AquilaEagle

I already do swim occasionally.

msisleman

Really get what you pay for with bikes (like anything really), and you can't get a full suspension bike that's any good for less then about £800 realistically. But if its only for road riding then you want a hybrid type or maybe a fully rigid mountain bike. Don't need suspension unless you're going off road!

energetic

Ian, my bike is mainly for downhill and I am pretty sure that the prices in UK are cheaper than Greece.

AquilaEagle

I won't be doing any serious mountain biking, it will just be for pootling around on tarmac

I'm not bothered about it being very good quality, just something that goes along

Cheap and cheerful, second hand

chrispayze

In which case, I completely agree with the comments above. Don't be seduced by crap disc brakes (decent V-brakes are better unless you get a decent disc brake set) or rear suspension, esp if you're looking to pay sub £300 and only do tarmac stuff. In fact, if you definitely aren't going to do any off road, a hybrid could be a good option, although they tend to be expensive for what they are because they don't sell in large numbers compared to MTBs.

Ebay isn't a bad place for bikes if you know what you're looking for, lots of people buy them and don't use them. I got myself a nice £600 Trek for £280 delivered, barely used. That has reasonable front sus, and decent disc brakes. I spent about a month trawling for a deal, but you should be able to find something basic but reasonable for £150 I reckon.

Sounds like there are a few people on here (me included) who would happily advise on particular bikes.

energetic

I agree, as well. Disk brakes are used for downhill or for off road use, to avoid water or mud getting to ie V-type brakes when you cross from water pits , otherwise you don't have brakes at all until they get dry. The brakes that are closer to the tyre are more efficient due to inertia.

Ian, I can imagine you going downhill.

Trek is a good choice.

chrispayze

Just a question of leverage/moment really.

Rob88

I’ve got two steel framed full suspension bikes you can have for £40 each.

Bought on a whim without proper research they have now been replaced with a couple of decent Aluminium Raleigh’s with front suspension and solid back end.
(check the local bike store, I paid £310 for two of last years bikes and the original list price was over £600)

SideWaysOnFire

You can buy one tax free some how with the new gov site have a look

Chris Type R

Don't buy anything too flash - there's a good chance of theft.