Age old questions!

[bobbym]

Hi,
I am sure these questions have been asked many times before on this forum and will no doubt be asked many times in the future but here goes: I am looking to get into road cycling and want to know, How much do I need to spend on a bike? What bike should I buy? Should I buy second hand and from where? and is it possible to get a decent bike to start with for £300-£400?

Thanks very much

 

[andyfraser]

These are quite difficult to answer because they're subjective so here are my personal opinions.

I would spend as much as I can afford on a new bike while looking for a good deal. You should buy a bike that fits you and that feels right. That means going to bike shops and sitting on bikes and going for test rides.

Only buy second hand if you can take someone with you who will know whether the bike is any good. There's no point in spending money a bike if it needs too much work doing to it. It could work out more expensive than buying new.

I haven't ridden either of these but they're highly thought of and get good reviews:
http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-pr7-road-bike-73113.html
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

Getting a test ride might be difficult depending on where you live though.

 

[iamRayRay]

£300 - 400 range is good. Then if you decide that you don't enjoy riding, it won't sink your bank balance.

2nd hand you'll get a decent bike, but there are a B'Twin 500 in ^ link is decent.
The key thing here is to try before you buy.
Get to Halfords, go to LBS and check some bikes out.

I'll sell you my Carrera Virtuoso Limited Edition if you want - as I'm looking to upgrade soon!

 

[MiK1138]

I know this is heresy on here but if you have a local Halfords give them i try, my 1st road bike was a Carrera Zelos at under £300. no problems with it in 2 years of riding

 

[Sharky]

Agree very subjective and can be influenced by your aspirations, but I was in a similar situation 10 years ago. Now my experience in bikes is vast, having been cycling/racing for years, but I had gone through a couple of lean years and was down to one bike. I had just started commuting again and the frame broke. So I was down to no bikes. I was torn between an expensive lightweight, but was worried that the daily commute would soon wear it out, or a basic bike that I could use for commuting, but would be useless if I wanted to race again. I was also confused and bewildered by the change in technology from the 90's to the 00's and was a bit worried that I would pick the wrong size.

In the end I opted for a cheap bike from decathlon (£270). Was perfect for commuting and I even rode a 100 on it and a 10 mile TT. But within 3 months, the cassette went and the bottom bracket went. Decathlon did give me a replacement, but over a short timeframe, I replaced the wheels, frame, chain set, in fact everything apart from the brake levers and seat pillar. I have also increased my stable to about 5 bikes now, so that I have bikes dedicated to commuting/racing etc.

Whatever you decide, have you come across the term N+1 yet? Your next bike will be along soon.

Cheers Keith

 

[Racing roadkill]

Spend as much as you can afford comfortably. If you buy right you buy once.

 

[andyfraser]

Spend as much as you can afford comfortably. If you buy right you buy once.

I have one thing to say to that: N+1.

 

[TheSoulReaver03]

If you're just starting out and unsure whether the passion will last or not, I suggest buying a vintage bike in good condition and tune it up a bit if it needs any tweaking. New brake pads, wires, chain, drop bars, bar tape etc. You'll come off with less of a loss if you change your mind about cycling. Be aware though, that old bikes usually come in 630 wheel diameter whereas modern ones have 622. 630 tyres, let alone rims, are hard to find.

 

[biggs682]

@bobbym where are you based ?

only asking as i always have a couple of pre owned road bikes that you are welcome to come and try to get an idea re size and spec you like all within your budget

 

[bobbym]

Hi All,
Thank you so much for all the responses.
I am hoping to get out to my local shops soon and maybe decathlon and halyards to try and get a feel for some bikes.
@biggs682 I am in Manchester so Wellingborough not too close unfortunately- thanks for the offer though.