Help please

[Gary2408]

Hi all
I am new to the biking scene and I am looking to buy a road bike, starting at the cheaper end, I am torn between the Dawes giro 300 and the Calibre Rivlen, the Calibre has carbon forks and a Claris shifters the Dawes is all aluminium with a Tourney shifter set, please help as I do not want the choice I make destroy the experience, any other options at this price range will be considered if you can advise.

 

[vickster]

Spec alone, the calibre, but what's more important is to get the bike that fits you and you like

Go test ride

What's your budget. The btwin range from decathlon offer v good bang for buck spec wise, imo they look as dull as anything, but you make like them. They have a number of stores around the country

 

[Gary2408]

Hi looking to keep around £300 at the moment, so Best Buy for money available

 

[vickster]

Look at decathlon

Or second hand....

 

[SamR]

+1 for second hand. If not, here's a Triban for £299 https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-black-id_8306187.html

 

[Crandoggler]

Absolutely Decathlon at that price point. You'll get fitted(ish), you'll get a good bike, you'll get a hell of a warranty and they're cheap as tits.

 

[mjr]

Absolutely Decathlon at that price point. You'll get fitted(ish), you'll get a good bike, you'll get a hell of a warranty and they're cheap as tits.

Where are you buying tits?

But I agree, decathlon seems first choice there. Budget to buy new wheels sooner than usual (unless they've fixed that problem) but otherwise I've heard little bad.

Of the two named, the Calibre sounds better, but test ride both.

 

[Crandoggler]

Agree with the above. Wheels are awful, however, for an extra £50 or so you could get some R501 Shimano wheels.

 

[Gary2408]

Thanks for the advice also looking at the Merlin pr7 seems to get good review

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the advice also looking at the Merlin pr7 seems to get good review

Yes but only the 50cm in stock, which will only suit if you are under 5'4 or so

 

[Gary2408]

They are now advertising the 2016 model at £349 all sizes available

 

[vickster]

Merlin also part of quidco so you might be able to get a few quid cash back

 

[Lilliburlero]

How about this? http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/77212/GT_GTS_Expert_2015_Bike

 

[Gary2408]

Hi all
Thank you for the advice, decided to try out the Calidre yesterday, felt very light compared to my mountain bike but very comfortable, the spec seems pretty good for the price and bike was nice to ride, i decided to buy it and see how it fares over the next 12 mths, if the bug bites as I hope it will we will see how long it lasts.

 

[biggs682]

Hi looking to keep around £300 at the moment, so Best Buy for money available

at £300 budget try second hand , if you are interested @Gary2408 i always have a selection of used bikes for sale under your budget normally all have been serviced or overhauled as required , feel free to get in touch