One of our son’s friends has finally cracked cycling and now his Mum wants to buy a bike to ride with him. They are quite an outdoors and active family, although as their son is 6, their riding at the moment is limited to fairly straightforward cycle paths that would be suited to any hybrid, but I’d like to think that in the future they may want to try something a little more adventurous.

His Mum is looking at spending up to £500 and rather than just walking into Evans and buying choosing from only what they stock, I offered my input: there’s nothing I enjoy more than spending other people’s bike money!

It’s a long time since I’ve bought a complete adults bike and My initial advice was that looking for a clearance model which has a much better quality component spec and fork than the entry level kit on a £500 bike. She’s also not bothered about buying new. I’ve bought several well maintained second hand bikes myself. I know that when it comes to value for money and new bikes, Boardman are a pretty good baseline (and further 10% off this weekend!)

I’m thinking a lightweight hard tail mountain bike may be a good option- she can put some more suitable tyres on for this stage and stick nobblies on if she gets more adventurous. I know the choice of women’s specific bikes has greatly increased, but she’s reasonably tall so I’m sure a saddle and stem change on a smaller Mens bike would likely suffice if it opens up more options.

As I’m not up to speed on components and forks for the last couple of years, I’d appreciate any guidance on what spec I should be able to aim for, as well as any bargain bikes you’ve spotted on line which may fit the bill!

Thanks in advance!