Entry level road bikes

[DeepBurn]

After a couple of years of having a hybrid bike, an edinburgh bike coop effort which I picked up for £99 on ebay, the time has come to get a road bike.

I have a couple of charity events coming up, a 100km bike ride and a sprint triathlon and so need a road bike.

I don't have lots of money, around £250. I recently rode a Carrera Zelos 2013 and really liked it and I see Halfords sell the 2014 model for £270 which is what I was looking at buying.

However having bought 2nd hand with my hybrid, which was a 12month old bike which the seller paid over £300 for, I recognise that there are bargains to be had on ebay.

Indeed the Carrera Zelos 2013 and 2014 models can be picked up for around £180 - £210 and in many cases have very little mileage. So that is an option I am looking at.

However I just wanted to know if anyone could recommened specific names and models of bikes that would suit my requirements backed up with recommendations from you!

Thanks!

 

[vickster]

Giant defy are ever popular, you may get lucky I'd avoid shimano 2300 gearing with the thumb button shifter but may have no issues

Usual checks on the ownership of the bike, ask to see a receipt

If you can up the budget a little and collect, this is far above entry level for £300

http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/trek-1-5-2010-compact-road-bike-56cm.152752/

Of course buying used will all depend on what is available in your size, e.g.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Def...ces_Women_s_Fragrances_PP&hash=item3a8f4e88f0

 

[Peteaud]

Giant defy are ever popular, you may get lucky I'd avoid shimano 2300 gearing with the thumb button shifter but may have no issues

Usual checks on the ownership of the bike, ask to see a receipt

Not going off topic, but ive never seen anything wrong with 2300. The wife has it on her bike and she loves it. For the price the OP wants to pay then it may give an option on a bike someone has decided to sell because they went and bought a higher spec bit of kit.

 

[vickster]

Just don't like the aesthetics, I'd pay more not to have the thumb button, but i don't personally get on with shimano really full stop

 

[Peteaud]

Just don't like the aesthetics, I'd pay more not to have the thumb button, but i don't personally get on with shimano really full stop

The wife has small hands and found it to her liking when test riding bikes. Alot dont like it, and now its no longer made, but maybe some bargains as people upgrade.

 

[vickster]

I can't brake effectively from the hoods with any shimano, but if it suits, cool

 

[Cycleops]

One name you find cropping up time and time again in such discussions is Btwin Triban 3, from Decathlon, which is universally recommended on here as a starter road bike. Buy secondhand if you are confident in what you buying, you could save a bit of money but not if you need to replace many parts.

The other thing is you need to get the correct size. Try looking on Preloved and Gumtree too. Good luck.

 

[DeepBurn]

One name you find cropping up time and time again in such discussions is Btwin Triban 3, from Decathlon, which is universally recommended on here as a starter road bike. Buy secondhand if you are confident in what you buying, you could save a bit of money but not if you need to replace many parts.

The other thing is you need to get the correct size. Try looking on Preloved and Gumtree too. Good luck.

Thanks....I have seen one of these for sale. Think I will maybe try and get it.