Advice Needed On Buying New Bike - œ600 Budget

Dearo · May 2007

Hi all !

I have been riding a MTB (Road Use Only) for 4 months and now have the bug for cycling. I would like to purchase a road bike and I have a budget up to œ600 (Told the wife œ400).

I am 5ft 9" and weigh 18.5 stone. Yes a Tellytubby I know, but hey I've got that down from 22 STONE and I'm still loosing by the week.

I have been informed by my local bike shop that a 56cm Medium Specialized Allez is my frame size, however I have noticed that sellers on Ebay class other Bike Manufacturers frame sizes as 56cm Large and 54cm as Medium, I'am totally confused...

Could anyone suggest a suitable first road bike which would give me many hours of pleasure.

Please excuse my blatant ignorance and knowledge, but hey we all have to start somewhere..

I look forward to your kind advice !!!

Regards

Dearo

woody-som · May 2007

The size quoted is not a standard across all makes. As this is your first bike, and you've spoken to your LBS, go sit on a few bikes, and ride them around the car park if they will let you. Find one that fits you, regardless of what size the frame is.

I'm 5,11 and have a medium Giant OCR, thats a 54 frame, but also a Van Nicolas with a 56 frame, both are the same dimensions (near enough) and fit me.

Any of the major makes and you won't go far wrong, Giant, Specialized, Treck, etc. Just buy the one with the best frame you can, and don't worry about groupsets and wheels so much, these are upgradeable as and when you want. œ600 will buy you a very nice bike, don't forget pedals, and shoes though.

welcome to the forum, and good lick with your choice, hope you enjoy what ever you buy.

chris

Zendog1 · May 2007

Unless specialized have changed their descriptions in the last couple of years a 56cm is a large.

Dearo · May 2007

Looks like the Saturday Boy at the LBS gave me duff info then !! Little Oik !! Thanks for the correct info Mate !!

Dearo

durham · May 2007

Hi, Im the same height as you. 5ft 8" with an inside leg of 29.5". I ride two bikes a 54 dawes audax and a 53 lemond both are sized just fine. Personally, I suspect a 56cm may be a bit big for you. You might feel to stretched out. You will only know for certain if you go a long to a couple of lbs and sit on the frames.

My first bike was a lemond reno which was a great plenty upgradable bike which lasted me 3 years. You can pick up last years model for 550.00 from evans which will leave you 50 for pedals and other essentials.

Whatever bike you go for also consider whether to go for a triple or double. Depending on your fitness and how lumpy it is in your area!

2191flint · May 2007

Dearo, Specialized allez '06 for sale!!! (see photo's) all upgraded, so you won't need to do any of that ! if you are interested, drop me a mail at flintosaur9@aol.com lovely bike, got to go though so I can fund my next bike, a full carbon Wilier Mortirolo, much as I love my bike the Mrs says it'll have to go so I can put a deposit on the Mortirolo.

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.

Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

Dearo · May 2007

Thanks Mr. 2191flint nice bike !! I have just forwarded you an email mate !!

Cheers

2191flint · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dearo

Thanks Mr. 2191flint nice bike !! I have just forwarded you an email mate !!

Cheers
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thankyou, I have replied.

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.

Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

steve palmer · May 2007

Dearo - you and I are a similar weight and I have visited my LBS on numerous occassions for a new (stronger) rim, spokes etc. If flints bike suits it looks like a bargain given the excellent aksiums it seems to be fitted with. These are incredibly strong wheels and you will need them!

Dearo · May 2007

Thanks for your valued comments Steve !

It is indeed a bargain, this bike is MINT... Mr. Flint has certainly looked after this bike with a lot of pride and jealousy from other riders...

It was sad to take the bike off him and yes I think there was a small tear running down his face !!

Dearo

2191flint · May 2007

Martin,

You noticed![:I] it certainly was a wrench, but I have placed an order for the Wilier, so I will get over it...eventually, as I said, hope you get as much enjoyment out of the bike as I did, and make sure you keep it as clean as it was when you took her away! I will expect a full report after your first sortie, as will other interested forumites!

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.

Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

spasypaddy · May 2007

surely you should now change your sig flint... its not your bike anymore!

http://img501.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bikeim9.jpg

gavintc · May 2007

Congrats dearo, the pics show a well looked after bike. Welcome to the wonderful, weird world of the roadie. BTW, it is recommended that you shave your legs now. :-)[:)][:D][:D]

2191flint · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by spasypaddy

surely you should now change your sig flint... its not your bike anymore!

http://img501.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bikeim9.jpg
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
All in good time, all in good time[:D]

A turkey is just for Christmas, not for life.

Me and my bike- http://aolpictures.aol.co.uk/galleries/flintosaur9/

Dearo · May 2007

Thanks All !

Gavin, I have just sent the Mrs. Dearo down to Boots to get some Immac ! Gonna shave the legs , sack, back and crack !! (The things we do for extra speed eh)

Will keep you all informed with my progress and hopefully this time next year I shall be competing in the Tour De France !

Regards

Dearo

Unknown · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Gonna shave the legs , sack, back and crack !!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That was a little too much info. [:0]

cheers,

Rich (A commuter at last)

Advice Needed On Buying New Bike - œ600 Budget

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