A first road bike

[Wood Myster]

I've had a raleigh firefly for several years but have now decided that i want a road bike. I dont really ride off road at all, but will be keeping the raleigh for commuting on. I have a budget of about £600, i went into my LBS and they pointed me towards the Specialized Allez sport, wondering what people's experience of the bike are and any other potential bikes

 

[Cyclist33]

Check out the classifieds for my Felt road bike. £400...

 

[accountantpete]

Personally I'd get a second hand bike for the same money - you would get a tasty bike.

The Allez Sport is ok as a starter and if you want a road bike with no thoughts of upgrading then it is ideal.

Otherwise I would look at something like the Cannondale CAAD 8 - slightly better frame and will re-sell far easier should you ever want to upgrade and it has the Tiagra shifters which are a lot better than Sora.


http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b65s6p3680&rs=gb&vid=13240

 

[Nearly there]

My new bike is out for dispatch canny wait man canny wait

 

[Wood Myster]

thanks for the advice, anywhere you would suggest looking for second hand bikes?

 

[smokeysmoo]

The classifieds on here, eBay, Gumtree etc. Be careful though, especially with Gumtree, remember if it looks too good to be true it probably is. If you see something post a link on here and people will give you their opinion.
FWIW I 100% gree with AP's advice on buying used with your budget. You'll get far more bike for your money.

 

[HLaB]

I've seen some bargains too on cycling club websites, if you are a member you generally know what you are getting.