First time buyer

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Hi gang. I am interested in getting into cycling, but the thing that's really putting me off is the cost of the bike. They are quite expensive. Can anyone recommend a decent beginner bike, say around 5-600 mark? Also could you point out what to look out for when buying a bike? So far I've learned that Carbon Fibre is really really expensive but that's about the height of it. Thanks.

djtwigster

I'm pretty much in the same boat as urself when it comes to road bikes and have done a lot of research on budget offerings and i am now waiting on the Decathlon store in Belfast to restock the B'Twin Triban 5a. Seems to be the best on offer at that price range 500 euro approx.

Raam

My advice: buy something that will last and which is going to ride nice. 5/600 Euro bikes just aren't that great, typically.

I spent 1,500 on my first road bike cos I knew that I was in this for the long run. Granted most of the parts have been changed, but the frame is still going strong 7 years later and it still has some of the original parts. I'm just speculating here, but if you buy a 5/600e bike then you are less likely to hang on to it for as long as I have mine. Maybe other folk still have 5/600e bikes that length of time, if so... good for them.

Buzwaldo

Should get a decent bike second hand for 500-600. Alu frame / carbon forks, decent groupset (tiagra or 105) from reputable brand (although may have to scan around for a while)
(Even see a good few carbon frame bikes sub 1000 now, but better to get alu / carbon fork in that range.)
Avoid new roadbikes sub 500, as generally heavy / uncomfortable (with seeming exception triban which gets good reviews, but I have no experience of)
Remember to keep some budget for accessories/gear, including decent padded shorts.

spoke2cun

Was in the same boat as yourself this time last year. Bought a Carrera TDF from Halfords without doing any research. Didn't want to spend too much in case I'd pack it in after a few months. When I eventually did some research and when I came across this site I realized that I had a heavy bike (12-13kg) with a very strong, big chain-set (52-39) and a cassette 26-12. It cost €429.99. Stuck with it for a year and have since bought a Giant Defy 1. Chain-set 50/34 and a cassette of 28-12. Alu frame and carbon forks. This is a super bike. I realize now that I should've done more research regarding my first purchase. But to be fair to the Carerra, it was a great training bike. Everything seems so much easier now on the Giant. From what I gather, the Triban at Decathlon sports looks like a very wise choice to start off with. Good luck anyway.

Colash

If your getting into cycling for the first time u really don't have to be spending the likes of 1500euro plus on a bike !!! No offence to the previous poster who stated that 500-600 bikes aren't great , but I think they are wrong . 600 quid will get your a quality entry level road bike . And there's plenty of choice so shop around . And above all , don't stress over the fact that people will tell u to buy this and buy that , all if which might set u back 1000 euros plus . See what u can afford and take it from there . Yes u can spend thousands on carbon framed road bikes and cycling gear ., but u can also spend hundreds and still be introduced to the great sport of cycling

spoke2cun

To Colash - Make sure who you are referring to regarding 'previous poster'. Thanks.

Zyzz

I have a red/black carrera as my training bike and it's a really solid bike, bit on the heavy side but that really isn't an issue..

Only mods I have done to it is reduced the original stem, added some clip less pedals and my good saddle. No problems at all with it

electronic

To the op I was in similar position to yourself a while ago wanting to buy a cheap roadbike as I couldnt avail of the bike to work scheme.After researching about bikes on various bike forums/sites I had in mind what I thought I wanted Carbon fork decent gears etc and kept my eye on Adverts.ie for bikes of a suitable size that I thought I wanted.The odd bike would come up that seemed decent but would be a few years old if a well known brand like trek giant etc with a good bit of mileage on it..I kept looking but came across the triban 3 being mentioned a good bit on sites and began looking into it.After a great review in cycle active magazine I decided I was going to go look at one in decatlon in belfast.As a result of said review in ca magazine Triban 3s were out of stock in pretty much every decatlon shop for months.The shop rang me when they got them in stock and I went up.Instead of looking on adverts for bikes in my supposed size I could get on the different sizes and try them for fit.One thing that was mentioned against the triban 3 was the gearset being 2300 with button shifters similar to alot of entry level bikes like specialised and others at 600 price point.When I got to decathlon they had their new 2013 models in and the new Triban5a.Same frame and carbon fork as the triban3 but with the sora 2013 groupset which was 9 speed with paddle shifters similar to 2012 tiagra.As a result I bought the triban 5 for £400 and have been delighted with it.No other bikes come close to it in terms of value.Carbon fork 9 speed proper shifters and weighs 10.5 kg.Wheels are fairly heavy and as you get better can be easily upgraded giving you a sub 10kg bike.Initially I was only going to look 2nd hand but after looking into it I got the above brand ndw bike with a 5 yr frame warranty(I think it is) and 2 yrs on parts.You also get a free service in the first 6 months.I have clocked up approx 300 km on it and love it.Im sure better bikes can be bought for 2nd hand but all the parts arent going to last as long and you dont have a fallback if anything goes wrong and Im very happy with mine.My lbs couldnt believe its price for what it is.Thats my 2 cents hope it helps.

Mr.Fred

Go second hand man. There's some bargains to be had. I was glued to adds on here and adverts done deal after a few weeks a nice allu/carbon fork bike with tiagra popped up and I got it for €200.

Look Pedals and cleats for €30

I managed to pick up a set of Aksium Race and tyres for €85 the other day that to a lad on here. Plan to upgrade the brake calipers next and I should have a Allu/Carbon bike with full Tiagra,Look Pedals and Aksium wheels for around €320.

It's by no means a pro bike but it only weighs around 8.5kgs so I'm happy with that.

For your first bike I wouldn't go to mad with buying the best because you'll quickly realise what you thought was the best is actually far from it and you'll end up replacing every component. If you're planning on racing and being competitive fair enough save up and spend a fortune but if it's just for exercise and a few long hauls buy a cheap decent well known brand and upgrade as you go.

Best of Luck I'm happy out with mine. Also spare about 60-140 for a pair of bib shorts depending on desired comfort.

I also picked up these shoes on sale and I'm happy out with them although may be a bit cold for winter. I'd never mention the T word on here

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-t10-triathlon-cycling-shoe/

H_S

I'm also just getting into cycling more for enjoyment than to be competitive. I was thinking of starting off on a good hybrid and see how that went. The thin wheels on the road bikes look like they could be daunting!!!

djtwigster

Just got my B'twin Triban 5a. Delighted with my purchase. How did u fare out donkeyoaty0099