Which road bike for a beginner

[Mark Oakley]

I am currently on the hunt for an entry level road bike. Torn between 2 at the moment, Dawes Giro 300 currently reduced to £279 or Triban 3 (White edition) at £299. Any advice would be greatly received or maybe some other alternatives.

 

[jack smith]

Budget?

 

[Mark Oakley]

Around £300..could push it to £350

 

[KneesUp]

Budget?

I'm guessing about £300.

OP: I don't think you can go far wrong with a Triban, but I'd be tempted to look secondhand too because you get much more for you money, as with cars.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Second hand would get my vote with your budget everytime, however, if you don't have the confidence to buy used, or you have no-one to take with you to check it for you, then the Triban* is the goto bike at that price point.

*at least the original red T3 was, I haven't heard a lot about the latest version TBH. The wheels were the weakpoint of the original bike, but the frame was good enough to justify subtle upgrades over time. Just make sure the hubs are well packed with grease and they should serve you OK until you decide to either upgrade or, (God forbid), you decide you don't like road cycling.

 

[biggs682]

@Mark Oakley i would also vote for 2 nd route , if you are local to Northamptonshire feel free to pop as i normally have a couple for sale you are welcome to come and try at your leisure .

This is an example of what i have at mo for sale http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/54cm-sized-racing-bike-ideal-as-commuter-or.155082/

 

[cyberknight]

Out of the two the OP mentioned the triban as the dawes has 14 speed rather 16 speed gearing .

 

[Saluki]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_t...red+triban&_nkw=red+triban&_sacat=0&_from=R40

A page full of Red Tribans which are a smidge better than the white ones on account of having a carbon fork.