Need a road bike

[Dogg]

As the title says, i'm in need of a road bike!

At the moment i'm training for a bike ride from Paris-Colchester, just over 400 miles in 4 and a half days, and need to get myself a road bike.

This will be my first proper road bike and having spoken to a few people in shops they reckon an entry level bike would do the job, the Specialized Allez was mentioned.

What would all of you recommend as a bike capable of doing this and many miles beyond because cycling is definitely something i'd like to keep up.

Cheers everyone

 

[vickster]

Do you have a budget? For long trips, being able to fit a pannier rack and mudguards are beneficial. The allez doesn't generally have the lugs for this. It is also a race oriented bike, you may prefer something more relaxed if long distances and touring are your thing

I would look at a giant defy, ash cycles in Essex have 2013 models at good prices

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-2013-range

Sora gearing or better and a carbon fork will be of benefit

 

[Dogg]

700 is around the budget for the bike (that doesn't include the cost to then fit pedals and cleats)

cheers for the link i'll have a look on there

 

[vickster]

No brainer, giant defy 2, 2013 model, £630, lots left for pedals. Touring you might be better with spd pedals, shoes which have the cleats recessed to avoid slidy walking!

 

[helston90]

There we go that was simple! Next!

 

[Dogg]

700 was a limit not necessarily a target

What other options are there as a good bike for this event and general riding?

Giant bike does Look good though

 

[Dogg]

Forgot to mention, what pedals/cleats would you recommend for this?

 

[vickster]

The cleats go with the pedals. There are two types. The clipless sticky in the beginner forum is useful

Do you have the shoes already?

I think the defy 2 is among the best specced bikes for £600ish. Carbon fork, tiagra gearing

Decathlon have some good options in their range too. A same priced allez probably has an alu fork and sora gearing. However, you would be best to go to a few local bike shops and see what takes your fancy and budget

 

[Dogg]

Thanks for the tip about the pedals thread that was a big help

Seems the defy 2 is the recommended one and I've done a bit of reading about it and it seems the biz so il definitely look into it

Cheers for the help guys

 

[Kestevan]

l'd look at the new planet X RT-58 Alloy.
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

 

[Dogg]

Comparing the Defy 2 and the Planet bike what are the differences between the two?

 

[HLaB]

Comparing the Defy 2 and the Planet bike what are the differences between the two?

Not much at a glance, they are both tiagra 10speeds with carbon forks and same chainset size. The planet X does have a larger cassette which may make it easier on steeper hils but thats easy to change afterwards and you may not like the larger gear spacing anyway. The advantage of the Giant though you could probably test ride it easier and see if you like how it feels.

 

[Mike!]

Are you based in Colchester? Highly recommend Thomas's if so, good range , helpful and knowledgeable!

 

[Dogg]

Yeah i went into Thomas's and Stephen, i think that was his name, recommended the Specialised Allez

They were really helpful in there but didn't have the biggest range to choose from

 

[AndyRM]

Not a great deal between the Giant and the Planet X. The Planet X does have a more complete Tiagra set-up (brakes deviate I believe) and a better set of tyres.

The Defy range always gets very good reviews. Planet X is well thought of too, but doesn't operate on as large a scale as Giant so a little less well known.

Personally I prefer the look of the Planet X, but it's up to you!