Newbie needs some help on bike choice!!

[Cptflakey]

Hi all

I'm not a mega newbie when it comes to cycling, I have pretty much ridden everywhere on two wheel, both human and petrol powered. However I want to really get into it properly and get into road riding... my question..

I would like a road/touing bike, I know some of you will say "make you mind up which as they're different" but I don't want an all singing all dancing sports road bike, but one that can eventually hold a rear pannier say for a reasonably long tour next summer? I've looked at Dawes Galaxy style touring bikes and although they're absolutely awesome, I am only 25 afterall

The dilemna I have though is i've quit work to be at uni, and before strapping out on a £700 ish brand new bike i'd like a second hand one to 'learn' on and to familiarise myself with it before breaking the bank and a new one.
So what kind of bikes could of go for? And with a max budget for a 2nd hand bike of £300?

Any help is appreciated!

Kind Regards

Danny

 

[smokeysmoo]

It depends what you want to ride TBH. You could go for something vintage like THIS, or something modern and mainstream like THIS or something modern from one of the bigger manufacturers like THIS.

As you can see, all these are from Ebay. I don't know what your ebay knowledge is like, but you can narrow your search on the left hand side of the page to trim down the search results. For example, when you first goto bikes there are 20,662 results found , but when you put in a few criteria, such as road bike, £200-300, mens, used, suddenly there are only 136, then you can put in your frame size, eg: there are currently 12 x 56cm framed bikes, and only 8 x 58 cm bikes.

If you see one you fancy post a link on here and people will always give you an honest opinion.

FWIW you can add a rack to any bike, if it doesn't have braze ons you can just use P clips to attach it

 

[Moss]

Hi all

I'm not a mega newbie when it comes to cycling, I have pretty much ridden everywhere on two wheel, both human and petrol powered. However I want to really get into it properly and get into road riding... my question..

I would like a road/touing bike, I know some of you will say "make you mind up which as they're different" but I don't want an all singing all dancing sports road bike, but one that can eventually hold a rear pannier say for a reasonably long tour next summer? I've looked at Dawes Galaxy style touring bikes and although they're absolutely awesome, I am only 25 afterall

The dilemna I have though is i've quit work to be at uni, and before strapping out on a £700 ish brand new bike i'd like a second hand one to 'learn' on and to familiarise myself with it before breaking the bank and a new one.
So what kind of bikes could of go for? And with a max budget for a 2nd hand bike of £300?

Any help is appreciated!

Kind Regards

Danny

Hi Danny,

Smokeysmoo! Gave you the best advise it's possible to get on a budget! I'd go for the Specialised Allez 27, if the 56, frame is suitable for you? Starting price £200, but over five days left to bid. Worth watching.

 

[Cptflakey]

Wow thank you so much for the detailed reply chaps I fully appreciate it!

Firstly that vintage bike, i'm glad my housemate weren't in the room when I opened that as he's mad into his vintage fixie scene where they cruise on bikes like that with Chinos and a bow tie - cool but camp.

Anyway I never really considered the Specialized Allez before, no idea why as I do scavange ebay and they are quite popular on there, perhaps because I nearly always search for Cannondale and Trek? Random

I've found an Allez which is ending tomorrow, although not as good as the one that you suggested but it does finish tomorrow and perhaps would go for abit cheaper http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specializ...0754673776?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item415e485870

Sorry for the over abundance of questions!! Basically it's because when I was in the forces and had pop star disposable wages I bought whatever I wanted whenever as I "needed it, and needed it now" but can't do that anymore as a student bum so have to make sure a)it can be justified to the GF and b) I don't buy a new 2012 bike when bored and impatient!

Thanks again!!

 

[vickster]

Can an Allez take panniers - I always thought it was more of a race bike? The Secteur is the more relaxed and can take add ons I'd get a test ride at Evans before bidding on eBay (and check it can do what you need) <BR><BR>There is also Gumtree

 

[chris-s]

The one in the ebay link will take panniers, as does the one belonging to my work colleague.



Chris