First Road Bike

[Glasgow44]

Hi there

I've always been a cyclist but now really want to get into road cycling (really want to clock up the miles). At the moment, I have a Specialized Sirrus Sport hybrid which I have fitted with SKS mudguards and Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres (which I would highly recommend) - it also has a pannier rack/bags - I got this bike on the Cyclescheme through my employer (NHS). My plan is to keep this bike as a general commuting/touring bike and get my first road bike purely for summer/good weather to really get fit. My Cyclescheme for this bike has now finished and I am going to get my road bike on the Cyclescheme too.

I don't want to start at the very bottom of the range of road bikes, then have to upgrade, I would rather start midway, then see how I go. I would like to put on puncture resistant tyres (one shop recommended Continental Gatorskins Hardshell). I would also like to put on SPD pedals and obviously buy the shoes, etc.

I've been to a few bike shops and narrowed it down to the following bikes. I would like to, if possible, keep the whole package (bike, tyres, etc) to the £1000 which is the maximum value of the voucher. These are the bikes I have narrowed down:

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-2-dark-blue-black-silver-p11534
http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-3-black-white-lime-p11535
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-four-2015-road-bike-ec071299
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-4-2016-road-bike-ec122229
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-claris-2016-road-bike-ec071012
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/11-c-h2-2016-road-bike-ec072373

Thanks in advance for all your help.

J

 

[huwsparky]

Try getting a test ride of a few bikes in your budget. But the one you like riding/look of the most. Simple!

I've had Gatorskins on my bike for about 3k miles and I like them, never had a single 'P' and I ride them in all weather. The fact that they have lasted so long suggests to me that they are a hard compound so there may be more grippy tires out there but I can recommend them.

 

[Glasgow44]

Try getting a test ride of a few bikes in your budget. But the one you like riding/look of the most. Simple!

I've had Gatorskins on my bike for about 3k miles and I like them, never had a single 'P' and I ride them in all weather. The fact that they have lasted so long suggests to me that they are a hard compound so there may be more grippy tires out there but I can recommend them.

Thanks for that - this one is my favourite in looks and the small size looks ok for me too (although I would double check with the shop - just to make sure!):

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-2-dark-blue-black-silver-small-p11779

 

[huwsparky]

I quite like that one as well. Defy's are a cracking bike. I have one albeit a carbon but came close to buying a Defy 1 but had a deal on the carbon I couldn't refuse.

How tall are you?

 

[bikeman66]

Hi there

I've always been a cyclist but now really want to get into road cycling (really want to clock up the miles). At the moment, I have a Specialized Sirrus Sport hybrid which I have fitted with SKS mudguards and Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres (which I would highly recommend) - it also has a pannier rack/bags - I got this bike on the Cyclescheme through my employer (NHS). My plan is to keep this bike as a general commuting/touring bike and get my first road bike purely for summer/good weather to really get fit. My Cyclescheme for this bike has now finished and I am going to get my road bike on the Cyclescheme too.

I don't want to start at the very bottom of the range of road bikes, then have to upgrade, I would rather start midway, then see how I go. I would like to put on puncture resistant tyres (one shop recommended Continental Gatorskins Hardshell). I would also like to put on SPD pedals and obviously buy the shoes, etc.

I've been to a few bike shops and narrowed it down to the following bikes. I would like to, if possible, keep the whole package (bike, tyres, etc) to the £1000 which is the maximum value of the voucher. These are the bikes I have narrowed down:

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-2-dark-blue-black-silver-p11534
http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-3-black-white-lime-p11535
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-four-2015-road-bike-ec071299
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-4-2016-road-bike-ec122229
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-claris-2016-road-bike-ec071012
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/11-c-h2-2016-road-bike-ec072373

Thanks in advance for all your help.

J

Some nice bikes in that selection, but one you might like to add is the Fuji Roubaix 1.3 (also from Evans). Usually sells at £990, but I paid £840 for one for my son recently. Okay it might not have the big name of a Cannondale, but it does have a Shimano 105 gear set up and weighs in at a respectable 8.5kg. Was also the winner of a fairly recent group test of £1,000 bikes in Cycling Plus (if you pay much heed to reviewers opinions). Fantastic bike to ride too!

Also, recently saw the Giant TCR Advanced 3 advertised by Pedal On. Looks decent enough. Usually £1,100.....down to £699 and nearly all sizes available. 10 speed Tiagra gears and Giant finishing kit. Respectable weight just over 8.1kg.

 

[adamangler]

i think if youre pushing close to a grand and you want a bike you can upgrade you should get a cheaper carbon framed bike such as a planet x, ribble or boardman. youre going to get sora most likely and a cheap wheelset so plenty of scope for upgrades whilst having a fairly lightweight frame from the off. you should be able to build close to a 7kg bike overtime with any of these entry level carbon frames.

