Need road bike not much money

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Hi Returned to cycling a year ago, though it was the latter half of the year when I got into it more.
I am 62 having taken early retirement over a year ago. I used to cycle at various stages - and even have a 1980s Claud Butler Road Bike in the garage - which I do not have enough time to do up - honest - even if it was a good idea.

I am doing rides up to 40 miles, and up to 30 miles I am doing at least 14 mph. Problem is a bought a Claud Butler hybrid, and the weight is too much and I also want a lower riding position - this is too sit up and beg.

I don't have a lot of money. I have thought of getting a Triban, while the Red ones are still around with the carbon forks, but am much attracted to secondhand bikes. Have been looking at Gum tree and ebay and there are some good bikes out there. - For one I am surprised how much good bikes are hilding their value.

I am not good a climbing hills, and never was in the distant past. I really want a triple or if e.g. a compact, then it would have to have an 11-32 on the back. I have not really hit the harder hills much yet but know I want those low gears.

As yet I have hardly used the 48 chainring - though with a road bike I might be a little faster. I am not young so do not want to be too nose down, though and need relatively relaxed riding position

All ideas and advice gratefully received
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
You are the same age as me. I guess I am a bit lucky as I can get access to cheap, older road bikes from the 70's/80's and 90's. I have an old 531 framed Dawes which I have updated with 11/32 cassette and a triple c/s with the inner removed. Have also used 28c tyres for more comfort. You could pick up something similar on ebay, preloved or gumtree I am sure and modify it to your needs. I also have a Marin hybrid but prefer the old road bikes, in spite of the roads here.

20120909_134339OBrien.jpg


Good luck.
 
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2nd hand is definitely the way to go IMO.

You probably won't get something that ticks all your boxes though, eg: you might have to compromise on the cassette, but they aren't expensive to buy and are easy to change over as well.

Why not sell your Dawes? If you're not going to do anything with it you might be surprised at what you get for it. Stick it on here and test the water, you never know, it might boost your budget nicely :thumbsup:
 
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Stonechat

Stonechat

Guru
YEs I like the look of the Secteur - secondhand price hold up well - too well?

Yes my old Claud Butler - I did get the gears changing, but am just not up to stripping the frame, doing remedial paintwork and then trying to work out what modern components might fit in, I have neither time nor expertise to do this, recent bereavement means I have too much on my plate
NOt sure it would be worth much .
This is the model
http://www.nkilgariff.com/CBcats/Cat_85/Sierra85.jpg
It has Reynolds 531 tubing
Except it had a carrier came with it not shown on the pic

I have looked at Scott Speedster - some models are triples
Also Felt - some though not triples, but have a 11-32 cassette on the back which gives a good gear range

Yes even if I got a triban it comes with big gear at the back of 25, and apparently can take up to 28. I do realise likely to change something on any bike.

Never changed more than a bottom bracket and chainset myself

Bob
 

SteCenturion

I am your Father
How about a 2nd hand Giant Defy or Cube Peloton ?
Lots on ebay & other sites.
Good bikes Sportive geometry (less head down/ass up) but still a racer.
Most road bikes come with 11/12 - 25/28 range for gearing but it's quite easy to retro fit 11/28 up to 11/32 with a new cassette.
I supplied a new cassette with my Defy when I sold it on & it cost under £20 - budget 20 - 35 for a new 11/32 depending on make & spec.
The Giant Defy 1 wins best bike up to £1k every year in most bike mags & the lower spec models use the same frame.
Good luck hunting.
 

young Ed

Veteran
i know every one is talking about modern bikes but does it have to be modern
I'm just thinking
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_t...therbed&_nkw=vintage+racer&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Cheers Ed
 
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