Road Bikes > less than 200 GBP Road Bikes

Advantages: Good re-introduction to road bikes
Disadvantages: expense and pedals

...It is possible, of course, that the big fall will be me, not the fuel cost - balance is not my main gift!. It is possible that that fuel demand will increase as ambulances race across the Belfast skyline to pick up the bits and pieces that are left of me, once I hit the roads. And it is possible that tanker drivers will all resign the moment they catch sight of my lycra clad rear end on their horizon. So what is going on here!? 1 The Big idea. ...
...London lone cycle, she began planning an idiotic cycle around the coastline of India. Once that plan came to fruition at the start of this year, it was clear that any hint she gave of future cycling plans, should be taken seriously. So the planning has begun for her solo circumnavigation of the world by pedal power on land and sea, in world record time! Preparation for that requires some quick spins - so Lands End - John O'Groats and Belfast - ... Read review

Advantages: sturdy and solid, great looking, good to ride and very useful
Disadvantages: doesn't quite fold up as small as a Brompton

...I have found the Dahon to be a sturdier bike in this respect, the solid frame with the central connection has meant that I don't mind going round people on the path. I have even embraced the inner child and carried out a few jumps on my beauty, shes a little unstable at the front so landing properly is important but she takes a jump well, I haven't dared ride without holding the handle bars yet, but shes steady as a rock even on rougher ground. ...
...on the P8. The Dahon is a little bit heavier than the Brompton but this is barely noticable. The Brompton brakes have always been a little easy, I liken it to driving an older car before ABS, sure they will stop you, but you should start planning when you want to stop. The Dahon breaks are awesome, capable of being operated with a single finger and reassuringly solid in their breaking capacity. My only concern would be that once fell of the bike ... Read review

Advantages: Very easy to fold and good to ride
Disadvantages: Not fantastic at off road

I have a Brompton L3 that is now approx 3 ½ years old. I use it everyday to commute to work - I cycle to the station, fold it up and take on the train and then cycle the other end about 1 ½ miles to work. I love the bike and although it was expensive I think it has been good value for money considering how often I have used it. It folds up easily and quickly and so many people are amazed when they see it folding. I have found that it is so small ...
...managed to fall off my Brompton in this situation. I have taken it along rougher surfaces, such as the canal towpath and it was ok, although again, you need to be careful as the tyres don't grip to the paths all that well. Plus points: • Really easily to fold up and very compact when folded. Easily fits in the boot of a car (I have found it will fit in the boot of a Ford Ka with a little juggling) • Distinctive looking • Made in ... Read review

Advantages: Foldable, practical
Disadvantages: Expensive

I bought Brompton bike three years ago and since then I've been using it regularly to commute to work. Part of my journey is by train and by having a foldable bike it saves me a lot of money on the tube ticket and also means I don't have to go on the "meat wagon" aka the tube. It keeps me fit and gives me the opportunity to explore new areas of London which I probably wouldn't venture in without this practical device. The bike cost £470 but considering ...
...think it is definitely worth the money. If you use it regularly it can also save you subscribing to gym membership as it will keep you fit. I am not sure of the exact weight but can reassure you it is easily carried. It takes 10 - 20 seconds to fold or unfold it. Furthermore there are no parts sticking out while folded so there's no danger your clothes will get trapped. My only criticism would be that the accessories for it are quite pricey and ... Read review

Advantages: Finish; Ride quality; Durability
Disadvantages: Price has gone up; Open chainstays

...of my own. The Fixie Inc Peacemaker frame comes from Germany, designed by a couple of cycle couriers over there. At the time it was available for £295 (frame and lovely chromed forks) from online retailer 'hubjub', but Mosquito Bikes is now the official retailer in the UK - the new version of the frame, however, now comes in at £415. A few details have changed, but giving the new bike the once over at the Cycle Show I can't see that much is different ...
...a completely built Peacemaker for £960. I built mine up with Sugino chainset (a lovely red BMX chainring for 99p from eBay the steal of the century); EAI cog; Connex Wipperman 1G8 chain; Nitto bars; Shimano 105 front brake; Tektro lever; an old front wheel, and a new Goldtec/Mavic rear wheel; and a Charge Spoon Saddle. Total build came to around £700 (at a higher spec, I have to say, than the complete bike from Mosquito). The ride quality is good ... Read review