Best bike for £200

[pooley_99]

So I'm buying the mrs a mountain bike for her bday,.. Don't need no 2 grand carbon fibre job, just something to fanny round Cannock chase on. There's a Mongoose one in halfrauds for 200 notes.. I recognise the brand from my bmx days, that's about as far as my cycle knowledge goes. Appreciate any suggestions.
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CBR 900RR Fireblade

[Monkeypony]

£200 new will basically just get you a BSO.

It will be pretty awful for just about everything.

I'd suggest having a look at what's available second hand for the same money.

Also, have a look here:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mountain-bikes?f=2258&sort=pricelow

Some decent savings on new bikes, if you can find one in the right frame size.
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Current bike - 2018 H2-SX, 2004 SV1000s, 2016 Aprilia RSV4 RF, 2017 Sherco SERF 300, 2003 Suzuki DRZ400 (stolen - AY53 JUU)

[Quornholio]

Decathalon Rockrider?

I got one second hand, is not bad.
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XxXxX

[map]

Have a look around for a local recycle (that has to be a pun) centre that does up old bikes for charity. Might be able to get something suitable for very little.
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...and the whirlwind is in the thorn trees, it's hard for thee to kick against the pricks...
Gibbs, what did Duckie look like when he was younger?

[Seb]

As above, don't bother with new at that price, you'll get an overweight under damped girder of a bike that won't be remotely enjoyable to ride.

Keep an eye on local used bikes, Facebook groups and such and be patient. Check bearings and use rusty bolts as haggling fodder. Be truthful with yourself about the offroading aspect, if it's just going to stick to roads and cycle paths then a hybrid will be a much better option.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[pooley_99]

Some valid points there thanks. What would this have cost new? https://greenvalleycycles.co.uk/?product=carrera-crossfire-hybrid-bike also are they any good?
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CBR 900RR Fireblade

[Seb]

That's a really basic fork, no adjustability and likely very little damping. Replace that with a proper suspension fork or even a rigid road fork and you're talking. That'll be far better than any full sus job you are going to find at this price point regardless.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[Al]

[Bandit Boy]

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[pooley_99]

Ended up going for a carrera vengeance from halfrauds as they had 10% off all bikes. So ended up a bit over budget but got a decent bike for £300. Has disk brakes and suspension more than enough for what she needs. Looks smart too. Got bike envy now !!
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CBR 900RR Fireblade

[instigator]