250£ on a road bike for begginer

[Torvi]

hey guys i have few choices and i need someone more experienced to help me deciding, all of them fitting my budget thus it makes it even harder to decide which one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIZANI-AE...86536?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&var=&hash=item462379a988

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Viking-Pe...1320172424?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3f2bf14788

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INDIGO-VU...1339718196?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item20e880f234

which of those three would you get? Id like fast response as im in dire need of one.

 

[biggs682]

@Torvi in my honest opinion at £250 for a new machine what ever you get is going to be a very basic bike not sure if you are aware of that or not .

if that is you max budget i would suggest 2nd route but buy carefully and wisely , where are you based in uk ?what size frame do you need ? etc etc

if you are local to myself in Northamptonshire you are welcome to come over in a weeks time as away from later today and try a few of the bikes i have for sale at the moment ,this offer is always on the table to any cc'er

if you must buy new look at the Carrera range in Halfords or if you have a Decathlon store near by .

good luck and keep us all updated

 

[the_mikey]

The thing about being a beginner is this, you'll soon want to replace any of those bikes for a better model with better components or give up when you bump into some of the problems . I would start with something that you'll want to ride, for not a lot more money you can have one of the Triban range of bikes from Decathlon which are generally much better, more rider friendly and more capable bikes for not much more money.

 

[vickster]

None, I'd go to Decathlon as above, any of those bikes will cost you more in the long run. However their budget models are in short supply, so look at eBay for the red triban 3

Alternatively, one of these would be a better bet, extra 10% off at the mo too

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...-tdf-limited-edition-mens-road-bike-2014-54cm

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-zelos-road-bike-2015

 

[Torvi]

im from wellingborough too tough im not too fond of buying used bikes to be honest but i'd like to meet you to talk about bikes and maybe ill change my mind. I'll give you a call today or tommorow morning, just tell me which time ur able to speak (work etc)

 

[Torvi]

Slighty above my budget but i was well aware of it as i plan to spend around 300 with most of accesories, i keep with basic pedals as i dont have proper shoes, I will get them next week~ yet this is just a purcharse plan, not decided on it yet too.

 

[vickster]

Or go to Halfords. They also have an extra 10% off the Carrera Virtuoso today online only

Better a rebuilt bike from @biggs682 than an eBay/argos BSO with basic components, made of cheese with a frame that weighs a ton

 

[Kevoffthetee]

Forget the accessories and look at the triban 5 which is £329 at the mo.

Failing that but a Pug

 

[Torvi]

i will still have to buy those acces no matter what bike im going to get so it's a no and my budget is limited due to planned september holidays.

 

[biggs682]

im from wellingborough too tough im not too fond of buying used bikes to be honest but i'd like to meet you to talk about bikes and maybe ill change my mind. I'll give you a call today or tommorow morning, just tell me which time ur able to speak (work etc)

@Torvi i am away today onwards back next friday , you are more than welcome to come and have a look and try , talk no obligation

 

[John the Canuck]

if you buy the black/ yellow Carrera...

i have a yellow TdF bidon and silver alloy cage + screws you can have FOC...just send me your address
it's in Sales - but no interest...
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/tdf-bidon-and-cage-c-w-screws.160927/

BTW your above lists a 51cm frame ..Halfords measurements, but still seems small to me.? have you tried it..?

john

 

[raleighnut]

Slighty above my budget but i was well aware of it as i plan to spend around 300 with most of accesories, i keep with basic pedals as i dont have proper shoes, I will get them next week~ yet this is just a purcharse plan, not decided on it yet too.

If going that route then at least get aluminium pedals, the plastic ones are pants.

 

[cyberknight]

Or go to Halfords. They also have an extra 10% off the Carrera Virtuoso today online only

Assuming the store you buy has competent staff i can vouch for the reliabilty of halfords bikes , all mine are from there as i am a serial c2w buyer .
As for accessories you can get them a lot cheaper if you shop around .

if you buy the black/ yellow Carrera...

i have a yellow TdF bidon and silver alloy cage + screws you can have FOC...just send me your address
it's in Sales - but no interest...
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/tdf-bidon-and-cage-c-w-screws.160927/

BTW your above lists a 51cm frame ..Halfords measurements, but still seems small to me.? have you tried it..?

john

Indeed halfords sizing tend to be the real measurement for where the top tube meets the seat tube rather than where it would be if it were level , best to check .

The OP also needs a pump , spare tubes, multu tool , tyre levers but does not need the bottle mount strips as the bike should come with mounts .

 

[cyberknight]

Cant you just take off the toe straps off the supplied pedals if you dont like them as use them as flats ?

If you have a smart phone you can get apps for tracking or i do have a couple of bike computers gratis if you need one .
An aldi wired and a halfords wireless although you might need to replace the batteries .

 

[vickster]

Assuming the store you buy has competent staff i can vouch for the reliabilty of halfords bikes , all mine are from there as i am a serial c2w buyer .

I'd place more faith (probably) in a Halfords bike preparer than an eBay seller of BSOs (bikesdirect365? leisure_outlet? dressage2horse )....as you say at least the bikes themselves aren't (completely) made of cheese. And you have some comeback