Advice

fabvinny

Hi guys,only started cycling in April and bought a cheap hybrid bike in halfords as I didn't want to spend big money in case I didn't stick it out!
In fairness,its a grand bike but thinking of upgrading to a road bike,don't want to spend crazy money but still want something decent. I'm 6 foot tall ,weight about 15 stone and would welcome any advice on what to buy.
Thanks.

happytramp

Most entry level road bikes cost in the region of €600 however a few places have very good value bikes for considerably cheaper.

Halford's Carrera TDF is good for the money
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_810707_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

But the best value seems to be Decathlon sports 'Triban' series bikes but you'd need to go up north to buy one.

For the €400 mark you could get something very good second hand on adverts.ie/donedeal.ie/gumtree.ie. I should warn you if you go down that road to avoid any of the viking/giro/corratec bikes that are selling as 'new' for around €400 they are largely rubbish.

endacl

Always check the current discounts from the likes of CRC/Wiggle etc...

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=2156&SortBy=DiscountDESC

http://www.wiggle.com/cycle/road-time-trial-bikes/?o=5

theSHU

The main thing to focus on a road bike are the components (gearing etc.). Shimano's components are ranked as follows:

From worst to best.

2200
2300
Sora
Tiagra
105
Ultegra
Dura Ace

If you buy a bike with cheap components the gears will not shift as smoothly and will grind etc. Try to get at least Sora.

Gers_punto

just to let you know until friday instore the tdfs are down to 313