Starter Road Bike

Matt406

Hi,

I’m in the market for my first road bike (I currently have a cheap Halford’s Apollo hybrid) and I’m looing for suggestions. As this will be my first proper bike I know almost nothing about road bikes. I have been looking at the Boardman Road Team Carbon or a Trek 2.1. Any opinions on these two bikes? What else should I be considering? I will be buying the bike on the “biketowork” scheme and €1500 is the limit on what I’m willing to spend. Am I being silly spending that much money on my first proper road bike; should I start out on something cheaper? Any feedback much appreciated. Thanks.

kincsem

Spend ~€100 on a Kryptonite New York or Abus Granit lock. Don't buy a cable lock.

I'm assuming you want the bike for commuting to work. You didn't say what you want the bike for!!!

Decisions
Gearing (flat or hilly commute?)
Rear rack/carrier, bags
Helmet, shoes, gloves, bib tights, jersey(s), jacket

You should probably make a list of candidate bikes starting here http://www.bikeradar.com/road/ and check chainreactioncycles.com and wiggle.co.uk. A sensible approach is to know your frame size, identify the makes/models you want, then haunt the adverts section above for weeks until a good second-hand bike if offered. You might get a very good bike for about half of the new price.

I like Specialized bikes.

Bigus

Go for this its all you'll ever need
http://planetxireland.com/products-page/rt57/planet-x-rt-57-sram-force-build/


It will also stop you aspiring to something even dearer if you don't go the whole hog this time, I bought one two weeks ago after agonising over all the options, couldn't be happier and athlone's not that far away, same bike two years ago would be double the money at least. IMHO

Sh*te its gone up by 100 euro !
still good value though to put and end to all the wondering how much to go and spend:D

agore21

I bought a Ridgeback Flight 03 before Xmas on the bike to work scheme. Just over €1000. Good bike for what I wanted although I've nothing to compare it to seeing as it's my first bike since I was a teenager. Good hybrid for commuting or long distance road cycling. Definitely not an off road though, racing wheels so built for realtive speed/distance.

http://www.ridgeback.co.uk/bike/flight-03

Matt406

Hi All,

I’m after taking the plunge and buying a Felt F75. Aside from the usual accessories for the bike – lights, bike computer, saddle bag, spare tube, etc. What clothing would you consider as essential? I just want to get the essentials for now and can add to it in time when I have a better idea what I want/need?

Also aside from www.wiggle.co.uk & www.chainreactioncycles.com what other websites are good for accessories? Thanks.

G rock

Matt406 wrote: »

Hi All,

I’m after taking the plunge and buying a Felt F75. Aside from the usual accessories for the bike – lights, bike computer, saddle bag, spare tube, etc. What clothing would you consider as essential? I just want to get the essentials for now and can add to it in time when I have a better idea what I want/need?

Also aside from www.wiggle.co.uk & www.chainreactioncycles.com what other websites are good for accessories? Thanks.

What pedals did you get? Might need some road shoes if you got spd or similar pedals.

Other than that, bib shorts, maybe a jersey, and I'd get a base layer or two. With a jersey and the proper base layer you're pretty much covered for this time of year.

I like the merino ones, keep you dry and warm.

Oh, gloves too!

I've found the german websites to be good value lately:
Bike24.de
Bike-discount.de
Rose bikes.de

Also check out prendas.co.uk, Probikekit

Even the planet x website has sometimes good clothing bargains

Now, be prepared to kiss your money goodbye!

colm_gti

G rock wrote: »

Other than that, bib shorts, maybe a jersey, and I'd get a base layer or two. With a jersey and the proper base layer you're pretty much covered for this time of year.

I like the merino ones, keep you dry and warm.

Oh, gloves too!

Yeah definitely get bib shorts and some baselayers, gloves and thick socks are a good idea too, you won't be moving your hands and feet a whole lot and they can get very cold, especially if you haven't got great circulation like me.

G rock wrote: »

Now, be prepared to kiss your money goodbye!

Haha never a truer word spoken! It's a slippery slope!

colm_gti

Also, nice bike, it was on my shortlist 2 weeks ago before I took the plunge!