upgrading commuter

[km991148]

Hi,

looking at getting a new bike (government here have started a bike to work scheme);

I currently have an 07 specialized globe hybrid (spec here), which I have put 25mm gatorskins on and has seen me ok for the last couple o years, however now I am thinking of upgrading and not sure where to go;
I can only really fund it by selling the globe (which is in good condition) therefore my total spend i.e. value of the bike needs to be around 400pounds/500euro;

I fancy something that can get me going a bit faster and I am thinking of getting out and about on the wekend (think I will do a local charity cycle in september on the globe (or new bike if I get it) - its 100mile which should be easy enough) but not sure what to be looking at;

I seen one of these Giant defy 4 which seems to be as much of a road bike I can get for my budget, but is there much point? i.e. this seems to be built up of old parts etc; I think I will go try find somewhere to try out different styles of bikes at the weekend, but what should I be looking for? What bikes would people recommend in this range?

cheers, km

 

[fossyant]

How much are you expecting for the Globe ?

How about keeping the Globe and getting a second hand road bike - then you'll have two. What would the budget be if keeping the Globe.

TBH the Globe is a good all rounder anyway. Personally, I'd get another bike.....says he with four......

 

[km991148]

How much are you expecting for the Globe ?

How about keeping the Globe and getting a second hand road bike - then you'll have two. What would the budget be if keeping the Globe.

TBH the Globe is a good all rounder anyway. Personally, I'd get another bike.....says he with four......

hmm
the thing is, I am in dublin at the moment, and the gov have just started a bike 2 work scheme so would need to buy new from a bike shop; (unless I could find a shop that sells 2nd hand)
Here I reckon I could still get 200euro+ for the globe, its good cond and just done the brakes and new tyres on it;

So my budget of 500euro/400-450gbp was based on 200 for globe, 200 in taxes back from bike 2 work and 100 or so of my own money;

keeping the globe + buying 2nd hand gives me 100!!! lol

so... this is where I am not sure..
is getting a basic road bike comparable with getting a basic hybrid (like the globe) i.e. the globe has done me ok so far, or is there such a large difference in components on road bikes that it wont be worth it?

What I want is something a little more comfortable for longer distances (I have trained a bit for a 100mile charity ride and when the wind gets up on the hybrid its a nightmare BUT will a road bike make that much of a difference?) and something that will reliable and quickly get me to work (which current bike does).

I thought replacing it now wouldnt be a bad idea as the gov will prob scrap the scheme next year, so at the very least I am getting new chain geras etc for now..

phew that was 2nd long post.. if you are still reading at this point I would like and advice about any of my ramblings thus far!!!

 

[iacula]

A basic road bike ie say a Trek 1.2, is a completely different experience to a hybrid, road bikes are all twitchy with an up and at 'em riding position. IMO you'll need panniers and a rack at least to make it properly useful though. You won't be able to go as fast as you can go without a road bike, so if it's only going to cost you £100 net, I'd just do it. With the possible proviso that you'll lose some flexiblity re the road surfaces you can use.