beginner looking for first road bike

[jack443897874]

Im looking to buy my first road bike. Unfortunately im on a budget of around £500. I cycle around 20 miles a day to and from work and would like to start to riding at the weekend. i have been looking at bikes but its getting confusing. Could anyone recommend a good road bike please. any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks Jack

 

[Dave 123]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-black-id_8239801.html

Is the usual answer......

 

[Shut Up Legs]

What do you need the bike to do, @jack443897874 ? If you can give more details, I'm sure many on these fora could assist you . For example:

• Will you be using the bike for commuting, and if so, what are the road conditions like?
• On the commute, and weekend rides, will the roads be typically flat, or will you be doing a lot of hill and mountain-climbing?

There are other considerations, of course. When I bought my first road bike 1.5 years ago after many years of riding (mostly) touring bikes, I spent weeks discussing the purchase on bicycle fora before finally deciding on one. After all, there are so many choices these days!

 

[KneesUp]

Does it have to be new?

 

[vickster]

Giant defy 2013 on sale.
Felt z95 or f95 2013 from wiggle

Check suitability for rack and mudguards if commuting

A good road bike is one that fits you well, does what you need and is enjoyable to ride. Those differ from person to person so have a good look around, test ride and don't be afraid to haggle in store especially if an older model

Don't forget insurance and a proper lock or two

 

[sreten]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

Hi,

Great weekend road bike.
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/btwin-triban-3-299-99
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/group-tests/bike-test-do-you-get-what-you-pay-for-20908
rgds, sreten.

 

[buggi]

Giant defy 2013 on sale.
Felt z95 or f95 2013 from wiggle

Check suitability for rack and mudguards if commuting

A good road bike is one that fits you well, does what you need and is enjoyable to ride. Those differ from person to person so have a good look around, test ride and don't be afraid to haggle in store especially if an older model

Don't forget insurance and a proper lock or two

the Felts are nice!

 

[Ste pt1]

Can you get a cycle to work scheme from your work place ,I've placed an order for a cube peleton race for £1000 paying in back monthly for £50 I save a few hundred quid by doing this and I don't think I would have parted with £1000 cash for a bike might be worth looking into

 

[SteCenturion]

Can you get a cycle to work scheme from your work place ,I've placed an order for a cube peleton race for £1000 paying in back monthly for £50 I save a few hundred quid by doing this and I don't think I would have parted with £1000 cash for a bike might be worth looking into

Good call again @Ste pt1

Also C2W available on lower priced models like the standard Cube Peloton or Giant Defy 3 - both quality bikes.

Look at the Boardman range of bikes from Halfords too.

Lots of big reductions on 2013 model bikes will bring a better bike into budget with often very little in changes (colour scheme) from year to year.

My mate really likes his 2013 Giant Defy (9 speed compact so 18 gears),
Shimano Sora groupset & Giant build quality.
www.ashcycles.co.uk are your friend.

Try also www.paulscycles.co.uk

 

[jack443897874]

Thanks everyone for the advice. Some really helpful suggestions

 

[jack443897874]

What do you need the bike to do, @jack443897874 ? If you can give more details, I'm sure many on these fora could assist you . For example:

• Will you be using the bike for commuting, and if so, what are the road conditions like?
• On the commute, and weekend rides, will the roads be typically flat, or will you be doing a lot of hill and mountain-climbing?

There are other considerations, of course. When I bought my first road bike 1.5 years ago after many years of riding (mostly) touring bikes, I spent weeks discussing the purchase on bicycle fora before finally deciding on one. After all, there are so many choices these days!

The commute to work is generally quite good. Most of my rides will be flat. Thats the problem im having. too much choice and not enough knowlege!!

 

[jack443897874]

Does it have to be new?

No im not bothered about it being new if i could get better value for money buying used

 

[SteCenturion]

No im not bothered about it being new if i could get better value for money buying used

I would be cautious & buy new either 2013 model year or on C2W scheme if available at work place.

Many new 2013 bikes work out same £ as 2nd hand anyway when you see what they go for on ebay & C2W scheme is even better.

Advantage is that you know it's service history, if it's been crashed & that the parts will last, just like buying a car.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Bear in mind that the red Triban 3 and the Triban 5 already mentioned are currently only available in a limited range of sizes as the 2014 Triban 500 and 500SE models are due to be released later this month.