Best road bike buy for £500 or less?

[*Dusty*]

What if Chain Reaction is your local bike shop? I'm about 800 yards from their Doagh Warehouse and have found them on the vast majority of times very good. Good for the wee things, haven't bought a bike from them yet.

I must though give praise where it's due for McConvey Cycles. I was at the Ciclovia event yesterday and McConveys had a mechanic at the event. The guy spent a good 15 minutes tinkering with my bike, getting my gears and brakes sorted out in the process all for free!

I've heard good and bad things about McConveys, I guess it's like any shop. To be honest, I just don't have time to be running around bike shops hoping to find something which might do. The last LBS I walked into to make enquiries said "there they are, the prices are on them. Pick the one you want...." when I introduced myself as new and seeking advice. Shop was in Co Armgah but I won't embarass them by naming them.

I have ordered a few smaller items and helmets from CRC and always found them quick to deliver and well priced.

 

[Sixmile]

I've heard good and bad things about McConveys, I guess it's like any shop. To be honest, I just don't have time to be running around bike shops hoping to find something which might do. The last LBS I walked into to make enquiries said "there they are, the prices are on them. Pick the one you want...." when I introduced myself as new and seeking advice. Shop was in Co Armgah but I won't embarass them by naming them.

I have ordered a few smaller items and helmets from CRC and always found them quick to deliver and well priced.

I was impressed by the McConveys guy yesterday but to balance that, I didn't have such a good experience in their shop 2 months ago when looking a set of wheels even though they are a Specialized dealer. I guess it's all in who you deal with.

I have been impressed with CRC beside me. I've returned some unused stuff recently without a bother, got a full refund on a jacket on which the zip broke even though I got it in the spring time and on a few occasions they've lent me some tools to do quick repairs on my bike when at the shop, with one customer services guy helping me fit a new chain last week.

 

[vickster]

If you don't go for the defy and want to buy local, this looks a good reduction, carbon fork, sora, under 10kg, leaves you budget for shoes and pedals as required

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...kesale2015wk40&icb=bspot4-bigbikesale2015wk40

 

[*Dusty*]

If you don't go for the defy and want to buy local, this looks a good reduction, carbon fork, sora, under 10kg, leaves you budget for shoes and pedals as required

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...kesale2015wk40&icb=bspot4-bigbikesale2015wk40

Thanks for that. Would the Defy be worth the extra 50 quid or so? I've got spare spd pedals and shoes to suit already.

 

[The_Weekend_Report_Guy]

What if Chain Reaction is your local bike shop? I'm about 800 yards from their Doagh Warehouse and have found them on the vast majority of times very good. Good for the wee things, haven't bought a bike from them yet.

I must though give praise where it's due for McConvey Cycles. I was at the Ciclovia event yesterday and McConveys had a mechanic at the event. The guy spent a good 15 minutes tinkering with my bike, getting my gears and brakes sorted out in the process all for free!

Then you are good to go..!!

Is just a matter of opinions.. I like local.. Small where the customer is remembered by the name and not by the receive of the last purchase.

 

[Sixmile]

Thanks for that. Would the Defy be worth the extra 50 quid or so? I've got spare spd pedals and shoes to suit already.

My advice now would be to try and buy local. At least 2 or 3 months down the line you can take it to where you bought it for them to make all the necessary adjustments and tighten what has naturally stretched out during the settling in period. Some places may even include a first service or at least offer a cut price one at the time of sale.

Then you are good to go..!!
Is just a matter of opinions.. I like local.. Small where the customer is remembered by the name and not by the receive of the last purchase.

I was buying stuff from CRC before they were CRC and were just a tiny bike shop on ballyclare main street. They didn't know my name then and don't know it now, unless they look at my account!

I agree with you though, it's hard to look past personal friendly local service.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for that. Would the Defy be worth the extra 50 quid or so? I've got spare spd pedals and shoes to suit already.

Go have a try of both. Tiagra a little lighter and smoother than Sora and you get an extra couple of gears, as long as the ratios are right for you