First Road Bike for under £350

[bradx888]

Hi,

This is a very vague post. I have literally no idea what road bike to get.
New is obviously more expensive but I notice some come with "lifetime warranties" so not sure if that is worth it over a second hand one?
Also, I've heard that carbon forks are quite sought after but was wondering how much of a difference this actually makes to someone who is just starting out?

Thanks,

Bradley.

 

[vickster]

Triban 500 (£379 worth the extra)...carbon forks lessen weight but more important, add comfort on rough surfaces

 

[Justinslow]

Felt f95, vitus razor, both around your price point with carbon fork, they were on my shortlist as I too was on a budget.
The carbon fork smooths some of the road vibrations compared to alloy so should make the bike more comfortable aswell as being light. But like me you will have no reference points, so whatever you buy will feel alien until you get used to it and learn what you want to make it better or upgrade.
I went for the ventura cp 50 (full carbon) from Argos, £400 in the sale (although I've added something like £100 of accessories) and it's been absolutely brilliant, in just over a month of ownership I'm doing regular 30-40 mile rides no trouble and am able to stay with much more expensive bikes, the weak link is me and my stamina (which is improving) rather than the bike.

 

[Tin Pot]

Triban 3

 

[the snail]

This Merlin looks like excellent value for £300
http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-road-pr7-bike-73113.html

 

[CirrusDesAigles]

Hi Bradley,

I went for the Raleigh Airlite which gets rave reviews. It's a nice bike but I've decided road bikes aren't for me and I think I'm going to sell it. Seems as though road bikes are very "in vogue" at the moment but I'd make sure you want one before committing.

 

[Stephen C]

This Merlin looks like excellent value for £300
http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-road-pr7-bike-73113.html

I've got the previous version (S2200) and done over 9000 miles on it. I don't think they have warranties, but their customer service is brilliant, all my queries have been answered quickly.

 

[andyfraser]

This Merlin looks like excellent value for £300
http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-performance-road-pr7-bike-73113.html

That looks amazing value and just what I'm looking for for the winter. What's the catch?

 

[Stephen C]

That looks amazing value and just what I'm looking for for the winter. What's the catch?

As I said above, I bought their budget S2200, and you have to remember that they do have to make saving in some areas of the bike. I found the tires were not really up to winter commuting and the wheels aren't fantastic, but these things can easily be upgraded. I've had mine for 2 years now, and I have changed almost everything on it (except the frame, forks, headset, handlebars and shifters), but these were replaced/upgraded when they wore out.

Most importantly, the frames is still good and I can't see myself changing it any time soon!

 

[andyfraser]

As I said above, I bought their budget S2200, and you have to remember that they do have to make saving in some areas of the bike. I found the tires were not really up to winter commuting and the wheels aren't fantastic, but these things can easily be upgraded. I've had mine for 2 years now, and I have changed almost everything on it (except the frame, forks, headset, handlebars and shifters), but these were replaced/upgraded when they wore out.

Most importantly, the frames is still good and I can't see myself changing it any time soon!

Thanks for that. To be honest, the first thing I do on any bike these days is change the tyres. Would you say the wheels are ok for a couple of months?

 

[Cycleops]

Hi,

This is a very vague post. I have literally no idea what road bike to get.
New is obviously more expensive but I notice some come with "lifetime warranties" so not sure if that is worth it over a second hand one?
Also, I've heard that carbon forks are quite sought after but was wondering how much of a difference this actually makes to someone who is just starting out?

Lifetime warranty would apply to the frame only and include so many "get outs" that it wouldn't be worth much.

I wouldn't say that carbon forks give you much extra comfort, it could even be argued that steel give a better rride.
You could try looking at the Carrera TDF or similar models in Halfords, although the Triban3 has many fans on here.

 

[Stephen C]

Thanks for that. To be honest, the first thing I do on any bike these days is change the tyres. Would you say the wheels are ok for a couple of months?

The front wheel did me 18 months and only went because I couldn't be bothered overhauling the hub (they don't have any real seal on them apart from grease), the rear was about 6 months, but that was through winter and before I worked out how hub bearings worked. The rims stayed true and I didn't have any broken spokes despite some fairly rough riding!

 

[andyfraser]

The front wheel did me 18 months and only went because I couldn't be bothered overhauling the hub (they don't have any real seal on them apart from grease), the rear was about 6 months, but that was through winter and before I worked out how hub bearings worked. The rims stayed true and I didn't have any broken spokes despite some fairly rough riding!

Thanks again. I think I'll look more seriously at the Merlin. My plan would be to put some nice wheels on in the new year. I just want to get Christmas out the way without too much extra bike spending.

 

[bradx888]

Thanks for all of your help. Its really appreciated. I know I have been quite quiet. I have gone for a secondhand triban 3 if anyone was interested

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks again. I think I'll look more seriously at the Merlin. My plan would be to put some nice wheels on in the new year. I just want to get Christmas out the way without too much extra bike spending.

if you look at Merlin's site Andy, they have lots of very decent wheel sets at bargainous prices, a pair of tough (but not the lightest) Shimano's for around £85 - £90 for example.

I use Merlin a lot for parts & accessories & as mentioned up thread they have fantastic customer service, I am a fan.

Upgrading over time need not cost the earth with Merlin, Wiggle & CRC at hand.