What Bike- £300 or less

[simje]

My son wants his first road bike to commute to school on and to train on over the summer. However I do not want to spend a bomb on a top end of the range bike in case it gets stolen or he looses interest

So the age old question- What Bike

 

[sight-pin]

The 'Triban 3' from Decathlon has a good reputation, the Red T3 has carbon forks.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html
Much more info can be found here. http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/triban-3-owners-club.121260/
Also http://triban3owners.freeforums.net/

 

[vickster]

Alternatively the carrera zelos from halfords if not the triban. The red one is barely available unless he is very small!

To stop theft, a good d lock like an abus granit x or Kryptonite fahgettaboutit, each will cost over £60. Plus a cable for the other wheel

Second hand bikes are another option

 

[DCLane]

My Tricross in the Auction section as it's only a £250 start.

Being sensible however, the Triban 3 has a decent reputation. Also the Carrera TDF / Zelos from Halfords since it's always on offer.

One thing, how tall is he? That will affect what's available. My youngest rides a child's road bike as he's only 9.

 

[I like Skol]

The Triban 3 is the bargain of the century at the moment as it is only £250 for a well spec'd beginners roadbike. If I had a bit more space and a more understanding wife then both my kids would have one.

Second hand is a good option if you know what you are looking at and are not afraid of some light fettling.

I bought my oldest son a used Renolds 531 early 90's Raleigh in tip top condition for a shade under £50 off ebay. He has been doing some 30+ mile rides on it in the last few weeks in training for the Manchester2Blackpool ride this summer and loves it. All original parts except for a ghastly saddle and carbon seatpost which went back on ebay and sold bringing the cost down to a tickle over £30.

My reason for buying this bike is that it is the same as the one my older brother had when I was a teenager but it goes to show that you can get an awful lot of bike for not very much money if you know what to look for. The equivalent bike in todays market would easily be £500-600 new.

 

[vickster]

Red one only in a 45cm frame at the moment online at least, doubt much else in store

White one £300, but only larger sizes. We don't know how big the lad is

They do appear often on fleabay however

 

[simje]

Thanks my Son is 6'3 ft so that might make a difference?

 

[vickster]

Blimey. Guess he'll need a 62cm or xl frame

 

[I like Skol]

Thanks my Son is 6'3 ft so that might make a difference?

My son is only 11yrs old and currently just passing 5ft. He struggled on this full size adult Raleigh last autumn but is just starting to want the saddle up a fraction. It is a 54.5cm frame.

 

[simje]

Also is it important to go to the shop and get the bike fitted or can you do it yourself?

 

[vickster]

You can do it yourself using YouTube videos etc, but you do need the correct sized bike to start with which is where the shop will help