Please help me help my mate

spasypaddy

Out on the piss last night (Never a good idea...) my mate asked me to find him a bike so that we can go out together. Now im quite keen to do this as otherwise im on my own when i go out! Plus i really really wanna see him struggle up a hill!

He is 6'4 and quite well built. He wants to spend a maximum of £700 including accessories, this will be his first bike so he doesn't need a full carbon jobby (which i know he wont get for that money) but he does need something strong and decent as he is a big guy!

Anyone got any advice on bikes for him? I can deal with the accessories but as someone who is much shorter than that i dont really know what i can recommend to him.

sonicred007

See latest issue of C+

Rich Hcp

I'd recomend a Specialized Allez.

Or a trek 1000, or Pilot 1.0

That'll leave enough cash for helmet, SPDs, sdoes, shorts and jearsys etc

He must go to a good LBS to make sure he gets one that fits.

I wonderwhat he thinks, now he's sober

heavymental

I'd recommend going second hand. He'll get a lovely bike for £700....if you/he can be arsd to wait for something to come up.

ut_och_cykla

I'd go for the trek 1000 - very pleased with mine - not too extreme a ride - the Pilot should be even comfier. Second hand can be very good value for money but real bind if you want to swap parts, get advice etc.A good LBS could end up being as cheap in the long run!

the_jackalcp

Another vote for the second hand route. At least that way if cycling isn't for him he won't have lost too much money.

As mentioned for his kind of money he could get a really nice bike. For example, and this is not an ad, I will soon be selling my Specialized Tarmac, minus a wheels and cranks, and would expect to get about £4-500 for it. A pretty good deal for a 2 year old full carbon bike in pretty good nick. There are similar deals out there if you are patient.

spasypaddy

jackal how soon? what size? where you based?

the_jackalcp

My bike is a 58cm. I am 6'3 and fit it with ease. As for how soon well that is the question. I am expecting delivery of a R3 in early october however I have been left disappointed twice already so am not overly expectant. I can let you know if you like

the_jackalcp

Sorry, based in SW london

spasypaddy

yeah please do, have you got any old wheels knocking around you can put on it for him? and some cranks if he was interested? Hes an inch taller than you and quite well built.

he is very keen on cycling as he wants to keep fit and has mentioned it to me when completely sober and stuff. He wants it as a non-impact form of cardio!

Yeah if you could let me know if and when its available

we are north londoners so thats ok

the_jackalcp

No worries. I will drop you a PM when I get the new frame. Give you first dibs before it goes on ebay etc. As for spare bits I'm afraid not but shimano wheels can be picked up for £60 new and no doubt some decent cranks could be found in the sales.
There may be a couple of other minor bits taken off, nothing expenisve to replace, I am still deciding what I want to transplant to the new frame.
As I said I will let you know when things are more definite.

Mike

spasypaddy

ok cool, will the frame hold a heavy lad? hes well built, not fat!

yeah i know wheels aren't hard to come by, and cranks the same. Was just checking! Sounds almost perfect though, almost too perfect... how long you had it? how many miles it done?

the_jackalcp

I have had it for 2 years, from new so I know it's been well looked after. Not too sure how many miles it's done in total, my bike computers keep dieing on me but I reckon about 2000 give or take. I don't race and it has never been dropped or crashed.

As for the strength of the frame I couldn't comment. I am a light lad so your best bet would be to get in touch with Specialized or ask on the forum.

You are welcome to inspect it before committing, to the best of my knowledge there is a small amount of cable rub and a couple of stone chips although I have not given it a complete detailed check for a few months.