 Best way to go - Used Bike or Cheap New Bike?
Every year thousands of students arrive in Oxford and it doesn't take them long to realize that getting around would be easier if they had a bike. It usually goes like this: A bike ? ….. that's an interesting idea …. there are some pretty cool bikes out there …. |  | Full suspension, go anywhere mountain bikes...... Super-light carbon road bikes...... Retro-style stripped down fixed wheel racers...... Old school sit-up-and-beg "Oxford" bikes (perhaps with an equally old school wicker basket) ….. but they all cost money and the budget is already getting stretched to breaking point !?!?
….. and what about the notorious Oxford bike thieves ?!?!
….. perhaps I'll just go and buy a cheap second-hand bike and see how I get on …. with a bit of luck I'll find something that resembles one of these dream bikes but only costs a few quid The trouble is, the supply of decent quality used bikes in Oxford is never enough to satisfy demand, so they are hard to find and prices tend to be higher here than elsewhere. On the other hand, because of the huge demand for cheap bikes and competition between shops, Oxford has some of the cheapest new bikes to be found in the country. So, if you're a UK student coming to Oxford the best bet is to buy a used bike in your home town and bring it with you. Otherwise look for a cheap(ish) new bike when you get here, but beware the very cheap ones (especially the ones sold for 'self-assembly' - they don't usually last the first term!) and try to buy as simple a bike as possible (if it's a 'mountain bike', try to get one without suspension). Bike Zone sells used bikes and offers a three month guarantee on them (but they're usually sold within a day or two of putting them out for sale). We also sell inexpensive new bikes. Our current best new bike deal is on an old-school Raleigh single-speed town bike which has decent brakes, mudguards and a rear carrier ready-fitted and sells for £169. (men's and women's versions available). If you are planning to be in Oxford for less than a year here are a couple of things that might be useful: "Guaranteed buy-back" scheme
If you buy a new bike from us and sell it back to us within a year we guarantee to pay you at least half of the original selling price of the bike (with reasonable wear and tear - as long as the bike hasn't been completely trashed) Term Hire
We have very competitive rates for longer term bike rental (12 weeks for £60, and longer periods by arrangement). All maintenance is taken care of (except that we ask hirers to pump the tyres occasionally !) and the price includes the loan of a good quality U-lock, lights and a bike basket. |
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