Looking at starter bikes
Hi all im new around here.
I have always loved cycling but I have always been on a mountain bike. Now I would like to experience some road cycling.
I suppose I could push to œ400 maybe a touch over if worth it on a bike. I have been looking around but if I am honest I have no idea what I am looking for.
Basically I would like a good road/racer.
I did look at the Guess RB1 on supercycles... any thoughts?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
I have always loved cycling but I have always been on a mountain bike. Now I would like to experience some road cycling.
I suppose I could push to œ400 maybe a touch over if worth it on a bike. I have been looking around but if I am honest I have no idea what I am looking for.
Basically I would like a good road/racer.
I did look at the Guess RB1 on supercycles... any thoughts?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Scottya</i>
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Patience is a virtue...
The pessimists of this world are rarely disappointed....
Fab's TCR10 -
If you stick to recognised brands at that price point they you should be able to pick up something decent. These would generally be Trek, Giant and Specialised at œ400.
Something else to look at would be these bikes:
http://tinyurl.com/2z5gre
I have the 2006 version, and it's good value.
The most important thing you need to think about if you are new to road bikes (as I was 5 months ago) is getting the right size bike, and getting the right style. A road bike is a much more extreme, aerodynamic position that a MTB, which can mean back/neck/hand pain if you are not used to it. Some road bikes are more extreme, and some more upright.
If you want a more upright/relaxed position, look at the Trek Pilot or Giant SCR range. If you want more extreme racy position look at Trek 1000, Giant OCR, Specialized Allez.
Also think about whether you need mudguards and a rack, as some bikes can take them and some not.
Finally, the best value out there will be second-hand, but you won't get the advice you'd get in a shop, and no free 6 week service etc.
where there's two wheels, there's a way....
where there's two wheels, there's a way....0 -
I think I would go for a more racy position...
And are there any thoughts on the Guess RB1???0 -
I think there's better value from better known brands:
This Giant OCR 2 has better components and is cheaper:
http://tinyurl.com/2av9r3
Same goes for this Specialized Allez for the same price:
http://tinyurl.com/2zmkxk
That supercycles website looks seriously dodgy as well. Selling bikes and cheap watches? Might be fine, but I wouldn't spend my money there. Seem to be mainly an Ebay seller.
My first choice would be to look for something in a local bike shop so you can test ride it and get the right size. You should find decent prices on 2006 models.
where there's two wheels, there's a way....
where there's two wheels, there's a way....0 -
Well Bike Trax is a 2 min drive from me
They are a Specialized and Trek dealer.
What would be the better bet over the Giant or specialized?0 -
Then ask about a Specialised Allez or a Trek 1200. If they can get to around œ450 then it'll be a good buy. Ask if they have 2006 models as they should be cheaper.
If they can't match the online prices then you can always be cheeky - test ride their bikes to find out what size you need, then buy online.
where there's two wheels, there's a way....
where there's two wheels, there's a way....0 -
Are supercycles still going? They used to have a shop near me but it's now a raleigh dealership.0
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<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Scottya</i>
What would be the better bet over the Giant or specialized?
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The Giant has better gear shifters, and is a 'triple', meaning three chainrings at the front giving you 27 gears, and a set of gears lower than the Allez.
The Allez is a 'double', meaning two chainrings at the front, which will make it harder to get up hills, but has a carbon seatpost which may be a bit more comfy.
I'd probably buy the Giant.
where there's two wheels, there's a way....
where there's two wheels, there's a way....0 -
Since you're in Brentwood, Scottya, get yourself along to the Biketrax shop in the town, just down from the main street. They'll sort you out. I think they deal in Specialised and Trek.0
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Thanks Big T... I know about BikeTrax as I mentioned earlier on.
I will certainly poke my nose in
I also have no idea on sizes... I am 6' 5" tall if that helps... with long legs!0 -
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Scottya</i>
I think I would go for a more racy position...
And are there any thoughts on the Guess RB1???
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">
Hi again, thought somebody would have the time...you just posted during a traditionally slow time (going home-ish).
The Guess RB1 has had a favourable review in the C+ magazine for a budget TT machine, otherwise I think they have been given the OK.
Thing is, it's a really competitive price point and there is a lot of good gear as already mentioned above.
OK, normal questions sorround usage. Think about whether uyou will ever want:
Mudguards (for winter and commuting)
A rack for commuting and light credit-card touring.
Gearing for a lot of big hill work.
A full "race-position" or something that might be a bit less severe, but still drop bars.
The Spesh Allez is probably the best true race bike for œ500 ish, but no full guards or rack possibilities.
Trek 1000 can take full guards and a rack, still racy.
Trek Pilot and Giant SCR 3.0, both take racks, guards, have triple chain-sets for all hill use and can be set-up as Race position or with slightly higher bars for a more relaxed long-distance position.
8 speed is fine, but 9 is a big step-up wards with more compatability.
Shimano 105 better than Tiagra which is better than Sora.
Do a search, there is lots of info buried on this forum.
Finally, try before you buy and get good sizing and fitting info.
Keep asking questions, they nearly always get answered.
Cheers and Welcome!
The pessimists of this world are rarely disappointed....
Fab's TCR10 -
Thanks Fab been a great help!!!
I must say I do like the look of the Specialized Allez and the Giant SCR 2.00 -
What's the high spec on these bikes then?
Are you going to be selling them cheaper than Tesco currently are?
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<font size="1">What we need is a new, national <b>White Bicycle Plan</b></font id="size1">__________________________________________________________
<font>What we need is a new, national <b>White Bicycle Plan</b></font>0 -
The mudguards and rack consideration is worth noting. Most people buy a cheaper bike when they start using a road bike. After a couple of years they want something better and buy something more exotic however they don't want to use the new bike during the winter. If your initial bike is suited for winter use then it doesn't just sit in the back of the shed.0
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HI, i bought a guess rb1 three months ago. Use it regularly doing upto 100 milers. No regrets at all. On buying it Supercycles gave me a great deal, upgrading the groupset and still getting it for well less than RRP, so get haggling!!!0
