first bike

deisecelt

I'm gettin my first racing bike at the end of Jan. Haven't cycled a bike in about fifteen years. I'll have between 6 and 7 hundred max to spend. Any idea what I should go for????? Thanks

Tonyandthewhale

For that kind of money, assuming you're buying something new normally you'd be looking at an alluminium frame, preferably 9 speed sora groupset although some bikes will have the cheaper shimano 2300. Wheels will generally be shimano WH 500's or something own brand.

However, if you shop around you could find something a little nicer for around 700e. For instance this http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=59250 has the superior tiagra groupset problem is it's currently only available in 3 sizes, all pretty small.

Alternatively there's the boardman from halfords. A little outside your budget and with the cheaper sora groupset but arguably slightly nicer wheels and available in a full range of sizes. http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_789247_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

Obviously there are lots more bikes out there at this price-point. A couple of sites such as CRC and wiggle had january sales clearing out 2011 stock but it's mostly just odd-sizes (very big and very small) left. Your best bet is to go looking and when you've narrowed it down to 2 or 3 choices come back here for some advice and we'll say something along the lines of 'whatever you think yourself, they're very similar bikes.' That's how it usually works out.

Captain Havoc

I'd be looking in the adverts section myself and get a nice second hand bike.

kincsem

I would go for a Specialized road bike (road bike = drop handlebars), and as mentioned above a good second-hand would be ideal. You need to know your frame size. You can check the internet for frame sizing info, and if possible get a ride on a few bikes to confirm the size suits you.

My general advice would be to buy second-hand for about €400 a bike that costs about €1,000+ when new.

You need to decide on the gearing you want. If you are going to ride in a flat area that might not be important, but if you are riding in the hills you need a bigger range of gears.

Are you going to commute? You might need mudguards and a rack / back carrier for luggage. Many road bikes do not have fitting points on the frame for these.

15 years off a bike is nothing. I had a 37 year break.

kincsem

And immediately in adverts there is this at a nice price
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=76341708#post76341708

It is a 58cm frame. I'm 5'8" and ride a 54 cm. I guess you need to be 6'0"+ for that frame. See how the seller says he is more comfortable on a 56cm so is selling his 58cm. Getting the frame size right is very important.

deisecelt

Great stuff, thanks for the replys. I wont have the dough for about three weeks so ill suss out what frame size etc i am while im waiting. Sound!!

TheBlaaMan

You dont state your approx size, so I dont know if this suits.
http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/specialized-bike/847191
From your username, you may be close by? Let me know if interested.