is it such a bad buy?

[Claudia]

I posted a thread a couple of days ago asking for opinions about the frame size I should go for when buying my new bike and ended up getting suggestions on the bike itself... Far from good things have been said about it (still good points to take in consideration though) so to make my mind up, I'd like to get some more opinions/suggestions about it once most of you know much more about it than I do.

http://www.viking-bikes.com/products/Road/5390-Cote D'Azur.html

 

[Dusty Bin]

What would it take for you to be convinced that you are about to buy a pile of junk masquerading as a bike?

 

[Mo1959]

Sorry, but I think I would definitely go down the decent second hand route before buying that bike I think.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Hello Claudia

I don't have any experience of riding the brand, only what I have read on here and seen in the local cycle king, if you have a local cycle king, go have a look.

from reading other peoples experiences, you will likely spend more money upgrading parts like wheels, shifters etc than if you bought a higher spec branded bike.

it really depends on your budget, requirements etc.

this bike looks nice but will likely cost you more money in the long run as parts start to give up the ghost.

Most people on here will likely say to avoid the bike but without knowing your requirements and circumstances.

its your money, if you are unsure or don't have much experience in choosing a bike, why not ask a cycling friend along?

best of luck whatever you choose to do.

edit: I would also choose the route described above this post by Mo.

 

[Crackle]

It's terrible. If you'd already bought it I'd put a brave face on it and advise about best ways to improve it but you haven't, so don't. It's a complete waste of money. Go down the 2nd hand route and use people's knowledge on here to advise you what's good.

If you don't have much money, don't waste it on that.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi Claudia
I don't know the price of the Viking but it's very basic.
For my money, entry level road-bike joy starts here:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

My son has the baby version and it's fab. Many here also have one and there's a long thread about them somewhere.
Why is it good?
It's stupidly cheap for:
Decent frame with Carbon fork
Sensible quality wide-range Shimano gears great for a beginner.
Brakes are just fine
Wide variety of sizes
Decent service from decathlon.

The wheels aren't the best but neither would they be on the Viking either and they're readily upgradeable at some future point. If you know a friendly cyclist who can whack some better quality ball bearings in the hub you'll be fine (good all bearings are cheap).
No need for 'Womens Specific' just go for the one that fits, then find a decent women's saddle.

All in all, it's a beaut.

 

[Crackle]

A quick Google search

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_t...A0.Xtriban+3&_nkw=triban+3&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[Claudia]

What would it take for you to be convinced that you are about to buy a pile of junk masquerading as a bike?

was hoping you wouldn't read this! ha... :$

 

[Claudia]

Hi Claudia
I don't know the price of the Viking but it's very basic.
For my money, entry level road-bike joy starts here:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

My son has the baby version and it's fab. Many here also have one and there's a long thread about them somewhere.
Why is it good?
It's stupidly cheap for:
Decent frame with Carbon fork
Sensible quality wide-range Shimano gears great for a beginner.
Brakes are just fine
Wide variety of sizes
Decent service from decathlon.

The wheels aren't the best but neither would they be on the Viking either and they're readily upgradeable at some future point. If you know a friendly cyclist who can whack some better quality ball bearings in the hub you'll be fine (good all bearings are cheap).
No need for 'Womens Specific' just go for the one that fits, then find a decent women's saddle.

All in all, it's a beaut.

cheers! it's the second time I get this bike suggested. I'll most likely go for that, if I don't find a decent second hand one

 

[Claudia]

A quick Google search

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC0.A0.Xtriban 3&_nkw=triban 3&_sacat=0&_from=R40

thanks! just the 47 or 48cm frame is nowhere to be seen, as usual...

 

[Crackle]

thanks! just the 47 or 48cm frame is nowhere to be seen, as usual...

Keep looking, it'll come up. Put an ad in wanted here, someone might be looking to sell.

 

[uphillstruggler]

thanks! just the 47 or 48cm frame is nowhere to be seen, as usual...

the decathlon website is notoriously bad, why not call in? there is a store out east near dartford and one at canary wharf, they may be the better bet. a phone call doesn't cost much either.

 

[Claudia]

Keep looking, it'll come up. Put an ad in wanted here, someone might be looking to sell.

guess I'll just go to surrey quays next friday and get the triban 3. they have my size in stock and hopefully will have it then too.

 

[HLaB]

I have a steel Viking fixie and whilst it has stood up to abuse and I enjoy it, I wouldn't reccomend it to a beginner as it weighs the proverbial ton. Plus the reason it has probably survied, I'm not too particular about things (my headset would probably drive folk mad) and its extremely simple (no gears) and primarily the legs and front brake.

 

[Claudia]

what about this beauty???

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181238723066&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:GB:1123