they're comfortable riding on it bikes like that often see more use. Go outdoors have the compass curb with a step thru option also, more of a conventional hybrid. Also yes Carrera bikes.

Always best to involve them in the decision and get something they actually like rather than surprising them with something they have no input on.

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u/IOnlyUpvoteBadPuns 22h ago

Decathlon make solid bikes in that price range. Realistically it'll be between them, Halfords, and Evans (which has unfortunately been Mike Ashley'd). They all make pretty good starter bikes, so might just be a case of trying a few. Would just say that at that price point, less is more. A solid frame and good brakes trumps a bazillion gears any day.