hello everyone, at 47 years of age i have decided to quit running every night because of the strain put put on my joints and would very like to get into cycling,i do not have a clue as to what type of road bike i should get, i can afford £300'ish and have been looking on ebay so any help or advice would be great,i am 5' 9" so what size frame should i be looking at? thanks in advance..dobber(newcastle upon-tyne)
hello everyone
- Thread starter dobber
- Start date
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Gerry Attrick
Lincolnshire Mountain Rescue Consultant
Hi Dobber. Welcome to the forum.
At your price range you are right to be looking at the second hand market as a decent road bike will cost a good bit more new. Be careful with frame sizing as manufacturers do not seem to be able to agree on measure methods, particularly with compact frames. I'd suggest visiting a local bike shop for some advice on sizing as top tube length is equally important as seat tube length. They may even have second hand bikes in stock or know a customer who is selling one.
At your price range you are right to be looking at the second hand market as a decent road bike will cost a good bit more new. Be careful with frame sizing as manufacturers do not seem to be able to agree on measure methods, particularly with compact frames. I'd suggest visiting a local bike shop for some advice on sizing as top tube length is equally important as seat tube length. They may even have second hand bikes in stock or know a customer who is selling one.
okay cheers mate
arallsopp
Post of The Year 2009 winner
- Location
- Bromley, Kent
Another idea for the sensitive wallet is to take a look at hybrids. With a more forgiving geometry and often wider gearing, the £300ish price point will get you in range of some fairly nice kit. Think flat bar road bike, but with less focus on shaving 2 grams off the rear derailleur.
Evans were dumping the 2010 Specialized Sirrus at £330 last I looked, and that is a very well respected ride.
Evans were dumping the 2010 Specialized Sirrus at £330 last I looked, and that is a very well respected ride.
accountantpete
OAP
Back in the old days bikes came with a horizontal top tube and were usually sized according to the distance between the centre of the bottom bracket and the top of the seat tube - in your case you want something between 52cms and 56cms tops.
Nowadays with sloping top tubes the top of the seat tube is lower - so if you see a bike with a C to T of 48 you can add on a general 5cms to compensate - this will give you an effective 53cms measurement.
It's all pretty complicated if you are new to the sport - I suppose if you are buying off eBay then the easiest way is to ask how tall the seller is and if the bike fits him ok.
Nowadays with sloping top tubes the top of the seat tube is lower - so if you see a bike with a C to T of 48 you can add on a general 5cms to compensate - this will give you an effective 53cms measurement.
It's all pretty complicated if you are new to the sport - I suppose if you are buying off eBay then the easiest way is to ask how tall the seller is and if the bike fits him ok.
subaqua
What’s the point
- Location
- Leytonstone
welcome to the forum.
decathlon are good and for £300 you will get a stonkingly good new bike with a good warranty.
nearest store to you is Glasgow but it might be worth a trip
decathlon are good and for £300 you will get a stonkingly good new bike with a good warranty.
nearest store to you is Glasgow but it might be worth a trip
