Purchasing first bike

julio arca

Hi guys,

First of all I would like to apologise for the nature of the thread, I am sure you see them every day.

I am planning on purchasing a new bike on the BTW scheme for my daily commute (25 k round trip) this weekend. I will be availing of the bike to work scheme and am looking at spending €700 max.

The bikes I have been looking at are as follows:

Giant Defy: http://www.mycycle.ie/giant-defy-4-2012-p/3453534534.htm

Specialized Allez: http://www.mycycle.ie/road-bike-p/776578889.htm

Merida Ride 77: http://www.bikestore.ie/all-road-bikes-1/road-bikes-mens/merida/merida-ride-77-road-racing-bike-2011.html

Can you kind folks please advise which one of the above would suit my needs and also give me the best "bang for my buck". Also what other items would be essential to have starting off i.e clothing etc.

Alternatively, if you guys have any other suggestions in my price range I would be delighted to hear them.

Thanks in advance.

BMKN

You should check out eurocycle euro baby for deals and they are very good after care service, my chain broke off and they replaced it with a new chain worth 50e free of charge, My bike was 1800 down to 999e so its definitely worth checking out.

cycle4life

Only cycling 3 months myself so I can tell you what I got and what I needed.

I actually have the Defy 4 and I really like it, some people think its a bit industrial with the square tubing and I will probably upgrade it as I am really getting into cycling but its a good sturdy bike IMO.

In regards to what to get; if you are planning on doing a bit of cycling you will need shorts, and to be honest, at the start you should also invest in a pair of padded undershorts too and double up until you acclimatise to the saddle!

Definitely go with shoes and clip in pedals, I got double sided clip in pedals and I think they are great, especially for a beginner. I also got a pair of overshoe covers as my feet were freezing, since I bought them my rides have been a lot more comfortable.

Themal longsleeve under-jersey plus a cycling jersey as you will need the back pockets. I also invested in a waterproof gilet as I found the jacket was too warm but I needed an extra layer so the gilet was perfect (plus its an uber cool skeleton gilet). I also got a small saddle-post bag and I have my spare tube, tyre forks and also a set of alan keys and adjustable spanner (plus a few cable ties, I always have cable ties!).

Other necessities include the obvious helmet, glasses are also very handy - especially non fogging ones. Bottles and bottle cages and a pump (you can get a C02 pump which some seem to favour but I just went with the traditional mini pump). Make sure you also get some energy gels and bars if you are out cycling.

Hope this helps!