Looking to buy a good road bike

keeper2103

hello everyone, i've taken up cycling at the start of this year(new year & new sport & all that) at first i was going to get involved in off road stuff & so i brought a €450 mountain in halfords!!! however, i've got hooked on road cycling and I am looking at buying a good, well cared for road bike.
Just reading a few post here there seems to be a fair few of you guys that know your stuff when it comes to cycling. As I am a newie, my question is this: where is the best place to start looking for a good, well cared for road bike. cheers

AstraMonti

It depends on how much money you want to spend. You have to have a minmum and a maximum. If you think that you really going to get out all the time, add 200-300euro more on the maximum, you won't regret it on the long run.

keeper2103

I had hoped to spend €400-€600 on one!!

macadam

Keeper, like your self i am a newbie to road cycling, went down the route of second hand @ €500+ and still was not happy with the bike, so i bought a new Trek 1.9 in JMC cycles Dromintee Newry,cost €1100 with dual pedals, this bike i priced today in Louth, without pedals €1750.

Like you I was planning on spending €600 but I am glad i went the extra for the 1.9 the pedals, and the shoes.

Went out this morning done more than I previously ever done approx 30mile and legs felt great , the shoes are well worth the extra few bob also.


maca

keeper2103

cheers for the advise Maca.

AstraMonti

The only one i can think near 550 or so is Giant Defy 4, which is really basic. I would try to squeeze more out of the pocket and get maybe this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_Compact_2009/5360037598/

killalanerr

AstraMonti wrote: »

The only one i can think near 550 or so is Giant Defy 4, which is really basic. I would try to squeeze more out of the pocket and get maybe this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Variado_Compact_2009/5360037598/

when you buy on line from wiggle when its delivered is their much assembly involved diy is not my strong point

keeper2103

I've actually emailed them with that exact question there this afternoon, i'll report back once they reply

Acoustic

Giant Defy is €550 and for €699 you pretty much get the same bike with a carbon front fork

see pic

comes in diff colours

Raam

killalanerr wrote: »

when you buy on line from wiggle when its delivered is their much assembly involved diy is not my strong point

Very very little assembly is required. Attach pedals and handlebars, that is all.

AstraMonti

Acoustic wrote: »

Giant Defy is €550 and for €699 you pretty much get the same bike with a carbon front fork

see pic

comes in diff colours

GIANT DEFY 4

• FRAME- AluxX SL aluminium, Fluid Formed, Compact Road Design
• FORK- Advanced Composite Overdrive, 1 1/4" - 1 1/8" aluminium steerer
• HANDLEBAR- 6061 Aluminium Anatomic
• STEM- 6061 Forged Aluminium
• SEAT POST- 6061 Aluminium
• SADDLE- Giant Performance Road
• PEDALS- Wellgo road
• SHIFTERS- Shimano 2200 16 speed
• STI FRONT MECH- Shimano 2200
• REAR MECH- Shimano 2200
• BRAKES- Tektro R310 Dual pivot
• BRAKE LEVER- Shimano 2200 STI
• CASSETTE- Shimano HG50 12-25
• CHAIN- KMC Z7-8
• CRANKS- Truvativ Touro C2.0 39/53
• BOTTOM BRACKET- Truvativ cartridge
• RIMS- Double wall aluminium 700c
• HUBS- Formula RB31/32
• SPOKES- Stainless steel
• TYRES- Kenda Kriterium L3R 700x25mm

Focus Variado Compact 2009
Specifications

• Frame Focus Aluminium Light Racing Frame
• Fork Focus Race Carbon Forks
• Rims Concept SL
• Front Hub Shimano Tiagra, QR
• Rear Hub Shimano Tiagra, QR
• Tyres Black Comp 700x25c
• Cassette Shimano Tiagra CS-HG50 9 speed 11-25
• Crankset FSA Omega Compact 50/34
• Bottom Bracket FSA Mega Exo
• Shift Levers Shimano Tiagra
• Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
• Front Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
• Chain Shimano CN-HG53
• Brakes Shimano Tiagra
• Stem FSA OS190C 90mm/31.8mm
• Handlebars FSA Vero Comp Road RD-320 31.8mm
• Headset FSA Orbit
• Saddle Velo Sport
• Seat Post Black Comp, Aluminium

Where exactly do you see it is the same bike? Because honestly i can't find something.

keeper2103

AstraMonti wrote: »

Where exactly do you see it is the same bike? Because honestly i can't find something.

Sorry AstraMonti, bare with me(I'm new to the whole cycling thing & sorry for asking silly questions). so the focus would be a better bike to go for?:o

AstraMonti

keeper2103 wrote: »

Sorry AstraMonti, bare with me(I'm new to the whole cycling thing & sorry for asking silly questions). so the focus would be a better bike to go for?:o

I am a newbie as well keeper2103 But i can tell you that the Defy has really entry level gearset and noname components like stem, bars etc while the Focus is full Tiagra (the chain in Shimano goes like that : 2200->sora->tiagra->105->etc) with FSA components and a carbon fork. In other words it will be stiffer, lighter and more responsive than the Defy.

You could also check adverts.ie for any good second hand bike, sometimes there are bargains up there.

Lumen

I thought this thread ws about finding a decent used bike, not a new one?

Depreciation on new bikes is nasty.