£500 budget... what to buy?

[Matt1705]

I'm looking at getting a road bike to replace my heavy MTB for my commute, and have set a max budget of about £500.
I had thought of buying a Triban 3 ages ago, are the triban range bikes still as good?
Also I've been looking at the Merlin PR7, which seems a good price...

thoughts and advice please, and any other bikes I haven't mentioned, there seems to be far too much choice!
Thanks

 

[13 rider]

Don't forget halfords Careers range good value for the money . but as a 13 owner their basic road bike is just in your price range also from halfords would be my choice

 

[Matt1705]

I had thought of Halfords, but they didn't seem to have a very good reputation, especially for service. Although they are local to me... what's the ride like? I think a more relaxed geometry would suit me...

 

[vickster]

Look for an older giant defy from 2013 or 2014, ash cycles usually have deals or Rutland.

Eg http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-3-2013-red

Or even the 2015 a smidge over £500

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-3-2015

The triban 520 would be a good buy, can ride around the store if one close

 

[Tojo]

Have a look at this......

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/284977/products/2015-giant-defy-3-road-bike-blue-white.aspx

 

[13 rider]

Yes halfords have a bad rep on here but my experience has been fine but is does vary shop to shop .worth a visit and look and get a feel about the staff as its them that make it good or bad not the brand. I have a 13 hybrid that I love but can't comment on the road bike except I think they look cool . A guy also from Leicester has just bought a more expensive 13 road bike might be worth searching threads for 13 to get his opinion

 

[vickster]

Or there's always better spec used if it's the right size e.g

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/for-sale-eddy-merckx-amx1-tiagra.185667/

 

[Matt1705]

aarrrgghhh even more choice!!!
how about this? http://www.rutlandcycling.com/152041/products/trek-1-1-2014-road-bike.aspx

 

[vickster]

If it's local go test ride. You can't buy trek online, click and collect only

But the Giants are better spec and more relaxed geometry

 

[Matt1705]

Might pop in to their store next time I'm over that way with work if I haven't decided on something else or my head has exploded!!

 

[13 rider]

aarrrgghhh even more choice!!!
how about this? http://www.rutlandcycling.com/152041/products/trek-1-1-2014-road-bike.aspx

That's the problem with asking your now more confused but better informed good look with the research youll now when you find the one

 

[vickster]

Fuji sold by Evans are decent if you have a local branch
E.g
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-21-2015-road-bike-ec069095

 

[Drago]

I can highly recommend this if you can scrounge and extra 20 sheets...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-2015/

Do try and ride one though. What gives someone else a boner may bring you out in bouts of chunder.

 

[Matt1705]

Thanks Drago, my shortlist is getting even longer!!!!

 

[AndyJ14]

Hi Matt. Go to Wiggle. Search for Felt Z75.