Would be happy to assist.
This past three weekends I've spent most of my time building bikes for Madame Poulet, nugget #1 and fitting new forks to my own.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:15, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

Awesome!
I just want a cheap but decent starter bike to take to Cannock Chase when the weather's good.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:16, Reply)

I don't know Cannock Chase
But I've heard good reports. What's your budget?

BTW - anything below £200 constitutes either "well used" or "bicycle shaped object" these days :-(
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:17, Reply)

I was looking around the £200 mark
On eBay. Something like a Giant, GT or Specialized, but that's as much as I know.
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:20, Reply)

You can't really go wrong with those brands
Just make sure you know the size you want and that the person selling the bike is actually the owner.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:22, Reply)

Good thought about the size, I'll check what size my hybrid is
I only look at the listings where they namecheck components, rather than "mountain bike fer sale".
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:25, Reply)

You need to take my patented approach
Of finding a friend who's getting a new bike, and gives you his old one on the premise that you pay for the parts that need replaced.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:23, Reply)

PoD is spot on here
This advice is pure genius.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:26, Reply)

It's how I got a Gary Fisher Marlin
With upgraded seat, forks and chain set, and paid about £80 to replace a few parts. Score.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:28, Reply)

A Marlin is a good starting point
Nice frame, even better if it's all upgraded for you.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:29, Reply)

Seeing as it was an upgrade from not having a bike
I would say it was a fairly good start. It does me well, even if it did try to kill me last time I was out on it.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:31, Reply)

My bike doesn't try and kill me
But my lack of skillz do.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:33, Reply)

I can actually blame my bike
As my front sus locked up going downhill, and therefore didn't so much absorb a bump as launch me over the handlebars. Then follow me.
(PenguinOfDeath is Scottish, and most likely angry, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:34, Reply)

I just know that I'll come off at Cannock Chase
Because I'll over-estimate my abilities...
( Labia Majora You keep on talking but it makes no sense at all, Fri 11 Jun 2010, 12:34, Reply)