Help with choosing New Road bike

neonitrix

I currently am cycling minimum of 150km per week between an old clapped out raleigh racer i have for years, and an old hybrid bike

I like the cycling position of the hybrid but with wanting to start doing distance i know i need to go road bike

So I am looking to get a new road bike 58cm frame which i can use to up my distances.

Trouble is there is so much choice out there and i dont want to spend more that 550 euro max.

I have been keeping eye on adverts but nothing jumping at me.

any help appreciated ideally make model and link would be great

tks

Neonitrix

DirkVoodoo

It's a tough time of year to buy second hand, generally the end of the summer is when you see more bargains popping up.

€550 will get you an entry level road bike, like this.

There are many more options, that is only a starting block. Generally going for one of the big manufacturers from a local shop at that price point will leave you with few luxuries. The spec is basic but functional, plus you have local bike shop support.

However, if you are willing to shop online, you may be able to find a better deal.

Raam

Hi there,
if you are familiar enough with bikes, then internet based shops are a good way to go. If not, then it's best to go to your LBS and talk to them.

If you can avail of the biketowork scheme, then you can get a bike which normally retails at approx 900 for the price you are talking about, 550, assuming you are in the maximum tax bracket.

www.chainreactioncycles.com
www.wiggle.co.uk
www.evanscycles.com

they are some sites I use a lot.

neonitrix

Raam wrote: »

Hi there,
if you are familiar enough with bikes, then internet based shops are a good way to go. If not, then it's best to go to your LBS and talk to them.

If you can avail of the biketowork scheme, then you can get a bike which normally retails at approx 900 for the price you are talking about, 550, assuming you are in the maximum tax bracket.

www.chainreactioncycles.com
www.wiggle.co.uk
www.evanscycles.com

they are some sites I use a lot.

- thanks for the above - trouble is when i start looking online i keep ending up thinking hybrid - and have fallen in love with the cube hybrids that chainreaction sell - but i have to go road bike realistically dont I?

cant avail of biketowork thingy as employer is not interested.

neonitrix

Raam

neonitrix wrote: »

- thanks for the above - trouble is when i start looking online i keep ending up thinking hybrid - and have fallen in love with the cube hybrids that chainreaction sell - but i have to go road bike realistically dont I?

cant avail of biketowork thingy as employer is not interested.

neonitrix

Yes, a road bike really is worth it when doing long distances on the road.
The Giant Defy which DirkVoodoo linked would be a fine bike for that price.

neonitrix

Raam wrote: »

Yes, a road bike really is worth it when doing long distances on the road.
The Giant Defy which DirkVoodoo linked would be a fine bike for that price.

I actually was looking at the Defy that was mentioned but am having great difficulty getting stock anywhere cyclesuperstore said they wont be getting it in again in my size.

have rang around a few local bike shops but am not getting much luck


Neonitrix

Raam

Have a look at the websites I linked and see if there is anything that takes your fancy in your price range. Then post back. Also, consider what gearing you will need. If you are strong on the bike you can go for a standard double or a compact.

neonitrix

Raam wrote: »

Have a look at the websites I linked and see if there is anything that takes your fancy in your price range. Then post back. Also, consider what gearing you will need. If you are strong on the bike you can go for a standard double or a compact.

can you explain "If you are strong on the bike you can go for a standard double or a compact" unsure what standard double or a compact refers to?

sorry bit dim this evening

will have a look and post back


Neonitrix

Raam

Standard double = two chainrings at the front. Typically 53/39 these days
Compact double = two chainrings at the front. Usually 50/34
Triple = three chainrings, can be 52/42/30 or something like that

The triple gives you a serious bail out gear for the hills. Handy if you are touring and have lots of luggage.

The standard would be what many racers have. Some folk feel that the gearing can be too big (hard), or simply unrequired, so they opt for a compact, which is a good trade off.

By strength on the bike, I mean your ability to pedal away for hours on end at a good pace.

blorg

It's the chainrings at the front. There is some variance but typically:

Standard double = 53/39
Compact = 50/34
Triple = 52/39/30

The smaller a chainring you have at the front the easier it is to spin up a hill. Shifting quality is more consistent with only two rings so that is to be recommended if you are going to race. If you are not racing a triple is fine.

TinyExplosions

I'd up your budget to around 700 euro, and buy my old bike -it's a Focus Variado Expert, size 56 (will fit people up to just over 6', with a 32" inside leg). Alu frame, carbon fork, Ultegra gears, upgraded to Mavic Aksium wheels -perfect for what you need!

neonitrix

ended up getting a Giant Defy 4 new from Buckley Cycles Tullamore for €500, got a few bits for it ie: bottle and cage - toolkit pump etc in aldi.

anyone recommend a decent trip computer for distance and time counter?

amazed how light it is really no weight in it at all.

tks for help guys


Neonitrix

blorg

neonitrix wrote: »

anyone recommend a decent trip computer for distance and time counter?

I would go for a Cateye Mity 8 or a Velo 8 if you wanted to save a few bob. Very reliable computers.