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recommend me a bike

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Rummmer 16 Jun 2015

Looking at buying my first road race bike. I have been searching on a few websites ebay/Halfords etc and still no closer to really buying one.

Any recommendations or bad experiences greatly welcomed.

Thanks!

P.S I should add I am 6ft and roughly 100kg with a 30"/31" inside leg

Also my budget is around £350
Post edited at 11:39
 Bob 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

At that price range I'd look at, in no particular order:

a) second hand
b) last year's models
c) Halfords (Boardman bikes)

Also you are unlikely to get a "race" bike at that price unless you simply mean a bike with dropped handlebars, AKA "a road bike"
 cfer 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

I think for that sort of money you cant go wrong with this

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html?g...
Rummmer 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Bob:

Yeah well because I will be relatively new to the cycling scene I didn't want to go out and spend a lot of money only to realise I don't like it or don't have the time.

I was more looking for brands that are good or specific models to look out for?

 AlisonSmiles 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

I was going to suggest bobbing down to your local bike shop - then I looked at the four near me and realised that all they had in that price range was a Claud Butler steel frame with 7 speed cassette. It was an interesting search! Anyway, the only shop I can see which has a choice of bikes at that kind of price range was Evans Cycles, and again we're looking at steel frames and limited gearing. I have a steel framed cross bike as my every day commute so I'm not being massively snobby and weight weenieish about that ... but unless you're starting off from a phenomenally strong legs point then I suspect you won't enjoy the experience without reasonable range of gears. There are a couple of shops where I live who specialise in getting affordable bikes out there by having reconditioned second hand which might be worth your looking at? Slightly more reassuring that they aren't previously stolen than gumtree or ebay (poster personal opinion based on no facts or evidence whatsoever).
 LastBoyScout 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:
Sounds like you've got proportionally short legs, so look at brands with a longer top tube, such as US brands - ignore anything Italian.

You may also find you need a longer stem than is standard.

Also check crank length and aim for 172.5mm tops.
Post edited at 12:17
 JamButty 16 Jun 2015
In reply to cfer:

> I think for that sort of money you cant go wrong with this


won't get better value than that, or get second hand...
 Chris the Tall 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Option 1 - go down to your local bike, ask if you can have test rides on a few bikes, decide which one you like and buy it. If the bike shop doesn't seem willing to let you do a test ride, they probably don't want (or deserve) your business. Maybe try a bike a bit above your budget and see if you can see any difference.

Option 2 - look online at the likes of Wiggle, Chain reaction, planetX etc. I seem to be on the mailing list for all of them and they are constantly trying to tempt me with offers. But you don't get to ride them first.

One question - why do you want a "racer" - i.e. drop handlebars? Cos if it's for commuting or touring you might be better off with a hybrid - straight bars are less aero but more comfortable, the wheels will be sturdier and the bike will be more likely to handle mudguards or a pannier rack
 Bob 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Another alternative are the cycle-recycle shops.

You haven't said what you are wanting this bike for. While, within reason, any bike will do, in practice certain styles of bike are more suited to particular activities. If you are just wanting to ride on roads using the bike to get a bit of fitness then a "road bike" is fine. If you intend to go along canal banks or touring then something a little sturdier is in order. That's not to say that the road bike won't cope with riding along a canal tow path but it won't be quite as nice. Like a lot of things in life, it's a compromise.
 neilh 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Having just bought a road bike for the first time, I will share a few lessons.

1. It's bewildering
2. You are going to have to spend more money on the add ons. Do you want clip-ons?Helmet? pump etc etc. What is £350 rapidly turns to £400 plus.
3. Bets advice I had was do not bother unless its £600 plus. the difference between £300 and £600 is astonishing.This is for new bikes.A few mates stopped me from spending £350, and I am glad.
4. Some shops are not interested unless you spend min £900 plus.So worth calling in to a few.
5. Do not bother with online unless you know what you are doing. It seems to me you have to really know your stuff to buy oonline.
6. You are probably going to get a better deal in winter, right now everyone will want to be buying a bike.
7. Get one that fits you.Know your frame size.
8. Its' addictive, that is why so many are out on the roads.
Rummmer 16 Jun 2015
In reply to neilh: Thanks all for your feed back, I think I'll go back and have a look at the funds and see if I can stretch then next step I'll pop into a load of shops get some measurements and a feel for what's what.

What sort of money would you say I should be looking at?
 the sheep 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Can you utilise a cycle to work scheme at all, this would help spread the payments and you pay for the bike before tax.
 neilh 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

£600 and then the add ons ( £40 plus for a decent helmet etc etc).

I am sure there are more knowledgeable people on here who can give you more info.

Going in the shops is a bit of a revelation about who is good/indifferent to your needs.

