Entry level bike

Sobraonain

Hey all, I'm looking at buying my first road bike and have not got a clue a to what I should go for. Ive looked in a few stores, halfords say the Carreras or Boardmans are the way to go. My brother got thevtrek 1.2 and seems happy with it. I'm planning on doing quite a lot of cycling over the next 6 months as I will be doing a charity cycle around Ireand. Any recommendations or suggestions would be great.
Thanks.

Maidhci

I had a Trek 1.2 roadbike for 2 years, upgraded late last year, it was a fairly good bike. At time of upgrading, I did quite alot of research on the various bikes / models available etc., but must confess I did not check out Halfords. There is a range of good quality bikes on the market, would strongly advise that you research this aspect very well - narrow your options down to 2 or 3 models, check out the bikes for comfort, frame size etc., note the components available on the different models etc. etc. It would be best to post what your budget is - this will enable me to advise on what I would consider to be a good bike for that budget. Unless you are doing a bike-to-work purchase, there are very good second-hand bikes available online, such as DoneDeal - but if you are not an experienced cyclist, it would be a good idea to have someone more experienced check it out for you. Best of luck.

TonyStark

Rather than a recommendation. Any bikes to avoid? or things to look for on bikes that could cause annoyance?

Sobraonain

TonyStark wrote: »

Rather than a recommendation. Any bikes to avoid? or things to look for on bikes that could cause annoyance?

Thanks guys,
I'm working off a budget of about €1000 on the cycle to work scheme. Possibly a little less to allow for equipment but if the right bike came ip I'd put it all towards it.

shaka

Boardmans seem ok but I'd stay away from Carreras , have trek 1.5 and can't complain. Giant seem to a bit better value than the trek so I'd visit local LBS and have a chat with him - as for halfords , I don't have much faith in their advice

shaka

Btw your LBS might have a higher end second hand bike that might be looking at.

Dermot Illogical

Halfords wouldn't be high up my list of places to go for advice tbh, although the Boardman bikes seem decent.
Try some local bike shops for a wider selection, and keep in mind there's usually a little bit of wiggle room on price. There are some lovely bikes in your price range.

Seaneh

At under a grand, this is about the best deal you will get in Ireland.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=56914

That frame has hand-me-down geometry and technology from the Cannondale SuperSix Evo and the spec for the money is pretty damned good, the finishing kit is lovely in person too.

yabadabado

cyclesuperstore have the Felt F75 for €1100.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Sobraonain wrote: »

Ive looked in a few stores, halfords say the Carreras or Boardmans are the way to go.

Thats because theyre the only two brands of road bikes that Halfords sell so naturally theyre going to recommend them. I'd go to your LBS as i think you'll get a better deal even using the BTW scheme. Halfords staff have little or no say in prices as theyre just employees of a large retailer whereas LBS's generally have some sway room on prices and you'll find a better range of prices.

You can pick up the Ridley Compact with 10spd Tiagra for around the grand mark, theyre a very good bike,comfortable and very light for an aluminium framed bike (8.7kg) I am slightly biased as i have one but I'd still recommend one.

Sobraonain

yabadabado wrote: »

cyclesuperstore have the Felt F75 for €1100.

I've had a look at their website but they don't seem to have that bike.

petethedrummer

shaka wrote: »

Boardmans seem ok but I'd stay away from Carreras ,

Carreras are grand. It wouldn't fall apart on you. The cheaper ones are a bit agricultural looking but there's a black one they do that looks really nice. Not sure what model it is.

yabadabado

Sobraonain wrote: »

I've had a look at their website but they don't seem to have that bike.

sorry
checked it again .It was eurocycles and it is €1149.Only a few sizes left.
http://eurocycles.com/ie/product/felt/f75-roadbike
I doubt it was ever €1999 must be a misprint.

Graupel

Got a Carrera Virtuoso as my first road bike about 3 months ago, Have had no problems whatsoever with it. It's light enough (but bear in mind I'm coming from heavy ****e argos bikes) and nippy enough for me.

markens2

In the exact same boat a few months ago. I ended up talking to a friend and he recommended the felt z85.
http://www.wheelworx.ie/bikes/road-bikes/road-bikes-men/Z85-2012
I know nothing about cycling but have to say I like the bike and it seems easy to me.
The best advice I got was to go into a LBS and tell them exactly what you want and what you know.... even if you know nothing.

unichall

Seaneh wrote: »

At under a grand, this is about the best deal you will get in Ireland.

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=56914

That frame has hand-me-down geometry and technology from the Cannondale SuperSix Evo and the spec for the money is pretty damned good, the finishing kit is lovely in person too.

+1 good bike for very good price

Sobraonain

What are your thoughts in the Kelly's range of bikes, are they overpriced or worth their money. LBS has a Kelly's 1.9 second hand bike. Only done 150km.

Cee-Jay-Cee

Sobraonain wrote: »

What are your thoughts in the Kelly's range of bikes, are they overpriced or worth their money. LBS has a Kelly's 1.9 second hand bike. Only done 150km.

What price and what spec? The older 1.9 had sora gearset which are ok for a starter bike. The lad i cycle with has a kellys 1.9 Arc, does the job he wants and coped well with a 120km sportive during the summer. Think he paid around the 700 mark for it a couple of years ago.

unichall

It would all depend on price but I would consider the cannondale recommended above to be a superior bike to the kellys 1.9. If you can compare spec it might give you a better idea as to which is better value

Sobraonain

Thanks guys, it's the Kelly's 1.9 Arc, sora breaks and shims no gear set. Asking price of €675. I've a photo of bike below.

Sobraonain

That should have read shimano gear set.

shaka

Ya but what shimano ? Sora ,tiagra, 105 etc

route66

Front Crankset looks like Tiagra.

Nice looking bike!

Sobraonain

I think it's the sora gear set. Have pic below.