What your thoughts on these bikes (new and 2nd hand bikes)

[dac]

Back in the spring I was seeking advice on what type of bike to buy (road, hybrid, mtb) as a newbie. I went with a cracking deal (50% off) on a new mtb. However, using that bike to cycle 9 road miles each way to and from work took its toll. I found it hard work and soon realised I had bought the wrong type of bike. I even think a hybrid wouldn't be the correct bike. I feel a road bike is what I need.

So already being a little short of cash I would like your advice on the below. I think that if I had the right bike I would keep to the cycling to work, resulting in being healthy.

1) GT GTS Expert for £350 - XL - has Tiagra components and is brand new so no nasty surprises.
2) 2000 Specialized Allez for £150 - 60cm - has Tiagra components but is old, although has been looked after and had new brake pads and tyres.
3) 2010 Ribble Audax with Boardman Carbon forks - 60cm - Sora groupset and has had a fall so has scuffs on the right side (i.e. on the handlebars, pedal, and other parts that stick out).
4) 2010 Trek 1.2 for £140 - 62cm - Sora groupset, however will need a new chain and front and rear tubes and tyres.

Obviously, the GTS Expert with the Tiagra components looks a good deal. However as I spent around £300 on my mtb and don't use it I would like to save money. If the second hand bikes are any good then point one out. All the bikes above have carbon forks.

I'm 6'4" and 16 stone but I presume all the bikes could handle me. I have sat on a Large (55,5cm) Giant Defy and it felt comfortable but the shop guy did say an XL (58.5cm would be better). I was half considering a CX just to have a little more robustness and grip on the roads. I would like to have a pannier too - not sure if the above bikes can take them - anyone know?

Also, do bike sales get better in the January sales (or boxing day onwards), or are they not going to get any better than the sales that are on currently right now (i.e. just before Xmas)?

Thanks.

 

[biggs682]

@dac it takes a brave person to admit they got it wrong , so well done for admitting that

there are some cracking deals out there at the moment both new and 2nd hand

i have seen a couple of what i think are mega deals like this http://www.rutlandcycling.com/314413/products/2015-marin-argenta-a6-road-bike-black.aspx

but then i have been offered a 6 month old one of above , that current owner claims has covered less than 30 miles for even less .

if this bike is to be your commuter bike do they all allow guards to be fitted etc etc

not sure where you are based but i always have a few bikes and you are always welcome to come and try any of them and see if they help you choose

 

[vickster]

Put some slicks on the MTB for the winter, get fitter and save up for a roadbike N+1 for the spring?

Or sell the MTB if it's not getting used

 

[biggs682]

Put some slicks on the MTB for the winter, get fitter and save up for a roadbike N+1 for the spring?

Or sell the MTB if it's not getting used

good shout @vickster

 

[dac]

Yes, I've already put slicks on the mtb, which has reduced the tyre width as well. I always have the shocks locked-out too. It's just a heavy bike with smaller wheels. I intend to sell the mtb but it probably won't fetch much this time of year so I'll flog it in the spring/summer.

Are 5 year old roads bikes worth a punt or being that age the technology is outdated, or the bike would be too worn?

Do you guys think the GT GTS Expert is a cracking deal for £350? It has Tiagra components. @biggs682 - the Darin you linked only has Sora components, wouldn't the GTS being better?

I've heard that different bikes have different geometries. I found the Defy L a good fit (sat on one) but the lbs guy said an XL would probably be a better fit but they didn't have one on show. Would the GTS in an XL be a same/similar fit to the Defy XL - do you know?

One thing that is going through my head now is the Trek 1.2 for £140. Yes it needs a few parts but tubes/tyres would be some of those. This would give me an opportunity to fit some 28mm tyres so to give me that extra grip I am looking for (more grip more safe). But this is my question of the age. Being 5 years old would the other components be on their way out and therefore buying new, or buying no more than 2 years old would be the way to go.

Thanks.

 

[vickster]

You need to compare the geometry measurements, top tube, stack, reach and then look at the shape of the frame, and the curve of the top tube

Tiagra and Sora are pretty similar, depends on the gearing

Tyre grip and width doesn't equate to safety necessarily, may equate to comfort. You'd also need to check the rims and frame will take 28mm tyres. And fatter tyres may slow you down which partly defeats the object of getting a roadbike

If wanting fatter tyres, @biggs682 have you still got that Ridley?

