Buying a bike

[jeow]

Hello. I have been on the fourm for a little over a week now. I am looking for a bike so I can join my local biking club in the summer and before,

there are so many brands out there I am looking for a bike for the road I want to start with a budget of £500 - £1000 to start.

Can anybody list any links please for great bikes and why they are good.

 

[jim55]

 

[Easytigers]

Wow!!! Hard question and no easy answers! Think carefully about what you're going to be using it for and what really matters e.g. Ightweight, versatility. Once you're more sure you've got to try them before buying if possible. Get yourself to as many shops as possible and try them out. You'll feel the one that's right. Good luck!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Different bikes suit different people, go and find a bike shop which gives you some quality time and service and ride some

 

[vickster]

Go to your decent local bike shop and see what they have, get some advice. If you are not sure where to go, post your location and someone will come along with a suggestion

Do you think you'll want something racy or something more comfy for distance. Do you thinky you'll want mudgaurds and a rack for commuting etc

It's very much a 'how long is a piece of string' question, not to mention the old marmite adage

You also have a wide ranging budget - do you want something at the £500 end or the £1000 end - big difference

You'll likely get a better deal if you can find a 2012 model rather than a 2013 model (the season runs Sept to August generally)

Oh and then there's the second hand question and also whether a newbie is wise to spend a grand

Then you'll need kit, locks, insurance....

 

[bainy16]

is th

Hello. I have been on the fourm for a little over a week now. I am looking for a bike so I can join my local biking club in the summer and before,

there are so many brands out there I am looking for a bike for the road I want to start with a budget of £500 - £1000 to start.

Can anybody list any links please for great bikes and why they are good.

is this just for the bike or extras aswell?(as the extras can be a few hundred alone)

 

[jeow]

Hello. I don't intend racy but not going slow something what is comfy but yet equally fast.

 

[awfulquiet]

To me, it sounds like you need to kick some tyres... Ie: go to a reputable LBS (preferably take a cycling friend along to help) and see what feels comfortable to you. Make sure your friend is a help and not a hindrance..

Your first bicycle will probably not be your last. Think about what you want to do with it, and go from there.

I'll go out on a limb here and recommend you look at a bike in a similar style to this: http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/town/recreation/fx/

After that, pick your brand... Compare components.. Do your homework before buying though, if in doubt, ask questions here.

Good luck and enjoy your rides!

Awfers

PS: helmet, gloves, lock, etc all cost extra

 

[wisdom]

I would visit a few lbs as you have quite a range of bikes that fit between your 2 figures.They should let you try them for size,make sure you tell them what criteria you are looking for.Good hunting.

 

[biggs682]

+1 re local bike shop and sit on a few bikes

 

[mark st1]

10 posts and no one has mentioned the Triban 3 standards must be slipping in the forums.

 

[Cycling Dan]

10 posts and no one has mentioned the Triban 3 standards must be slipping in the forums.

it takes 11

 

[vickster]

He wants to spend £500, so at a minimum it should be the triban 5

 

[Kies]

Go kick some tyres at a few lbs and then come back with a shortlist.

Giant
Trek
Specialized
Boardman
Cube
Cannondale

All make great bikes, only you will know which one feels right to you. A bike starting at £500 from any of the bike boys is going to be good, but have the basic gearset. Same bike at £1000 will probably have 105 groupset.

 

[vickster]

If you want something a bit different, add
Felt
Focus
Orbea
Ridley
Scott

There's also Ribble, Dolan, Planet X online

(OP - only Halfords sell Boardman fyi)