Beginner cyclist what cycle to buy?

[vickster]

Just get the one that feels and looks best and is the right price for you - makes it simpler You are in London - there are dozens of good shops to visit

Most who buy the Vikings go for the basic one - downtube shifters, heavy, poor components. The fact that shops don't sell them often and Amazon do, puts me off straightaway

Why won't you even consider the Triban - you have asked for advice - and you have had it, however...??? Decathlon are relatively new to the UK, but they are massive on the Continent

 

[jim55]

i dont think theyres any problem as such ,just that in gen they are heavier than their counterparts and fitted with parts that arent really the best ,the best bike for the money is def the triban 3 but you said you dont want that ,to get something similiar in another big name brand wil b further up the price range ,personally id much rather have the triban as its a good looking bike if nothing else ,you pays yer money,,,,,

 

[User16625]

Ok so I have just started out cylcing currently on a mountain bike which is not the best! I am wanting to buy a road bike, I am looking at Carrera virtuoso from halfords for £349 I will be covering round about 60-70km per week, is this a good bike for me to start out on? Any advice will be great. I am new to all this I have come from running to cylcing..

NEVER buy from halfords. They simply are utter crap. Go to a specialised bike shop.

 

[vickster]

Look at Bike Radar - lots of reviews; also Google can help here

 

[jim55]

id say felt is a better brand than viking ,viking tend to specialize in the cheaper end of the market ,sure they have bikes that are a few quid but thats prob the top of their range ,all that people are trying to saqy is you can get a lot more for ur money than viking ,in fact buy a viking and when ur fed up with certain things on it ul wish u listened to the advice u were given
i wont post anymore on this as u seem hellbent on questioning good advice given ,good day and buy whatever u want !!!

 

[vickster]

I concur with the learned poster above and give up too.
What actually happened to the original poster?? Listened to the advice and is now happily charging up hills on a shiny triban 3. Hailed by cycling active as one of the best vfm bikes ever...lucky them

 

[BrumJim]

I'm not convinced that you pay for the name. Bigger name brands sell more bikes, and get better prices on the parts. In the end, a bike is not much more than a frame and parts, so if you can get the parts cheaper, then you can build a better bike for the same price.
Frame is the only variable. Bigger names selling more expensive bikes can borrow frame design from top-end models and sell with cheap components for a cheaper bike. E.g. the Specialized Allez has the same frame geometry as the Tarmac, so the frame is well designed and money is made on the top end versions. In contrast, some smaller name brands have a reputation for great value on smaller frames, but larger frames are not suitably up-sized and don't have the same handling and strength characteristics. Others may look great, but have very poor customer service if you want a budget build.

So, I don't think that you pay for the name, but some smaller names are better than others.
Not heard anything bad about the Felt brand, but have a good look on Google.

You have a choice. Choose a bike, buy it, ride it and love it because you chose it, or ask advice, find what the consensus is, but it, ride it, and love it because you have got one of the best for that price. You can't do both.

 

[Cyclist33]

I am struggling to get hold of a triban It would mean travelling to buy and bringing it back some how, so I think I will go to halfords an try a carrer and see how it feels?!

Drive to decathlon and put it in the back of the car, or get the train to decathlon and cycle home?!

Stu

 

[wealthysoup]

Tilly, you don't need a huge car to fit a bike in the boot. I've got a seat ibiza and only have to take the front wheel of my triban 3 to fit it in the boot. Rear mounted cycle carriers are also quite cheap.

Edit: frame size is 60cm

 

[ianrauk]

still wont be getting a triban tho

Speedking, please start a new 'what bike' thread for yourself in the 'Bikes & Accessories' forum here.
This was a thread to advise Tilly about a new bike not yourself.
Please do not post any more about YOUR bike needs in this thread,
Thanks,
Ian

edit: OK All the posts not relating to Tilly's needs have been removed. So let's keep it on topic.
Thanks.

 

[Speedking]

no im getting a triban now

 

[ulidia2012]

Tilly my Triban 3 fit comfortably int he boot of my picasso albeit with the middle seat down if it helps.

 

[Cheshire Celt]

I've just had to sell my triban 3 after six weeks just coudnt get comfy on it on long rides I was to stretched . So I sold it on and spent 3 times more on a Scott s50 has a shorter frame reach so much better now . But the twin is a good bike for the money