What's the MTB, you say it's cheap and heavy but in the OP you say it was a half price bargain?

I'd say winter was as good a time as any to sell a MTB, roadbikes sell better in the spring, no bikes sell well around Xmas unless they are presents

On the Trek, yes a 5 year bike may need new components, but it all depends on how it has been maintained, it may have had new chain, cassette, rings, cables etc. It could be in better Nick than an abused year old bike. It may have only been lightly used or it may have been used in all weathers, thousands of miles a year, ask the seller about usage and maintenance

 

[biggs682]

@dac i would go 2nd hand route every time , who can say re the Trek being good value or not , the only way to find out is to use it and see how it feels and then replace bits as and when required , cant see point in fixing something that aint broke .

how tall are you ?

The Marin i linked in might only have Sora but they still work and lets be honest are you going to know the difference ? i doubt i would .

why risk buying a size when you cant try it

and as for bikes over 5 years being out of date technology , i amongst many others on here ride daily on 20+ year old bikes without any issue and if you are worried about riding an " old " bike then well what can i say

 

[guitarpete247]

I still use my 1987 Saracen if I go into town, 7 miles away, as I've always felt safer locking that up. I've got Schwalbe Land cruisers on and it ain't light but does have rack and panniers for shopping trips. Used to take granddaughters out in the trailer when they were younger so the extra weight never bothered me.

Reading your posts it seems you just want someone to confirm your thoughts about the GT. I've no knowledge of that bike but reviews do look good. 2nd hand would get you a higher specced but older model with possible defects. If you go that route remember "Caveat emptor".

Look for signs of crash damage like cracking paint around welds and front fork alignment. Any serious scrapes on pedals brakes and derailleurs.

Good " pre-loved" can be better than mediocre new.

 

[mjr]

and as for bikes over 5 years being out of date technology , i amongst many others on here ride daily on 20+ year old bikes without any issue and if you are worried about riding an " old " bike then well what can i say

Yebbut our old bikes have wonderful robust and adaptable parts on them, whereas newer bikes seem to be built with silly things like brake levers that can only be used with certain rear gear cassettes which go through new-obsolete-not-stocked very quickly

 

[biggs682]

@mjray so true but i must admit i do have a couple with them levers thingy on

 

[smutchin]

I presume the GT is a 2015 model rather than a 2016 model? If so, that means it will have the old 9-speed Tiagra, which isn't as good as the new 10-speed Tiagra and not as much of a step up from Sora.

However, at that price, it's an absolute steal. M'colleague tested the Sport model (with Claris drivetrain) earlier this year and thought it was an excellent 'first road bike' for £500. The Expert is better spec for less money.

As it's already a sale bike, priced for clearance, stocks will be limited so I'd suggest buying now if you decide it's the bike you want.

 

[vickster]

If you go new and online, don't forget to check whether the retailer offers cash back via quidco or similar

 

[dac]

Thanks for all your replies.
"What's the MTB, you say it's cheap and heavy but in the OP you say it was a half price bargain?" - It is a Be One Sport XL frame. For the price it was a good deal.
"how tall are you ?" - I'm 6' 4".

Unfortunately, the GT GTS Expert in XL is now sold out for £350.
What is the difference between Claris, Sora, and Tiagra? Is it just the smoothness of gear changing or is it tougher quality the higher up you go?

 

[vickster]

Thanks for all your replies.
"What's the MTB, you say it's cheap and heavy but in the OP you say it was a half price bargain?" - It is a Be One Sport XL frame. For the price it was a good deal.
"how tall are you ?" - I'm 6' 4".

Unfortunately, the GT GTS Expert in XL is now sold out for £350.
What is the difference between Claris, Sora, and Tiagra? Is it just the smoothness of gear changing or is it tougher quality the higher up you go?

If anything the lower end stuff is tougher and cheaper to replace

Tiagra gets you 10 gears at the back, Sora 9 and Claris 8

Here are some other budget options in big frame sizes

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r40-sora-2015/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/mekk-pinerolo-al-zr-2013/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-technique-claris-2016/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z95-2015/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-belief-sr20-tiagra-2015/

Quidco from wiggle too

 

[dac]

Oh well, if the difference say between a Tiagra and a Claris is 10 to 8 gears then Claris will be more than fine for me. I thought the difference was to do with the quality, strength, and smoothness - Tiagra being the better quality of the three. Being lazy here (by not researching) but what do Ultegra and 105 have to offer benefit wise? Thanks.