What road bike on a budget?

[mx0range]

Always fancied doing the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride when I was younger, never got round to it. Now it's been brought up again 20 years later but I need a bike!

Have a budget up to £200, ideally less but I have no idea of current brands.

I have shortlisted on FB marketplace the following and would like to known A) if prices are fair and B) What's best or recommend?

Cannondale synapse £200
Trek alpha 1.5 £200
Merida lite £150

Thanks!

 

[Sharky]

I think at those prices, it doesn't matter which you buy.

Check them out for condition, gears/brakes working ok, wheels true etc. And most importantly, size and fit for your self.

If you have to buy new parts, tyres chains etc, it will quickly double the cost.

 

[classic33]

Would any of these make your list.
https://www.easyliveauction.com/catalogue/?searchTerm=bike&searchOption=3&currentPage=1p


https://www.easyliveauction.com/cat...of-oriental-ceramics-collectables-fr-lot-658/

 

[Punkawallah]

Check the chain wear on whatever you decide. If it’s shot, the chainset and cassette will probably need replacing.

 

[Jameshow]

I'd go for the synapse all things being equal, like fit and wear.

It's got a better frame and reputation as one of the first endurance bikes.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

There's unlikely to be any huge difference in spec or performance. The important things are

1. Was it stolen
2. Does it fit
3. Condition

 

[Boopop]

I hope that's not the entirity of your budget, as you'll also at the very least need:
- Water bottles/cages
- Helmet
- Kit to change a flat (tyre levers, inner tubes, some sort of pump).

It'd be pretty bold/uncomfortable to do it in non-cycling kit too.

 

[si_c]

I hope that's not the entirity of your budget, as you'll also at the very least need:
- Water bottles/cages
- Helmet
- Kit to change a flat (tyre levers, inner tubes, some sort of pump).

It'd be pretty bold/uncomfortable to do it in non-cycling kit too.

I'd disagree with your second and final point, but definitely you need some way of carrying water (bottle cages and bottles work best) but also some way of repairing any minor mechanical issues you may have, so a way of repairing punctures (spare inner tubes are best, you can fix the problem later), a pump and a multitool at least.

I've cycled decent distances (up to 100 miles) in just a pair of MTB type (unpadded) shorts and a t-shirt, so you don't need cycle specfic clothing to ride, wear whatever is comfortable - and wear it on the rides you do before the longer one you've planned so you know what works and doesn't.

You don't need a helmet (controversial topic - see dedicated subforum) but if it makes you feel better, crack on.

Most important thing is that the bike fits you and you feel comfortable on it, definitely worth trying a similarly sized bike if you're buying second hand first as if it's slightly too big or too small it may take a while before you realise it.

 

[MichaelW2]

For a non racing road bike, it is really advantageous to have generous tyre clearance and threaded eyelets for fixing mudguards

 

[Boopop]

I'd disagree with your second and final point, but definitely you need some way of carrying water (bottle cages and bottles work best) but also some way of repairing any minor mechanical issues you may have, so a way of repairing punctures (spare inner tubes are best, you can fix the problem later), a pump and a multitool at least.

I've cycled decent distances (up to 100 miles) in just a pair of MTB type (unpadded) shorts and a t-shirt, so you don't need cycle specfic clothing to ride, wear whatever is comfortable - and wear it on the rides you do before the longer one you've planned so you know what works and doesn't.

You don't need a helmet (controversial topic - see dedicated subforum) but if it makes you feel better, crack on.

Most important thing is that the bike fits you and you feel comfortable on it, definitely worth trying a similarly sized bike if you're buying second hand first as if it's slightly too big or too small it may take a while before you realise it.

My views on helmets are rather nuanced too, I just figure chances are they wouldn't let you ride (officially at least) without a helmet. Besides that I think a charity ride is higher risk than say, a half mile cycle to the supermarket. But yes, helmets are up to the person riding, just be aware that event organisers often take that choice out of your hands.

Re: clothing, put it this way: I wouldn't want the way I find out my casual clothes aren't comfortable enough for such a ride to be half way through, so I'd at least be inclined to do a ride 50/75% of the time you'd expect MtB to take so you can get an idea of whether you'll be comfortable enough.

 

[Dadam]

Strange timing of the OP; it seems the event was last Sunday! https://www.bike-events.co.uk/Ride.aspx?id=2740

 

[si_c]

Strange timing of the OP; it seems the event was last Sunday! https://www.bike-events.co.uk/Ride.aspx?id=2740

My guess is they saw some information about it this year and are thinking about doing it next year.

 

[DCLane]

@Dadam - there's usually more than one Manchester-Blackpool ride each year. We even had a CC group one year and someone in the group set the Strava KOM

 

[albion]

Chance happens that the recent ride likely inspired the thought.

 

[Dadam]

@Dadam - there's usually more than one Manchester-Blackpool ride each year. We even had a CC group one year and someone in the group set the Strava KOM

Oh I'm sure there are loads of rides between the two, it's just that the OP used the definite article the Manchester Blackpool ride.