Cheapest Tiagra roadie for 1st time/ cleet advice

[Omario7]

Having mediocre cycling xperience, currently hav a raleigh pioneer hybrid, but want a 1st road bike for sportives. Hav done Bham to London last year, and wil b doing 150km round Cornwall ride in mid-Sep. This yr (Festival of sport). I cycle to work from tym to tym.

Would like a good Shimano Tiagra shifter-based bike. Hav 2bikes in mind currently (Eddy Merckx AMX-1 2012, £700/ Felt z95 2012, £600). Any suggestions? Budget= £700. Also want cleets for 1st time but not sure wot to go for. Dont want them too xpensiv. Also cant decide on havin mudguards/ panniers on road bike...

 

[LosingFocus]

How far is it from Tym to Tym? Is that a round trip?

 

[Nearly there]

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b0s6p3680 good starting point
http://www.tweekscycles.com/bikes/road-bikes/felt-z95-road-bike-2012 This would leave spare cash for shoes n cleats
http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-1-2011
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-105-2012/

 

[mancaus]

I'm happy with my Ribble Audax bike - cost £660 without pedals after a few upgrades:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/r...ipped?part=SERIBB7005WINTERSHIM&sub=conf_SERC

 

[Omario7]

Tym

How far is it from Tym to Tym? Is that a round trip?

Tym to tym is shorthand for time to time. Round trip to and from work is 14miles

 

[Omario7]

T

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b0s6p3680 good starting point
http://www.tweekscycles.com/bikes/road-bikes/felt-z95-road-bike-2012 This would leave spare cash for shoes n cleats
http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-1-2011
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-105-2012/

Thnx. I'v had a look at most websites inc. 1's u hav mentioned. I'm pretty much happy with the 2 i'v shortlisted. But i cannot decide lookin at the specs...

 

[vickster]

Giant stores have limited stocks of the Giant Defy 2 for £639, meant to be a cracking ride - if you want something else to consider

The Defy 2 will take a rack and guards too, as far I know the Felt doesn't have the bosses - £600 is a very good price for the Felt - limited sizes one assumes?

 

[Omario7]

Giant stores have limited stocks of the Giant Defy 2 for £639, meant to be a cracking ride - if you want something else to consider

The Defy 2 will take a rack and guards too, as far I know the Felt doesn't have the bosses - £600 is a very good price for the Felt - limited sizes one assumes?

Thnx vickster. Btw, the z95 is on sale for £500 in diff. Sizes!!! I'l b poppin over to evans cycles shortly to hav a look at the merckx, and to try some clipless footwear

 

[vickster]

Are you sure the Z95 is full Tiagra - including the shifters? I.e. no thumb button, proper full brifters? Not sure what this means

Shifters Micro.shift integrated shifter/brake lever
Front Derailleur Micro.shift Ø31.8mm clamp
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra SS short cage

Unfortunately, cannot see a 54cm at that price for sale in the London area - No pannier bosses either. I think I'll stick with the Avail 2 that is waiting for me, don't want to buy on spec from the web.

Good price reduction though

 

[vickster]

I'd certainly have a look at the Giant Defy 2. Giant don't seem to have a shop anywhere near Brum, but Cyclesurgery have for £700

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/store-birmingham/content/fcp-content
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/giant-d...s/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/40736

Got a Trek option too http://www.cyclesurgery.com/trek-1.5-c-2012/road-bikes/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/40681

I am not sure I'd choose a bike based on what Evans have on their shop floor, especially if it's £150 over budget

 

[Banjo]

Whatever bike you buy make sure its the correct size. wrong size frame will ruin your fun. Tredz online have a usefull size guide for road bikes. Better to get fitted by someone knowledgeable. Bike shop staff arent allways experts so do your own research.

 

[Omario7]

Whatever bike you buy make sure its the correct size. wrong size frame will ruin your fun. Tredz online have a usefull size guide for road bikes. Better to get fitted by someone knowledgeable. Bike shop staff arent allways experts so do your own research.

Thnx

 

[Omario7]

2 bolt SPD's or 3 bolt cleet systems? 1st time user remember so will need to get used to it. I'v seen specialized BG shoes that look good, esp.@£55

 

[vickster]

Do you need to be able to walk anywhere in them? Check what type of cleats the shoes will take. Spd shoes are meant to be easier to use for a newbie and easier to walk in

 

[Omario7]

well, i'd b doin sum walkin but not much i dont think. Btw, jus found a pair of specialized Expert road shoes 2010 for £65 (down from £130!!!)