Recommended First Competitive Road Bike.

[black'n'yellow]

To true B&Y but if you can't replace it then your not going to line up at the start either.

There's probably more chance of someone crashing on the way to a race than there is of actually crashing during it. Using the same logic, nobody should ride a bike anywhere on the roads unless they can afford to go out and buy an identical replacement the day after.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

There's probably more chance of someone crashing on the way to a race than there is of actually crashing during it. Using the same logic, nobody should ride a bike anywhere on the roads unless they can afford to go out and buy an identical replacement the day after.

Surely you are not suggesting there is more chance crashing outside of racing than actually during a race?

 

[black'n'yellow]

Surely you are not suggesting there is more chance crashing outside of racing than actually during a race?

That's exactly what I am suggesting. From memory, I think I have ridden between 18-20 road races this season. As far as I am aware, only one of those races had a crash in it - some rider injuries I think, but no serious bike damage other than scuffs, scrapes, etc - certainly nothing that needed 'replacing', apart from maybe some bar tape, or a new shifter - minor stuff.

Compare that to a number of people I know of this year who have done serious bike damage while riding on the open road. Not to mention all the people on here I read about who get knocked off while commuting or doing something else in a 'non-competitive' situation.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Why the auto request for carbon fibre?

No need at all IMO, and especially since you don't want to, 'break the bank'.

There are lots of perfectly decent alu framed bikes out there, and even some exceptional ones too.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

That's exactly what I am suggesting. From memory, I think I have ridden between 18-20 road races this season. As far as I am aware, only one of those races had a crash in it - some rider injuries I think, but no serious bike damage other than scuffs, scrapes, etc - certainly nothing that needed 'replacing'.

Compare that to a number of people I know of this year who have done serious bike damage while riding on the open road. Not to mention all the people on here I read about who get knocked off while commuting or doing something else in a 'non-competitive' situation.

What level of racing B&Y? I guess Cat 3 or up. Cat 2?
Entry level racing will have more than it's share of unexperienced riders who can cause a crash. Cat 4 is rife with new cyclists with little experience. One crash in as many races would be a surprise to me.

 

[black'n'yellow]

What level of racing B&Y? I guess Cat 3 or up. Cat 2?
Entry level racing will have more than it's share of unexperienced riders who can cause a crash. Cat 4 is rife with new cyclists with little experience. One crash in as many races would be a surprise to me.

3s, 2/3s and 3/4s - I've done plenty of races with 4th cat groups this season and admittedly, the one 'crash fest' was a 3/4 with a high number of what looked like newbie 4th cats in it - not all of them made it to the end - but it doesn't alter the fact that I've not been aware of any other major incidents in races this season, 4th or otherwise. Inevitably, 4th cat races will have riders in it that are new to racing (that's the idea of 4th cat), but not necessarily new to riding a bike.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

3s, 2/3s and 3/4s - I've done plenty of races with 4th cat groups this season and admittedly, the one 'crash fest' was a 3/4 with a high number of what looked like newbie 4th cats in it - not all of them made it to the end - but it doesn't alter the fact that I've not been aware of any other major incidents in races this season, 4th or otherwise. Inevitably, 4th cat races will have riders in it that are new to racing (that's the idea of 4th cat), but not necessarily new to riding a bike.

Cool, i just thought it relevant as the OP mentioned competing with said new carbon bike. Replacement bike/parts and their cost, in racing, is a valid consideration IMO.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Cool, i just thought it relevant as the OP mentioned competing with said new carbon bike. Replacement bike/parts and their cost, in racing, is a valid consideration IMO.

I hear what you are saying, but the point I'm making is that (anecdotally, at least) racing a bike is no more dangerous (and possibly less dangerous) than riding one at any other time. I only have my own experiences to back that up. Other views may be different..

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I hear what you are saying, but the point I'm making is that (anecdotally, at least) racing a bike is no more dangerous than riding one at any other time. I only have my own experiences to back that up.

I think the added danger, in entry level racing, comes from the other riders. As you said above though, i hear what you are saying and i am grateful for your feedback and input.

 

[roadracerash1]

Okay. I hear what your all saying. 1. I have insurance for my bikes both 3rd party and theft. So I can sleep relatively easily. 2. If you are always saying what if? You would never get anywhere. what If i go out cycling and someone hits me? Its happened to me but I have no regrets. 3. I work so I can replace parts, wheels ect and no im not super rich I just don't do the alcohol clubbing thing most 19 year olds do which consumes £££. 4 I've been a huge fan of Trek for ages. Would anyone recommend the Madone series? And NO lance armstrong crap please. I ride Treks because of the quality. Not the legends that have rode them previously.

 

[vickster]

Macmusic just bought a madone for that sort of budget. Look in the which bike forum for his posts

 

[vickster]

Actually that is probably a better place for your question. I think trek tend to be expensive for the spec just like specialized but if that's what you like, go for it

 

[black'n'yellow]

I ride Treks because of the quality.

I wouldn't regard Trek's 'quality' as being any higher than any other bike to be honest, but if it's a Trek you want, then go for it. I don't know much about them and I don't see many racing, so can't really comment on them.

 

[Fasta Asloth]

Worth a look at the older model Btwin facet 5 at decathlon (full carbon, 105 components) in Calais if easy to get there for you, cost me only £860 including, exchange rate, train fare to dover and back, and the ferry across, as opposed to £999 in the UK...
http://www.decathlon.fr/velo-route-btwin-fc-5-noir-id_8203210.html

 

[vickster]

Macmusic just bought a madone for that sort of budget. Look in the which bike forum for his posts

Here you go, fill your boots http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-first-road-bike.112158/