Road bike recommendations for beginner.

EireEV

Hi,

I'm sure people have posted a similar question here before but can't seem to find any recent threads.

As the title suggests I'm pretty new to cycling and am looking for some recommendations when it comes to roads bike in the price range €750 - €1500. I'm doing the Achill Roar in Sep and am looking at participating in Duathlons going forward so I want something reliable that will allow me build up the mileage as looking at doing longer distances - over 100k

A friend of mine told me to look for a bike more designed for comfort and not too aggressively designed for speed as a first road bike as I wouldn't have built up the muscles in my back to ride aggressive bikes initially - not sure how true this is

Thanks.
EireEV

kuro_man

budget start
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777859_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#tab2

budget end
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777709_langId_-1_categoryId_212536#tab2

you can get a 15% discount if you know someone with AXA car insurance

AlfaZen

Best thing to do is to go down to your LBS and test ride a few bikes in your price range. Until you get on a bike you won't know what is the best geometry for you.

My first road bike bought 18 months ago was a Specialized Allez @€;800. I got a Corratec Dolomiti (more expensive bike/better group set) last summer but sold it as it didn't feel as good as the Spesh. I have since upgraded the group set and the wheels on the Spesh. I find the frame has the perfect set up for me.

Still - I long to get a full carbon but I think it will be a Specialized when the time comes.

mick4_2000

I bought this and i'm very happy with it:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/defy.3/9014/48855/

It was 799 in my LBS. It got me around the Ring of Kerry after 5 weeks training. I had not looked at a bike in 10 years before that.

Chaineri

If you havent bought a bike yet cheapest deals are on line. Check out chain reaction cycles, wiggle, ribble, and the dolan website. Something with an aluminum frame and carbon forks should do you. Read up on gearing ( groupsets). Decide if you need a compact chainset or triple.

Also, look at deals on entry level Trek, Specialised, Scott, Bianchi, the scope out there is massive, but you should do ok on E 700 - E 850.00. good luck..

senordingdong

Personally I opted for a hybrid because I just don't think road bikes are made for Irish 'roads'.

Would you be able to avail of the cycle to work scheme?