MTB-er wanting road bike - NEED HELP!

[felixupton]

Hi there everyone

I have been a keen mountain biker for about 2 year and own a Gary Fisher Cake.

I am wanting to buy a road bike as it will be a far more conveniant way to be able to cycle and store my bike whilst at University during most of the year.

After talking to some friends I was originally thinking about builing a bike frame up but after reading some forums and other websites it seems that saving money is unlikely and sourcing parts will take up a huge amount of time, as well as the need to purchase specialised and infrequently used tools in order to complete the task.

As a result of this I am considering just purchasing a used bike instead.

The only problem is that I have virtually no idea where to start!

I want to spend no more than £350 on the bike.

I think I would like to go for an aluminium bike as from what I've read a cheap carbon fibre bike is not a fantastic idea but what do you guys think?

Other than that do you guys know of any specific decent bikes to look out for or any big no-nos?

I am 5'11" so am thinkin 55-59cm frame but would check this in a bike shop before I bought anything.

Thanks for any advice you can give me, I think this is far harder than choosing a decent mountain bike from the research I've done so far!

 

[musa]

Seeing as its for uni. Triban 3 from decathlon fits your budget

 

[felixupton]

Yes sorry I should have explained this at the top, I am wanting to buy a used bike now. I don't mind if it is quite a few years old and has done many miles so needs some work doing but hopefully this way I'll be able to afford a much more highly specced bike than buying new.

 

[felixupton]

Yes sorry I should have explained this at the top, I am wanting to buy a used bike now. I don't mind if it is quite a few years old and has done many miles so needs some work doing but hopefully this way I'll be able to afford a much more highly specced bike than buying new.

 

[fossala]

Look on here, bikeradar, ebay or gumtree. Post bikes here when you find good looking ones. People here should be able to tell if it's any good to an extent.

 

[felixupton]

Ok here are some I found on ebay, let me know what you think
Too late to bid on but: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/forme-road-bike-56-/251127286867?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3a785a4c53

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Raleigh-E...0823279397?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item20c9b8b725

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-2000...0950713692?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a2180c55c

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Gir...0759351563?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43b29b9d0b

What do you think?

Thanks for any advice or pointers you can give me

 

[nick.b]

boardman road bikes are crackin bikes tbh, i snagged one for £350 and it was in mint condition, just took a couple of swift messages on "the bay" and i was off to pick it up,

something like the £650 model you will find for your sort of money and youll love it

no question, go used, 350 on a new bike will be a scrapper in 6 months if you use it much.

 

[nick.b]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BOARDMAN-...0758608972?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43b290484c

something like this, best way to do it is ask to see it 1st, and just give them the cash for it if you like it, that way you can get a better deal and they can avoid the fee's.

*obviously find one with gears though*

 

[AndyRM]

Ok here are some I found on ebay, let me know what you think
Too late to bid on but: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/forme-road-bike-56-/251127286867?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item3a785a4c53

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Raleigh-E...0823279397?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item20c9b8b725

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-2000...0950713692?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2a2180c55c

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Dawes-Gir...0759351563?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item43b29b9d0b

What do you think?

Thanks for any advice or pointers you can give me

Of those, the Trek looks to be the best bet, but I imagine it will go for a lot more than the current bid. Avoid that Raleigh. The gear shifting mechanism looks awful!

Be patient and keep an eye on Gumtree. Or if you're after something with old school looks, the classified section on Retro Bike is worth a look.

If you are wanting something simple, which you could also use for MTB, it may be worth considering a Vitus Vee One. It's single speed, but looks a lot of fun as a commuter and from what I've read could be taken off road with minimal modification. Plus, fixes are the done thing for students.

 

[nick.b]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-2000...L&hash=item2a2180c55c&clk_rvr_id=375059025952
would be a nice bike tbh

 

[mcshroom]

boardman road bikes are crackin bikes tbh, i snagged one for £350 and it was in mint condition, just took a couple of swift messages on "the bay" and i was off to pick it up,

something like the £650 model you will find for your sort of money and youll love it

no question, go used, 350 on a new bike will be a scrapper in 6 months if you use it much.

The Triban 3 and it's predecessor, the sport 1 have both been sturdy reliable road bikes for under £300. The Carrera Virtuoso is also usually under £350 and has many happy users here.

 

[nick.b]

The Triban 3 and it's predecessor, the sport 1 have both been sturdy reliable road bikes for under £300. The Carrera Virtuoso is also usually under £350 and has many happy users here.

the OP said he was looking at 2nd hand to get a higher spec bike, not denying they are ok entry level bikes, bang for buck wise, buying something nearly new and you get a way nicer spec for the same money.