First bike.

[Samilktray]

Hi guys just signed up and looking to get into cycling. Currently looking for a beginners road bike for £250 or less if anyone has any tips?
It will only be used for 6 months or so, after which I'll be upgrading to something better.

http://www.tesco.com/direct/avenir-...aleigh/602-6746.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=602-6746

Found this but I'm unsure if it's any good

 

[Garry A]

If there is a Decathlon nearby then checkout their triban range.
html://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-road-bike-black-id_8331913.html

Not heard anyone complain about them as a first road bike.

 

[MiK1138]

Or the Carrera TDF or Zelos bikes at Halfords

 

[biggs682]

@Samilktray i would opt for the 2nd hand market with that kind of budget

here is a list of bikes i currently have for sale on gumtreee

Bikes i have for sale bikes on Gumtree

 

[Shortmember]

Luckily for you the Tesco bso you were interested in is out of stock, so now you can look at something better like this: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-tdf-mens-ltd-road-bike or http://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/vfr-4-2015-hybrid-bike-ec075298#reviews

 

[Dave7]

This one @ GoOutdoors is within your range.
http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/calibre-progress-road-bike-p296249
Someone I know is buying the mtb Calibre and the reviews are excellent.

 

[ChrisEyles]

I'd second @biggs682 advice to get a second hand bike, you will get a lot more for your money in that price band.

But, if you're keen on buying new, I like the GoOutdoors bike that @Dave7 flagged up the most by far - a triple crankset is really nice to have, 11.5kg is not too bad, and other specs look alright too (plus I'd personally rather the classic curved steel fork than a straight carbon one).

Alternatively, if you're aiming to only keep it six months and then upgrade, as you said in your original post, that's really not very long and if possible you'd likely be better off pooling the money you'd spend on the orginal bike + upgrades and spending it all at once on a slightly nicer bike (new or second hand). Something to consider maybe.

Let us know how you get on!

 

[Samilktray]

Thanks for the advice guys. Very close to buying a 2 month old 2nd hand Carrera Zelos for £190 which by the looks of things isn't a bad idea

 

[ChrisEyles]

I looked at the carrera zelos a while ago, seemed like a decent bike for the money. Make sure it fits you well before you buy (if you're not sure how to check, it's worth googling a bit about bike fit, you can also find rough frame size to rider height charts).

 

[xzenonuk]

decathlon bikes are sweet kit for the money

 

[Samilktray]

Picked up my Carrera today. £190, second hand but only 2 months old. Bloke said he could count on 1 hand the amount of times he'd rode it so its near enough brand new and in immaculate condition. Got the receipts and everything with it so no worries there (I don't think).

Rides lovely, only ever rode mountain bikes and bloody hell it feels quick.

 

[biggs682]

@Samilktray glad to hear you found a set of wheels , do you self a favour and get a good local bike shop to grease and set the hubs up as you read loads of cases where the rear axles break on poorly set up Carrera's amongst others

 

[cyberknight]

Nowt wrong with carreras they are decent bikes for the money , i use my 2008 vanquish for commuting / winter club rides .
Glad your happy with yours