Sub £700 road bike

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chewbaker

Regular
Location
Portsmouth
Another day, another new bike thread...

After a recent "collison" with a day dreaming motorist I'm having to replace my road bike. I'm very much a novice and had been using an Eastway R3.0 that I picked up a few years ago from Wiggle for a reduced price.

I'm reluctant to use the Cycle to Work to scheme as I'm looking to reduce my monthly outgoings so will be paying cash.

It'll be used for a relatively flat commute of 6 to 9 miles each way, mix of road, on road cycle path and shared cycle path/pavement.

I'll also be using it for fitness and looking to do some sportives later this year.

The following is my initial shortlist... most are rim brakes as I'm keen to avoid mechanical discs with the exception of the Kona, although this is the wild card as it's more of an adventure/gravel.

Are there any that stand out? Are there any major advantages at this price range for cartridge/non cartridge rim brakes? Are these "upgradeable?"

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Boardman-SLR-8-6-2019-Road-Bike_128017.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Contend-2-2019-Road-Bike_200517.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Attain-2019-Road-Bike_200168.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Contend-1-2019-Road-Bike_200551.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Kona-Rove-2019-Road-Bike_129913.htm

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Boardman-SLR-8-8-2019-Road-Bike_128019.htm

I could possibly stretch to this as I know it's highly rated on here...

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-520-disc-road-bike-navy-105-id_8554421.html


I am keeping my eye on eBay etc for second hand options...

Thanks in advance...
 

NorthernDave

Never used Über Member
The Triban has the better spec, for only a small additional outlay over some of the others you've listed. It's also a very highly regarded bike at the price point.

The Giant Contend is a good bike (I've got an SL1 Disc), as are the Boardmans, but with both I'd recommend the higher spec version if funds allow.

If buying from Halfords, British Cycling membership (c£35) gets you 10% off, plus other benefits.

Don't necessarily rule out mechanical discs, especially for year round commuting. In my experience the horror stories are hugely overstated.
 
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chewbaker

Regular
Location
Portsmouth
Shouldn't the 'day dreaming' motorist be replacing it? However, Im a fan of Decathlon bikes as I commute on a cheaper BTwin 500, its been ideal for the 12miles down the Cambridge Guided bus way and the other 3.5 miles along shared path then the road :smile:

I think she will be replacing eventually, but it's going to take some time to get sorted
 

vickster

Legendary Member
I think she will be replacing eventually, but it's going to take some time to get sorted
Her insurance company should sort it pretty quickly if she is proactive, it'll be slower though if there's also an injury claim and you are using lawyers
 

NorthernDave

Never used Über Member
You could have Tiagra and hydraulics in budget if the size is right
https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p7880/GIANT-CONTEND-SL-2-DISC-2017

I'm 5ft 9, with a 29" inside leg and the M fits perfectly, if that helps?
 
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chewbaker

Regular
Location
Portsmouth
Her insurance company should sort it pretty quickly if she is proactive, it'll be slower though if there's also an injury claim and you are using lawyers

There's is an injury claim as well.... torn rotator cuff...

She admitted fault at the scene to attending officers and I've since been told by the officer dealing that she's likely to be offered a driver awareness course... this of course means that she'll be formally admitting fault so should make the subsequent claim "relatively" straight forward, at least in terms of the bike costs...
 
I think she will be replacing eventually, but it's going to take some time to get sorted
I was hit a few years ago on a really cheap Viking Fixie (IIRC £195). When the driver discovered, 'it was a really expensive bike' they baulked at it and went through their insurance that did take a few more weeks but I think the insurance company were happy to 'snap my hand off' and quickly settle, even though I inflated it slightly. Another time I was hit on a more expensive bike however, and it did take a while. I hope you are sorted soon :okay:
 
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chewbaker

Regular
Location
Portsmouth
I was hit a few years ago on a really cheap Viking Fixie (IIRC £195). When the driver discovered, 'it was a really expensive bike' they baulked at it and went through their insurance that did take a few more weeks but I think the insurance company were happy to 'snap my hand off' and quickly settle, even though I inflated it slightly. Another time I was hit on a more expensive bike however, and it did take a while. I hope you are sorted soon :okay:

Thanks mate, I'm preparing myself for a wait...
 
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