Want to buy starter racer, but haven't much cash, any advice?Sales on anywwhere?

38Flowers

Hi All

From Mayo. Looking to buy starter racing bike, but don't have much cash to shed.Is it possible to get a second hand racer bike, or do you have to go new for the fit etc.(5'3, female). Also, was hoping for some advice on what to look for. I know most of you probably prefer talking about the more upmarket stuff, but I'd really appreciate some advice. Thanks a million!:)

Seaneh

What is your budget?

You could get a pretty decent new entry level bike for €400.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

lennymc

sports direct.com have cheap bikes. They dont look the best quality (im basing this on how they look and the bits on them, i have no direct experience. They could be great for all I know!!) , but are cheap

The bike linked above would be a better bike tho.

http://www.sportsdirect.com/viking-phantom-bike-mens-933045
http://www.sportsdirect.com/viking-vuelta-bike-933081

etc

38Flowers

Seaneh and Lennymc,
Thanks a million for both replies, that's a good start already!:)

Tonyandthewhale

Stay away from the viking stuff, it's dire stuff with absolutely zero quality control. The triban 3 is a well regarded budget option from a well established retailer. It won't be as lightweight and fancy as a more expensive road bike but corners have not been cut to deliver the absolute cheapest product imaginable as is the case with the viking bikes.

smacl

38Flowers wrote: »

Is it possible to get a second hand racer bike, or do you have to go new for the fit etc.(5'3, female).

2nd hand is fine, though you may find you need to replace certain parts earlier than with a new bike. At the same time you can end up with a way better bike for your money. Lovely starter bike here for €350, but quite a bit too big for you. Keep your eyes open though, next couple of months are a good time to pick up a 2nd hand bike.

38Flowers

thanks for that Tonyand thewhale and Smacl , really helpful posts. Much appreciated.

smacl

51cm Orbea in the adds here could be worth looking at.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056824957

Seaneh

smacl wrote: »

51cm Orbea in the adds here could be worth looking at.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056824957

Probably a bit big for her, she's only 5'3".

The 51cm has a 75cm standover according to their website. I guess it wouldn't be totally unheard of for a girl her height to have a 30" inseem though.

fatboypee

Seaneh wrote: »

What is your budget?

You could get a pretty decent new entry level bike for €400.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

I got one of these last weekend. NOTHING is entry level about it in my view. The only downside is its on the heavy side @ 10.35kg for a 57 size but you get free lights, clips etc and you can specify extras to be fitted (badly I may add :rolleyes: ) before you pick it up (not sure whether you can do this before its delivered tho).
I took the suggestion from here and all my scheming and searching I could find nothing to match component or quality new for sub 600 Euro (best I found was Giant Defy 5 or Boardman).

Must say, delighted and can't wait for the weekend to go on a big spin (just hoping the weather holds dry).

FBP.

mcgratheoin

fatboypee wrote: »

I got one of these last weekend. NOTHING is entry level about it in my view. The only downside is its on the heavy side @ 10.35kg for a 57 size but you get free lights, clips etc and you can specify extras to be fitted (badly I may add :rolleyes: ) before you pick it up (not sure whether you can do this before its delivered tho).

Got one of these 6 months ago or so for the OH and very very happy with it. I couldn't recommend it enough, although you may want to change the saddle - that's much more of a personal preference...

I switched the saddle for a ladies specific one also from Decathlon and herself is a lot happier with the setup now...

38Flowers

To the above posters: Thanks a million for all this advice..really appreciated!:)