Opinion on which bike is better value for money?

[lethiferous]

Right, so this is my first time buying a road bike and I will be using it primarily for the 5 mile round trip to school every week day, also the occasional road trip for fun or cycling across the city.

I have a budget of around £200 (yes, I know it's low, don't go into detail on that) and I've come across 2 road bikes so far which I think seem good.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/viking-phantom-bike-senior-933101 (13.1 kg)
http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-pace-road-bike-mens-933070 (11.9 kg)

Can I have your opinions on which one is better value for money? Is it worth spending the extra £50 on the muddyfox?

Also if you have any other suggestions on new road bikes for £200 I'm all ears (not used one's as some will be stolen, some will be damaged, it's too much hassle to navigate the buying of a second hand bike).

 

[steveindenmark]

Between the 2 I like the look of the Muddy Fox. But if you can hang out a little longer and save a bit more the Triban 3 at £300 is getting a cult following.

Steve

 

[biggs682]

buying second hand would be my answer , especially for your budget and the fact that its your first road , and if you buy wisely you should be able to get your money back if you dont get on with riding a road bike

 

[lethiferous]

Between the 2 I like the look of the Muddy Fox. But if you can hang out a little longer and save a bit more the Triban 3 at £300 is getting a cult following.

Steve

Yeah I know I've liked the look of the triban 3 but I'm skint, there's also the cost of accessories too, like a good bike lock, maybe insurance etc. etc. buying a £300 can turn into £400 so quickly...

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

You'll not need insurance - it would probably cost more than buying another bike!
Halfords also have a bike at £269 which might be worth a look, or the Triban as already stated - both will be vastly better than either of the bikes you linked.
You can always pick up a lock for not too much.

 

[400bhp]

You'll not need insurance - it would probably cost more than buying another bike!
Halfords also have a bike at £269 which might be worth a look, or the Triban as already stated - both will be vastly better than either of the bikes you linked.
You can always pick up a lock for not too much.

+1, join British Cycling and get 10% off at Halfords too (the membership of British cycling will offset the discount but you'll then have some 3rd party liability insurance cover).

Decent U lock for about £30 if you look carefully.

Yes, 2nd hand is a good idea but only if you know what you're doing.

Also, keep a look out in cycle chat for sale forum for something.

 

[Gregcycle]

If you can stretch to it, the carrera zelos at halfords for 269.99 is an option. I have one and use it as a work horse and there for quite often it doesn't get treated brilliantly yet it's proving bomb proof! It's also relatively light and doesn't look that bad!

 

[Cyclist33]

Right, so this is my first time buying a road bike and I will be using it primarily for the 5 mile round trip to school every week day, also the occasional road trip for fun or cycling across the city.

I have a budget of around £200 (yes, I know it's low, don't go into detail on that) and I've come across 2 road bikes so far which I think seem good.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/viking-phantom-bike-senior-933101 (13.1 kg)
http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-pace-road-bike-mens-933070 (11.9 kg)

Can I have your opinions on which one is better value for money? Is it worth spending the extra £50 on the muddyfox?

Also if you have any other suggestions on new road bikes for £200 I'm all ears (not used one's as some will be stolen, some will be damaged, it's too much hassle to navigate the buying of a second hand bike).

sorry, im not going to provide the answers you want to hear dude. all the usual ones though...

1. both bikes you listed will sap the joy out of your "first road bike" experience and theres a good chance you might end up with the attitude of I tried road cycling and hated it, as a result. which would be a shame! both are by brands that do cheap and cheerful bikes but not really for keeps. of the two i would take the viking because muddy foxes tend to fall apart.

2. do whatever you can to stretch your budget. family or friends may help if you convince them youre serious and show them this thread. the carrera or triban options are going to be good for the money if you can.

3. at that budget i would most definitely look second hand first of all. none of your objections to the principle are really that valid. if you put your location on your cycle chat profile there might well be local forumites here who would be happy to help you "navigate" through the second hand minefield. its worth noting that a) the vast majority are not stolen and b) often the people selling dont realise what a good bike theyre getting rid of. dont be seduced simply by the shininess and looks of a brand new bike. test ride any potential bike, if youre going to be riding it every day that matters more than looks. second hand you can always get a test ride. brand new, not so often. £300 sounds like a lot of money but its better spending that much wisely than wasting £200.

 

[Easytigers]

+1 for the Triban! I was majorly skint at the time but borrowed the additional money I needed and got one. 6 months later I'd paid off the loaned money...for the money, it's an awesome bike!

 

[SteCenturion]

£200 might bag you a 2nd hand Giant Defy on ebay or try Gumtree/Preloved etc.
You will be looking @ a lower spec model Defy 5 but it will be well made (same frame throughout the range).
If you look after it then it will serve you well.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

You can always pick up a lock for not too much.

Like here:
http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/kryptonite-evolution-series-4-d-lock.146663/#post-2851239