Bike is totaled, time to enter enter the 21st century... But what to get

[EasyCrank]

After a recent incident involving myself, my bike and a car, I've decided it's time to invest in a bike made within the last two decades.

The bike is fairly damaged and whilst it could be repaired with enough time and money, I feel this would be a good opportunity to invest in a bike which isn't going to kill me and that is a joy to ride. I loved my old bike, but more for sentimental reasons, so now I'm looking for a road bike with a fairly modest top budget of £500. I know this is pocket change for road bikes, but I can't really even afford that, and to be honest, anything will seem like a major upgrade from my old Barracuda Squadra.

So I'm here to ask people's advice on good pre-builds to look at.

Here's a couple I've come across just browsing online but not sure how good they really are:

Moda Intro Alloy road bike
Fuji Sportif
GT GTS Sport road bike

I use the bike for a mix of commuting and recreational cycling but would like to try and get involved in a local cycling group when I'm back on the road too.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

 

[Cuchilo]

Giant Defy 5

 

[ianrauk]

Giant Defy 5

Why?

 

[Cuchilo]

Why?

Because its around £500 and its all about the frame IMHO .
Plus girls will like him more .

 

[400bhp]

If there's a Decathlon near you then have a look at the Btwin Triban 3, 5 or 500. They are all excellent bikes for the money with carbon forks and something close to Shimano Sora components.. Many many people on here started off the the Triban 3. My OH started off road cycling with a Triban 5.

 

[ianrauk]

Because its around £500 and its all about the frame IMHO .
Plus girls will like him more .

Then tell the OP not me.he was the one asking for advice. ta

 

[Cuchilo]

Then tell the OP not me.he was the one asking for advice. ta

But you asked the question . It would be rude to ignore you .

 

[ianrauk]

But you asked the question . It would be rude to ignore you .

I can live with it.

 

[Saluki]

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5578/SCOTT-SPEEDSTER-60-2014
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5232/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-2300-2013
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5468/CANNONDALE-CAAD8-CLARIS-2014
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4333/CANNONDALE-CAAD8-SORA-2012
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4330/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-SORA-2012

Pauls Cycles in Dereham, Norfolk. Really good bikes at rather good prices. You might get a lot more for your money by going with last years, or the year before's model. There are more, under your price limit there. I've used Pauls in the past and they are pretty darn good.

In fact, here is a page worth
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p0/Road-Bikes/Racing-Road-Racing

 

[vickster]

Go have some testrides, Evans is a good place to do this

I'm not sure I'd buy a bike from ProBikeKit, they don't have the best rep.

Also, if inexperienced, buying online sight unseen can land you with a bike that isn't right for you even if it might get you a slightly higher spec

 

[iggibizzle]

Giant Defy 5

I got a defy 4 from lbs for £480. Last years model but i liked the colour! It's brilliant.

 

[smutchin]

If I were after a road bike on a budget right now, I'd be looking at the Pinnacle Dolomite range - good frames, well specced for their price.

If you can push the boat out for a Dolomite 5, you'll be getting a damn good bike for your money.

If not, the Dolomite 3 currently at £475 would be a great buy.

 

[shadow master]

After a recent incident involving myself, my bike and a car, I've decided it's time to invest in a bike made within the last two decades.

The bike is fairly damaged and whilst it could be repaired with enough time and money, I feel this would be a good opportunity to invest in a bike which isn't going to kill me and that is a joy to ride. I loved my old bike, but more for sentimental reasons, so now I'm looking for a road bike with a fairly modest top budget of £500. I know this is pocket change for road bikes, but I can't really even afford that, and to be honest, anything will seem like a major upgrade from my old Barracuda Squadra.

So I'm here to ask people's advice on good pre-builds to look at.

Here's a couple I've come across just browsing online but not sure how good they really are:

Moda Intro Alloy road bike
Fuji Sportif
GT GTS Sport road bike

I use the bike for a mix of commuting and recreational cycling but would like to try and get involved in a local cycling group when I'm back on the road too.

Any advice would be very much appreciated!

The GT is not a bad spec for the price,the Fuji is a non starter it has a 7 speed freewheel Yuk.....not at £450!
Couldn't find the moda you reference, distributor's a shower of shoot,bikes are OK.

 

[Justinslow]

Entry level Felts, Vitus Razor, Ventura cp50 (when at sale price) Merlin, Mekk, sorry at work no time for links.

 

[Arjimlad]

BW Cycling in Bristol will treat you well and make sure you get a good bike that fits. It is worth going to a shop to make sure you get the right bike at this stage.

The Giant store in Bradley Stoke is well appointed too.