Road bikes

Spud123

Sorta stuck on deciding a road bike, only have around œ500 and want something quick - previous MTB rider so also need new shoes etc. any recommendations or advice (new or second hand)

2191flint

Plenty of entry level bikes at that price point, I started with a Specialized allez double, loved it, upgraded it to bits then sold it on. But as an entry level bike, even if you only change the wheels, which although not necessary would make a difference, then IMHO you wont go far wrong, lowest frame set weight at that price point too, all up weight in the region of 21 lbs IIRC.

Signature free - with immediate effect.


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

Unknown

I got my first road bike last year from MTBing. I got a Giant SCR3 , but for your budget you could get a SCR2. More upright riding position than some Road bikes ideal for those of use from MTB background, and when i got mine i got Shimano M520 pedals fitted so i could use my MTB SPD shoes until i got round to upgrading the clothes

Bike Piccies

henderson_mk

if it's any good to you I'm selling a spesh allez at the mo with upgraded chainset and wheels.

see here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250134761417&rd=1&rd=1

may be willing to end early for the right offer?

==========================
cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

2191flint

There you go spud123, looks like it's got your name all over it !![;)] go on make him an offer.

Signature free - with immediate effect.


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

Spud123

bike looks great but think it may be the wrong size! what is the best sorta size? is it best to have a small frame to reduce weight?

2191flint

You need a frame that is going to fit you, I'm 5'9" 31" inseam I ride a 56cm frame, but you need to take other measurements into consideration too, a lot of fine tuning can be done with adjusting seat post height stem length, crank length, but you can do all that yourself, or get fitted at <u>www.bikefitting.com</u> hope this helps.

Signature free - with immediate effect.


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

henderson_mk

a frame that fits is more important than weight saving mate...

what height/inside leg etc are you?

if its any help, its a 100mm stem, but I have longer one too that I can put on. top tube is 56.5 cm.

==========================
cheese. to be eaten, not listened to.

Markta

For your budget, something like a Spesh Allez, Giant or Trek 1000 would be the ideal first bike and all are established brands and get good reviews from consumers

http://mrkta.myphotoalbum.com/albums.php

Spud123

Think I gave you the wrong idea henderson_mk - i think the bike is too big! height: 165 inside leg: 78 but you have persuaded me to go second hand! does anyone know any sites that are reliable? Might go to the bike shop anyhows as I have been told that they tell you what size frame and style of bike is best - is this true?

DavidTQ

The giants are available with some serious price reductions as they are clearing out for the 08 models Ive picked up a top of the range GiantSCR1 for œ600 its normal price is œ850! Got mine from www.winstanleysbikes.com but theres a few shops offering the same deals.

Rich Hcp

I got an Allez Sport with Tiagra for œ599.

I pick it up on Friday

But hurry! They are running out fast!

Richard

Best thing I ever bought for a bike?
Padded shorts![:D]

Spud123

Looking at the GiantSCR1, but am in need of some help on sizings as on this: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/tec ... mpactroad/ link it says that the frames are smaller than standard (sorta realized that when it said (NN).5cm) and am wondering what the conversion is.

DavidTQ

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Spud123</i>

Looking at the GiantSCR1, but am in need of some help on sizings as on this: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/tec ... mpactroad/ link it says that the frames are smaller than standard (sorta realized that when it said (NN).5cm) and am wondering what the conversion is.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

I just went by their heigh chart on that link, I believe on a normal road frame I would take 54cm on the giant I took a 50cm.

I really get along well with my SCR 1, it seriously shifts compared to my old hybrid, So much faster, and feels far more nimble, and the gear shifting is a dream compared to my old MTB geared hybrid, no rattle and clang as it changes up a gear [:D]

I test rode the SCR2 at a LBS, but I think you can really feel the difference with the SCR 1 especially accelerating from the lights and shifting gear. Hill climbing seems way easier than expected as well.

Unknown

5'5" and 31" inside leg? Relatively quite long in the leg then? H mk's spesh is ceratinly too big.
Starting point I guess a c.50cm c to top (virtual i,e, as if a horizontal top tube)but you will probably need a short stem.

d.j.
"Not much to see,
Not much left to lose"

il_principe

you can't go wrong with the Allez - that was my first road bike too.

My Best Bike

Spud123

Err a bit more help, sorry, still querying the GiantSCR1, this years model, which is on offer, is this better than waiting for next years model to be discounted? What are the differences (eg. old has 30 gear new has 20 so weight reduced though this could be upgraded anyhow but u get the idea) and will they make a difference to performance?

DavidTQ

Next years SCR1 will probably still be 105 groupset so the weight saved is just the weight of one cog at the front, and will make hills more challenging. Have you got a spec list for the 08 SCR1? Its rare that a new years model is significantly upgraded over the previous year. Normally it will have a graphics update and some minor playing with saddles etc. If youve got the spec list we can compare it and tell you but œ for œ this years model at œ250 off will be a far better deal.

allaction

Next years maybe a compact as opposed to the triple on this years model. Essentially it's a compromise between a double chainring and a triple. You get most of the gears but not quite as low as a triple. If I were you I'd get this years model and maybe for your next bike get a compact. I have an 06 SCR3, which I love. I've just bought a cannondale which is 56cm whereas my SCR is a 50 cm (medium) I have 32Inch leg. I'd reccomend you track down a local supplier and try one first even if you buy of the net.

Spud123

New spec is:
SIZES 42, 46.5, 50, 55.5, 58.5cm
FRAME ALUXX aluminium, Fluid Formed, Compact Road Design
FORK T700 carbon composite, aluminium steerer
SHOCK N/A
HANDLEBAR GIANT Comp aluminium
STEM GIANT Comp aluminium ahead
SEAT POST GIANT carbon composite
SADDLE Selle Royal Viper
PEDALS N/A
SHIFTERS Shimano 105 30 speed STI
FRONT MECH Shimano 105
REAR MECH Shimano 105
BRAKES Shimano BR600
BRAKE LEVER Shimano 105 STI
CASSETTE Shimano 105 11-25
CHAIN Shimano 105
CRANKS TruVativ Elita GXP 34/50
BOTTOM BRACKET TruVativ Giga X Pipe
RIMS GIANT IOU 333
HUBS GIANT IOU 333
SPOKES DT competition
TYRES Michelin Dynamic 700x25mm
And yes, I will be taking a trip to the bike shop to look at a few and get sizings right.

Spud123

needa know if the new bike is better quickly cos otherwise i will spend money on other stuff - please help and quick!

Rich Hcp

I'd go with the 2007 bike.



Richard

Best thing I ever bought for a bike?
Padded shorts![:D]

DavidTQ

Definetely go with the 2007 bike, not worthpaying œ250 to go from a triple to a double! Mechanically apart fromt his the bikes identical, you get tyres that are 1mm slimmer and a different saddle and a re jig of the wheels, the œ250 you save by buying the 07 model would easily cover a nicer set of wheels and tyres if you felt them necesary.

pw1brown

The other advantage of this year's model is that you can start riding it NOW, just in time to catch the good weather(?!).

Unknown

Don't Giant do small medium and large in frames, if thats still the case then your after a small.

DavidTQ

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by guv001</i>

Don't Giant do small medium and large in frames, if thats still the case then your after a small.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Giant now do 5 sizes of frame for this bike,

simmers

Planet X are doing their Superlight Team bike with Tiagra groupset for only œ599, very good value and good service too, according to people on the forum. The frame is supposed to be very good. Am sure they will give you good advice on sizing etc etc if you contact them directly.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.com/road/inde ... ANN_id=266