Need help finding a bike please

Absolute beginner here. I know I want a single speed, and probably around 51-52cm. Don't really know where to look, I was told here is the best place as gumtree/eBay will not be good value, but I can't seem to find anything really.. can anyone give me some advice on good places to look, good bikes etc. Will be using it to ride round London, not looking to spend big.. maybe around 100-300 ?

Thank you!

Here’s a 52 ss - https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/322421/#comment14294004

^ yup that sounds just right for you @louven

Drop the seller a PM and give it a test ride before you buy, maybe bring an allen key multi tool with you so you can adjust the seat post for yourself.

Good luck and have fun riding!

Thanks guys, if this sale fails for whatever reason, do these sort of deals come about often?

Also do you think that spending £300 is worth it for a decent bike? I'm guessing you won't get much with your money if you're spending less.

£300 is ample to get yourself a very decent bike from the classifieds here. If you're not confident it's generally pretty safe to ask for more advice, but shifty sellers don't tend to last long here.

exactly right. You may get lucky here or there but more often than not if you try and spend less, you will often have to replace poor/worn out components or tyres soon enough which can be fairly expensive. As said above, £300 should be enough for a decent bike to get you around town, its not alot but should suffice

I have my nearly new Marin SS in your size. I bought it new in Feb for £500 and added SPD clips and a lock, back in Feb. I rode it from Peckham to Angel and back about 3 times, plus a tiny bit of pootling - that's literally all the riding it's had. Just had it serviced/checked over to make sure it's in good shape (cost £30), and it's good to go. There's a tiny bit of rubbing on the top tube where the lock rubbed, as I kept it locked up under cover at work for the last 4 months.

At £300 for what is basically a new bike, in your size, I think it's probably a good option for you.

I've only ridden it a bit, but it's pretty responsive, brakes are positive, ride is good. Steel frame helps with that. Feel free to head down to SE15 and take it for a spin. I'll PM you my number.

Thanks for all your help people, really appreciate it.

You can always spend less on a bike, but pretty soon, around £250 secondhand you're paying for adjustability. Bikes have a few bits and pieces that need lining up and tightening down. Paying for a bike that easily allows this is worth it.