Charge Plug 0 2017
Now is the perfect time to get a fresh-off-the-production line bike – as big retailers look to clear their stock of 2017 models in time for the new year. At the time of writing, Evans Cycles are selling this beauty with 11% off.
Low gearing with an agile frame, this bike is comfortable but nippy when you want to be. Buying from Evans you’ll get an excellent after sale care including a free 6-week cable tuning – but the single gear will reduce the cost of future maintenance and, frankly, this bike looks pretty good.
Apollo Twilight
This is a heavy bike in comparison to big name brands – but if you’re a lady looking for a workout, the obscenely low price-tag means you can forgive that one minor detail. For just £99 you get a lot of bang for your buck.
The latest model gives you 18 grifter gears – enough to find a comfy gear going up a hill. You also get to enjoy low maintenance v-brakes, resilient steel frame, and even front suspension. My only gripe is the saddle is a tad too cushiony – but other than that, this bike will last you a good few years of trails and commutes.
B’Twin Rockrider 520s 27.5” Mountain Bike
This beast offers you oh-so-much for just £369. Full suspension, including a rear hydraulic shock absorber with spring and adjustment. Forget arguments over whether 27.5” standard is dead – Decathlon are too big to go bust and will continue selling parts for a long time yet.
You get an SRAM drive chain with Microshift MS22 front derailleur, TEKTRO aluminium brake levers, and disc braking. At this point B’Twin are show boating. B’Twin is no longer a budget joke because they’re delivering high specification bikes at a student friendly prices.
B’Twin Triban 500 SE Road Bike
If your journey between your halls and the library is tarmac all the way, this slick whip will get you there quicker than anything else, and with less effort – for lower than £300.
The Microshift Groupset and Shimano cranks give you 24-speed gearing with paddle gear shifts like you get in a Formula 1 car – no wonder this is an award-winning bike. Again, Decathlon offer cheaper as well as more expensive bikes, and they’re all well built for the price.
Haro Leucadia BMX Bike 2017
It’s simple. It’s small. It’s 25 % off at the time of writing, and for £224.99 you can have a lot of fun on a BMX. Whether you’re hopping through traffic, pulling tricks at the park, the Leucadia will turn heads without breaking the bank.
I think the green looks beautiful, but my younger self would definitely have got this in white, and kept it pristine. Be warned – BMX life is addictive, and the temptation to upgrade components may be too much for your purse strings in the long run.
