Need a road bike

[SteCenturion]

I have to 2nd @vickster recommendation of the Giant Defy - sporty enough to blast along at a fair lick & with relaxed enough geometry to keep you comfy for days in the saddle.

It is also a regular winner in 'bike of the year' reviews in cycling plus & other mags too.

Ash cycles gets mentioned a lot hereabouts as it seems to have good stock & keen prices on last years models.

There is a set of pedals (road type) that retail around £26 - 29 that are gvfm, will post back when my brain re-aligns itself with the planet.

Remember - it's a Dog eat Dogg world out there.

 

[SteCenturion]

You might also consider the Cube Peloton Pro 2013 in either compact or triple chainring options.

A lot of bang for your buck (v.well specced) & similar in vein to the Defy - maybe a little more sporty.

 

[Cuchilo]

Does anyone know who makes Planet X's frames ?

 

[SteCenturion]

Does anyone know who makes Planet X's frames ?

Some dudes (or dudesses) in Asia Cuchilo - same as every other brand.

 

[Cuchilo]

Some dudes (or dudesses) in Asia Cuchilo - same as every other brand.

There is a Giant company out that way that make frames , I forget their name Involved in the American market during the early days ( 70's )
Would I be right in thinking , as the American market went their own way they make their own frames rather than buying them from Asia ?

 

[jay clock]

Pretty much any of the mainstream brands and many small ones will have an entry level model that will do you fine. Aim for a carbon fork though, not aluminium. And most newer cyclists want a compact chain set (50/34) or possibly even a triple. Avoid a standard double (53/39) - most people find that too hard. Go and visit some bike shops and see what deals are on

 

[SS Retro]

Why have aluminium when you can have carbon in budget another planet x bike.
Tiagra same as the defy but better spec with the likes of a carbon seatpost and full branded componants http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBHOTRTIA/holdsworth-trentino-shimano-tiagra-carbon-road-bike

 

[Dogg]

thanks for all the replies guys this is great info and definitely food for thought

 

[SS Retro]

Looks like the Planet X Holdsworth has a customizable tab so you can get the right bars, stem, tyres, bar tape etc a lot of it is a free swap out. If I needed an entry level bike I would be all over this I read it in Cycling Active that they were selling fast it's no wonder really.

 

[Dogg]

cheers for that SS Retro, what kind of stuff would you change on there I haven't really got a clue?

 

[vickster]

You need to make sure the components are the correct size as well as the frame, like the bars, stem, cranks

If you aren't sure on this stuff, best to buy from your local shop. If they are any good, they'll get you on the right sized bike and advise if changes needed from the stock parts fitted. Most will swap a stem for free for example

A poorly fitting road bike can end up being an expensive mistake and also lead to injury or at least discomfort

 

[SteCenturion]

Some good honest posts here.

Liking the Holdsworth that got quoted in another thread somewhere also.

Vickster is bang on the money with the thing about your LBS as they may mrasure you up & change a thing or two.

If you bought the wrong size it might spoil your intro to road bikes.

I kind of work on the rule of thumb that bars should be your chest size + 2 for example but manufacturers size things differently.

My favourite bar, stem, seatpost combo are from 3T but they size bars c-c & come up small so a 42 will measure 40 & I have both 44 + 46 versions of their bars despite having a 42" chest.

This is where your LBS come in as they can see you (and hundreds more) & give their best advice.

 

[doog]

Just a thought.

Bang on the button for £700 a CAAD8 Tiagra. Cannondale make excellent alu frames and would trust that warranty wise over a cheaper carbon frame.The CAAD8 is very well respected for the price range.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b65s6p4334/CANNONDALE-CAAD8-TIAGRA-2012

 

[vickster]

Range of sizes and not too far from you I guess. Weekend of test riding coming up

They have the giant too at an even better price depending on size needed

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4920/GIANT-DEFY-2-COMPACT-2013

 

[Dogg]

the guy in Thomas' in colchester reckoned i needed a 58 frame

thinking back i think he described the giant bike as 'bloody boring' and was quite heavily pushing the Allez?

is there any reason for this because having read around online and reading all your comments the Defy seems to be a very good bike and very good value for money?

I checked online and there's a Planet X retailer in St. Albans which is near enough for me to visit when i'm at home, currently at university in durham until term ends