Compact gear sets and the like are still a mystery to me, even though I have a set, which is a good starting point.
 cfer 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

This really can vary depending on what you want and like...

I have 3 bikes

Dawes discovery 401 hybrid, use this on leisure cycles and its brilliant, perfect for canals and got it for £500 about 4 years ago.

The triban I linked to...My go to bike, great frame and just feels good to ride, could do with upgrading bits

Cannondale synapse 105 ...Got a case of shinyitis and should probably have just upgraded parts on the triban as I am by no means a great rider and it doesn't get the full benefit it probably deserves. I keep going to sell this but it is a great bike to ride
 Dr.S at work 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

The decathlon bikes linked above are good value for money - tony the blade of this parish has one, and a mate of mine got one and has done thousands of miles on it. Well worthwhile for dipping your toe in, and better than doing what I did - getting a more expensive bike and not being sure about upgrades and stuff
 Monk 16 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Although slightly out of your price range, the boardman road sport bikes are good value and nice to ride. I've been riding one that cost £430 for 6 months now and am very happy with it. I'm still much faster than many people on bikes treble the price, so the important thing to remember is that it definitely isn't all about the bike. As long as the basics are half decent, it should be fun. For example, shimano claris gears are not flashy but they work nicely. I'm not sure I'd go further down the scale though (I.e. Tournay).
 Chris Harris 17 Jun 2015
In reply to Chris the Tall:

> Option 1 - go down to your local bike, ask if you can have test rides

Typo of the day.

 wilkesley 18 Jun 2015
In reply to Dr.S at work:
> The decathlon bikes linked above are good value for money - tony the blade of this parish has one, and a mate of mine got one and has done thousands of miles on it. Well worthwhile for dipping your toe in, and better than doing what I did - getting a more expensive bike and not being sure about upgrades and stuff

I biught one of these for use as a winter bike. Generally very happy with and have done about 3000 miles on it. The only downside is that the components aren't particularly durable. My freewheel broke after a couple of weeks and Decathlon gave me a complete new wheel. The rear cassette and chain were worn out after 1500 miles. I replaced them with better components.

If you want a reasonable bike without spending too much I would definitely recommend it. After you have ridden it for 6 months or a year, you will have a much better idea what sort of bike you want to spend more money on.

Edit I am 6ft 2" and about 75kg with 34" inside leg. Decathlon do make a good range of frame sizes.
Post edited at 18:04
roaccuk 19 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

i'd go with used bike... Decathlon's bike is good for it's price but it can't be compared to anything with 2-3x higher pricetag when new. Buying used bike (through http://Pinkbike.com for example) is best way if you want to check if you'll feel good on a road bike. If it will suck you in you will find yourself buying a new, much more expensive bike in like 3 months.
My first road bike (bought in march 2014) was used Canyon bought for £250. i sold it for the same price 2 months later, bought another used bike (this time - Specialized Roubaix) just to find myself selling it in february, because i found Lapierre Xelius on sale in http://cyclesuperstore.ie and couldn't resist to buy it.
I'm a little affraid about next coming of B.A.S. (Bicke Aquisition Syndrome )
 GrahamD 19 Jun 2015
In reply to wilkesley:


> If you want a reasonable bike without spending too much I would definitely recommend it. After you have ridden it for 6 months or a year, you will have a much better idea what sort of bike you want to spend more money on.

I'd agree with this. Go to the shop and hopefully someone competent will check you for size etc. Buying online works once you know what size of everything works for you.
 Baron Weasel 19 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Good deal hear at Halfords: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-virtuoso-road-bike...

My neighbour bought one when they were on offer a couple of years ago and really liked it and reviews on website are excellent too.

Best advice is to go and ride a few - if you like it you will ride it more!
 james Campbell 19 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

I picked up a second hand Cannondale Caad 8 for about that off Ebay and couldn't be happier with it.
 james Campbell 19 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

check this out on Ebay (can't post the full link on here)

/itm/Cannondale-CAAD8-Tiagra-56-cm-/261935251098?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cfc8ebe9a

Adanmoo 19 Jun 2015
In reply to Baron Weasel:

I can't agree more with you ,ride a few can test the bike.I ride it for long time when I bought my bike !
 malk 21 Jun 2015
In reply to cfer:

> I think for that sort of money you cant go wrong with this


i see they've upgraded to more versatile models suitable for light touring: http://road.cc/content/news/152102-decathlon-unveils-brand-new-triban-520-a...
i think i'd spend the extra for the 520..
davegreg 22 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Just searching on websites is not enough.You never know until you try.
Rummmer 22 Jun 2015
In reply to Rummmer:

Hi All,

I have bought myself a second hand Cube Peleton from flebay with alot of upgrades and very little use for £500. I took it out for 17miles yesterday and it worked like a dream. Thanks all for your help!

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