Starter Bike....which would you choose

Ascii

Hi there... Want to switch from my old mountain bike to a racer. My aim is to do a couple of dualathons during the year circa 20km so it will not be used for long races. I would envisage between my jogging training it will only be used for a short spin evey four or five days, or maybe cycle to work the odd day during the summer. Budget is limited thats why I have identified the following two. Anyone with any opinions or that was in the same position recently, I would appreciate the advice. Being a novice I am open to other peoples experiences. Alternatively is there anywhere in Ireland that can do similar bikes for similar money. Anywhere I look, even for good second hands seem way out of my league

Thanks

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/700C-Ecosmo-Road-Racing-Bike-21-Speed-Shimano-700SR18W-/190786048382?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c6bbc117e

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003DZ15CQ/ref=s9_simh_se_p200_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=auto-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=33B4518A24C44ED0BB2B&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=240112507&pf_rd_i=biclcye

macnab

Most people on here will answer: Neither.
Neither of those bikes are suitable for competitive use. They are built on a very small budget using cheap parts that are only useful for light recreational use. If you want to buy a product that will last a long time and withstand the stresses and strains a competition level bike is subjected to then IMO you will have to spend over €400 on a new bike.
To put that into context, I am a 45 year old man weighing 65kg and putting out an average of about 250w, I would not trust the components on those bikes to withstand my modest output. I doubt the chain would take too many 350w+ struggles up Sally Gap and I would not put my trust in the brakes at 70kmh going down the far side.
If you want a cheap competitive bike then look at the Carrera line in Halfords, or better still buy 2nd hand.

Seaneh

Ascii wrote: »

Hi there... Want to switch from my old mountain bike to a racer. My aim is to do a couple of dualathons during the year circa 20km so it will not be used for long races. I would envisage between my jogging training it will only be used for a short spin evey four or five days, or maybe cycle to work the odd day during the summer. Budget is limited thats why I have identified the following two. Anyone with any opinions or that was in the same position recently, I would appreciate the advice. Being a novice I am open to other peoples experiences. Alternatively is there anywhere in Ireland that can do similar bikes for similar money. Anywhere I look, even for good second hands seem way out of my league

Thanks

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/700C-Ecosmo-Road-Racing-Bike-21-Speed-Shimano-700SR18W-/190786048382?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c6bbc117e

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003DZ15CQ/ref=s9_simh_se_p200_d1_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=auto-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=33B4518A24C44ED0BB2B&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=240112507&pf_rd_i=biclcye

As the poster above rightly said, nobody here would go near either of them, they are just false economy. You'd spend double the price replacing parts over the space of a year, easily.

You'd be better off stumping the €350 for a Decathlon Triban 3 which you can have it delivered to the Republic using either Parcel Motel or by calling the Decathlon shop in Belfast and buying over the phone, they will ship to the south from that store, or you could just drive up and collect it yourself.

Or better yet, buy second hand. You can usually pick up a very decent entry level bike for €250-350 on adverts.ie or the sub forum here.

SERCPRO

I agree, you're wasting your money, a good second hand one on donedeal.ie would be a wiser decision with a decent wheelset and good groupset and a well named brand of bike.

macnab

Seaneh wrote: »

You'd be better off stumping the €350 for a Decathlon Triban 3 which you can have it delivered to the Republic using either Parcel Motel or by calling the Decathlon shop in Belfast and buying over the phone, they will ship to the south from that store, or you could just drive up and collect it yourself

That Triban 3 would be hard to beat for value.

Colash

Check out the carerra tdf in Halfords . I bought one a few week ago an can't fault it . I got it on an offer at 409euros but I think it's back up in price at 620euros now ..I use it 2 or 3 times a week as a form of cardio training an I will be using it to cycle to work next month also . It's a good entry level bike an would be on the same par as the trib3 I'd say

Tar.Aldarion

Definitely get a second hand one with your budget.

spyderski

macnab wrote: »

To put that into context, I am a 45 year old man weighing 65kg and putting out an average of about 250kw, I would not trust the components on those bikes to withstand my modest output. I doubt the chain would take too many 350+ kw struggles up Sally Gap and I would not put my trust in the brakes at 70kmh going down the far side.

Might want to recalibrate that power meter! :-)

macnab

spyderski wrote: »

Might want to recalibrate that power meter! :-)

Sneeky little K's, turn your back for a second and they are in like a light, multiplying things by 1000 ;-)

Ascii

That seems to be end of that then...I appreciate the advice :rolleyes:

merc230ce

FWIW last year I bought myself an '08 Trek 1.2 for €325 and the above-mentioned Triban 3 for my son for a little more (can't remember what the exact price was in euro). Nothing wrong with either of them, good 'gateway' bikes.