 

[Glasgow44]

Hi there

Thanks everyone for your replies and advice. I am really veering towards this bike. I like the look of it and it comes with Tiagra wheelset which is not too bad (from what people tell me!):

http://www.dalescycles.com/2016-giant-defy-2-dark-blue-black-silver-p11534

 

[huwsparky]

Just to throw it out there, and something for you to consider. If you go for lasts years model there are savings to be had. I've linked below a bike at a cheaper price but higher spec. IMO, with the money you have to spend is be wanting the 11 speed 105 groupset and not tiagra. I've not really looked at the best prices but found the below with a quick look.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/gian...9AXeTZIziFqoG1PVcq4cRwsAQJSbptzkS3BoCPzXw_wcB

If you like the colour of the bike in your link then look for a 2014 Defy1 as they made one in a very similar colour to the one in your link.

 

[Glasgow44]

Just to throw it out there, and something for you to consider. If you go for lasts years model there are savings to be had. I've linked below a bike at a cheaper price but higher spec. IMO, with the money you have to spend is be wanting the 11 speed 105 groupset and not tiagra. I've not really looked at the best prices but found the below with a quick look.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/gian...9AXeTZIziFqoG1PVcq4cRwsAQJSbptzkS3BoCPzXw_wcB

If you like the colour of the bike in your link then look for a 2014 Defy1 as they made one in a very similar colour to the one in your link.

Thanks for that - will definitely have a look.

The other thing I wanted to ask is: I will be completely new to Road Cycling but want to start properly with SPD pedals, shoes, etc. How easy are they to get used to? I know that you can set them to an easy setting (for easy release, etc) which I will probably do initially. Is a fall or two to be expected to begin with?

 

[NorthernDave]

I'd like to chuck this one in the mix:

http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-road-team-carbon-bike

Full carbon frame and 105 groupset. Currently on offer reduced from £999 to £949.

TriPlus rated it "One of the best frames that you'll find on any bike at this price point.”

 

[huwsparky]

@Glasgow44 you'll get used to the pedals in no time. I didn't fall once when I started out, I found it quite natural un-clipping. I think it's quite a natural thing in general to be honest.

I would get the clip in pedals from the outset, that way you'll know no different and no doubt may make it feel more natural.

 

[bikeman66]

Thanks for that - will definitely have a look.

The other thing I wanted to ask is: I will be completely new to Road Cycling but want to start properly with SPD pedals, shoes, etc. How easy are they to get used to? I know that you can set them to an easy setting (for easy release, etc) which I will probably do initially. Is a fall or two to be expected to begin with?

Clipless pedals are so much better than regular ones. I've used them for around 20 years now and I'd never go back to pedals with clips and straps. Admittedly, I use the same pedal/shoe combination for my road bike and my mountain bike, firstly because I can't justify the cost of two fairly expensive pairs of shoes and secondly because I'd challenge most regular cyclists to argue that the slight weight penalty with and MTB pedal/shoe combo is actually a factor. I also like the fact that the recessed cleat on an MTB shoe makes walking that much easier. The shoes are pretty well just as stiff as my mates road shoes, so just as efficient at transferring my pedalling input in to forward motion.

I'd guess that most first timers have a couple of unplanned incidents when getting used to the action of disengaging, I know I did for sure. But you'll soon get past that and realise their true potential to enhance your cycling. The main issue for me was forgetting I was actually attached to the bike and by the time I'd thought about disengaging, I was on the way down. Soon got used to it though, and wouldn't be without them now.

When you first get them, take some time to set the system up pretty well, then, as you say, back the release tension right off. Get on the bike and whilst holding on to a rail or a wall or something sturdy, just repeatedly practice the engaging and disengaging action. Go for a ride on a quiet road and again practice the action. Until you're totally used to the action, try to make a point of unclipping really early when you approach junctions. Good luck........you'll love them!

 

[Glasgow44]

Hi again
Thanks for all your replies and advice so far – appreciated mucho!
The other thing I wanted to ask is: will I initially have back pain from the riding position in the road bike (because the riding position is new to me). A few months ago I did try out a road bike in Evans and they put me onto the turbo trainer and I felt a wee bit sore afterwards – back pain to be expected at first?

 

[bikeman66]

Hi again
Thanks for all your replies and advice so far – appreciated mucho!
The other thing I wanted to ask is: will I initially have back pain from the riding position in the road bike (because the riding position is new to me). A few months ago I did try out a road bike in Evans and they put me onto the turbo trainer and I felt a wee bit sore afterwards – back pain to be expected at first?

I guess if you're getting used to being in that new and slightly alien position then, yes, it's possible you'll "feel it" for a few days. Hopefully nothing more than discomfort, rather than actual pain. Having said that, making sure the bike is the right size is most important. This means not just frame size in regards height or stand over, but trying to make sure you're not too stretched out (i.e the frame isn't too long or that there is a longer than necessary stem fitted etc). Check out the manufacturers sizing guides and try to cross reference that with advice from the dealer and perhaps some reviews or opinions of people on here who have the same bike.

 

[steveindenmark]

Falling over with clipless is not uncommon for 2 reasons.

1. Biggest mistake is that you forget you are clipped in when you come to a stop.

2. You do not have the clips at the slackest setting when you start using them.