Which bike?

[cliffhanger79]

Hi all,

I am new to cycling, cant say when I last got a bike.

But I am selling my motorbike at the moment and looking for the next best way to commute to work on the dry days.

My journey is 3.5 miles of tarmac, most of the journey are flat 40 mph roads and a 1 mile up hill section right to work then back again on the night (7 miles total).

I have know idea whether to buy a hybrid bike, mountain bike or a road racer style bike.

Oh I am 6ft4" whether that makes a difference.

Don't mind spending upto £350.

Any help would be most appreciated as I am stuck in a rut.

Thanks

Cliffhanger79

 

[MikeW-71]

For something completely on-road, a fast Hybrid or a Road bike is the way to go. Nothing with suspension either.

If you can add £50, then something like this: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.escape.2/14980/66557/#specifications

If you have a Decathlon within reach then look at the Triban 3 road bike or the Fit 3 hybrid.

Halfords offers the Carrera Subway at a good price too, it's a good solid bike for the money.

Do you want to do any extra cycling besides the commute? If so, the road bike is the best overall choice.

 

[vickster]

Look at the felt f95 perhaps for a very reduced well specced road bike for £400. Will be great for long rides when the bug bites as it will

 

[cliffhanger79]

At first I will just be doing the commute, but I wouldn't mind extending my ride to 15-20 mile ride on the weekend. Never had a racer before only had a few mountain bikes. Theres a decathalon up the road and a halfords close by so £300 for any racers they do would be better.

Is there any type of spec. I would need as some of my riding requires a 1 mile up hill section.

Carrera TDF/Zelo or Triban 3?

Cliffhanger79

 

[cliffhanger79]

Alot of people seem to buy the carrera TDF or triban 3 and upgrade the brakes, tyres, seat and pedals are there any bikes out there that would already have the decent tyres and brakes etc..

Cliffhanger79

 

[vickster]

The felt . Comes with sora gearing and carbon fork. Rrp over £600 I think

Similar spec to the triban 5. The 3 and the carrera don't have the same group set and a heavy steel fork. 11kg vs 9.5 I believe

 

[cliffhanger79]

I dunno, I have the money to spend but £400 on a first bike seems alot.

Also is there any difference between the triban 3 (red) and the triban 3 (white), cost the red one seems £50 cheaper?

Cliffhanger79

 

[MikeW-71]

The red Triban 3 is considered the best start point at that price. Brake upgrade = new pads. Saddle upgrade if you find the stock one uncomfortable. Tyres, unless you are getting punctures every ride, wear out the stock ones first as you get used to the bike.

The Carrera Virtuoso is probably the next best, then the Felt at Wiggle http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f95-sora-wiggle-exclusive/

Depending how steep the hill is on your commute, look at gearing. On a compact chainset (50/34) beginner-friendly gearing is typically a 11-28 cassette. The Triban 3 has the equivalent of this using a triple chainset. The Felt has 11-25, a bit higher, but it depends how steep the hills are around you.

You can go further up the chain of bikes and you will get better standard components (wheels especially) but you get what you pay for, such as: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.defy.5/14977/66549/#specifications

 

[MikeW-71]

I dunno, I have the money to spend but £400 on a first bike seems alot.

Also is there any difference between the triban 3 (red) and the triban 3 (white), cost the red one seems £50 cheaper?

The red one has a carbon fork and different shifters. If you can get one in your size it's the one to go for. It was supposed to be discontinued a year ago, but they are still hanging around.

 

[vickster]

I think the red only now in size 48 and 54, neither any good if 6'4. Hence the clearance price

 

[cliffhanger79]

Oh ok, what are these like;
Mekk Pinerolo AL ZR 2013, I have seen them on the Wiggle website, same price as the Felt F95.

 

[MikeW-71]

That looks good to me too.

 

[cliffhanger79]

Just spoken to the online chat at wiggle and they suggested a FELT Z95 Wiggle exclusive @ £449.

 

[vickster]

A more aggressive geometry than the F, so depends what you want

Wasn't your budget £350

Don't forget quidco if you do buy from Wiggle

 

[cliffhanger79]

Yeh I told them my wants, height and inseam length.

They said its sits slightly more upright for longer rides and has a wider spread of gears, so arguably will be easier on the hills.

Also the said a lighter bike like many road bikes are very much an out and out race bike, so will have a steeper geometry, and a lighter frame, so will be much quicker, but will sacrifice comfort for this, which you may notice on the longer weekend rides.

He seems to know his stuff and I would rather have comfort against speed.

????
Cliffhanger79