First Proper Road Bike

[Reece Lyons]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and was hoping id be able to get some advice. I've been a keen cyclist for a while now, riding specialized bikes, however I am starting to do a lot more road cycling and have lost signed up to cycle London to Paris next year. So I'm looking to use this as am excuse to buy my first proper road bike.
My budget is about £600 max. Need something with a good gear system and brakes of course. Fairly large frame size. Apologies if I've posted this I'm the wrong place. Thanks in advance

 

[slowmotion]

Decathlon have a new range of bikes out just now. There is an absolute cracker (on paper) for £700. Have a look. It's called the "Alu" or something.

Welcome

 

[musa]

Entry level allez 2014 model

 

[vickster]

You may want to check that any bike you bike will take a pannier rack and mudguards, giant defy worth a look. Should be able to get a 3 new or a 2 or 1 used

Entry level allez will have a lower end groupset than many other similarly priced bikes and no rack mounts I think

 

[Doyleyburger]

Up your budget a bit and a Ribble is supposed to be a cracking bit of kit.
Will definitely be my next bike as I didn't have a decent amount to spend on my first bike

 

[biggs682]

for that kind of money you should be able to pick a nice 2nd hand Galaxy that would be an ideal bike for planned ride

 

[jon222]

I would let my giant defy 1 2014 go for £600 notes.

 

[vickster]

I don't think the 1 has rack mounts

 

[midliferider]

As someone who has recently spent so many hours looking for a new bike, I can provide you following advice.
Decide what you need.
What kind of gears ratio would you like?
What kind of riding position? You can adjust the bike to suit your riding position but you may like to think about it.
Do you need a pannier? My understanding is that your bags are carried and you do not need to carry your own bag.
If you hurry, you can still get good bargain on 2013 range. Otherwise you can try your luck on e bay if you know exactly what you are looking for.

 

[Steven2907]

I would let my giant defy 1 2014 go for £600 notes.

Have you still got this bike for sale. If so what size is it

 

[jon222]

sorry ive decided to keep it, as we are getting on better now.

 

[Reece Lyons]

Just to keep you guys updated. I decided to push my budget after test riding a 2014 defy 1 and made the purchase yesterday. The 105 groupset was so worth the extra coin. Thanks so much everyone for your advice, much appreciated and thanks for making me feel so welcome.
Reece

 

[Cyclist33]

Nice work. I've got the 3. It's not as good I suspect, although Sora does all I need and I did put a better chainset on, better brakes and have just invested in some well good tyres... and if by some miracle I get a xmas bonus, the wheels will get a serious upgrade

Stu

 

[jon222]

I have the 1 it took a bit of getting too, but now really enjoy it. What colour did you go for, i went for the love it or hate it blue.

 

[Cyclist33]

Black white and grey. i think it looks awesome. if they had done a blue one last yeari wouldve got one!