IcedEarth27

Hello! I'm looking forward to buy a bike. Its going to be my first bike, never really owned one before. Im gonna use it in the city and some offroad time (nothing too extreme though).
Im on a really tight budget (around 250$) so its gonna be second hand for sure.

I've narrowed down a few options so far and I as hoping you guys could give me some opinion on which you think its the best.

1: Specialized HardRock (2010): This is the only bike Ive tried so far and the most expensive. (for the other ones Ive only seen posts on the internet). I really liked how it rode. seemed to me light and fast. Only had a problem small problem with changing rear gears, could drop the gears properly but the lever was tooo strong to pull em up. The guy at the store promised to fix it if I were to buy it!

2: Scott Contessa 640 (2013): Now this was going to be on the top of my list but after a bit of research I found out this was a woman bike!! (I'm male 26) When I saw it on the picture I couldnt tell!! Is there any difference between women and men bikes? Is there any reason I should drop this from my list? (except my friends making fun of me ofc.. )

3: B'Twin Rockrider 500 (2015) Looked in a really good condition from the photos. pretty much same sram X4 setup as the HardRock but obviously less used. Worth it to get this one with the same parts/better condition compared to the Specialized?

4: Ideal ZigZag 02 (????) Another option to consider? A not very know greek brand put parts seem slighty better than the other options or maybe not!
Here's the link to this bikes specifications
ZIGZAG 02 - MOUNTAIN - IDEAL Bikes


These seemed the best stuff I could find so far in my town around my budget. All feature disc brakes and 8 speed cassetes with Hardrock and Rockrider being SRAM and Scott and Ideal being Shimanos.
Opinions will be welcomed

Daspydyr 

My definition of a male or female bike is who owns it. I like Scott and I own one. The Zigzag looks interesting. You have a good list. The newer probably has something somewhere in the geometry that makes it "slightly better." Get one and start posting some ride pictures.

IcedEarth27

Thank you very much for your response. I will definitely post pics after I buy the bikee
Reason I'm considering ZigZag is cos it had a deoer rear derailleur which seemed superior to the other bikes

sv500

Doesn't look like $250 bike, even nos would fetch around the $400 mark. If you can find a new one for $250 take it. Also, i can't find any info/reviews on ideal bikes, so.....

IcedEarth27

All the bikes mentioned above are second hand. The hardrock was on a bike store so it was easy to access. Other ones are owned by individuals so I have to contact them and meet which is a bit more complicated
That's my problem with the Ideal. Better parts but a unknown brand, no reviews..

hig4s

female bikes usually come in smaller frame sizes,, make sure what ever bike you get is the correct frame size for you. It makes a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment while riding having a bike that fits.

sv500

After a bit more reading, they do have a good reputation, however most are sold to non english speaking countires in europe. Sadly you need google translate to read the reviews & you tube vids. So used in v good condition, seems like a good/safe buy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideal_Bikes

IcedEarth27

Thanks for the tips. Ill try to contact the seller tomorrow or the day after and take a look at it. Probably buy it if it feels right. Maybe at this price range the differences are not that noticeable and not worth it to spend this much efforts on my "research"

Daspydyr 

Every bike I own, and I own good bikes, are second hand. I like it when someone buys a bike, stores it in the garage, rides it half a dozen times and then needs money. It has worked for me.

IcedEarth27

Lucky me!! Woke up in the morning ready to go bike hunting. Both Scott and ZigZag were sold, B'Twin was in another city! Back to point 0

IcedEarth27

Got this pretty thing today
2012 Ghost SE 1800

Daspydyr 

You have to be a Steelers fan to ride that. JK, looks sharp!