Entry level bikes

nebular
nebular Posts: 8
edited June 2008 in Road beginners
The other day I posted a topic about loking for a Hybrid bike for the porpose of both exercise and possible longer rides (i.e. touring around.) I recieved a lot of useful advice and this has changed my opinion in terms of what I am looking for - No longer a hybrid but a decent all rounder road frame. The only thing that I forgot to mention is that I am quite limited in budget; £300 maximum is what I can afford. As this would also be my first road bike, its probably best that I don't spend a lot before I've decided that I'm a full convert to road bikes!

This level of budget obviously limits the amount of choice, but using the Evans cycle website, I have picked three bikes that fit my budget and are made by names with decent reputations. I would like people's opinions on these, baring in mind my budget etc, and would be very grateful for any other advice/ suggestions.

Thanks (Blatent novice)

P.s. have a added a cheesey poll.

Dawes Giro 200 - £199 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87543


Dawes Giro 300 - £299 http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=87544

Raleigh AIRLite 200 - £250 (was £399) http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=61186

Comments

  • willbevan
    willbevan Posts: 1,241
    only concern about all of those is 7 speed if you wanted to upgrad in he future :S

    how about (if they have one in a local store)

    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-24281226/

    Tripple, with 9 speed campag xenon i think for a tad more (270)
    Road - BTwin Sport 2 16s
    MTB - Trek Fuel 80
    TT - Echelon

    http://www.rossonwye.cyclists.co.uk/
  • John C.
    John C. Posts: 2,113
    with a three hundred pound budget , you are looking at the lowest end of the market. If you were to buy second hand you could get a lot better bike. I admit you may have to buy a new chain or tyres but you will end up with a lot more for your money. Check out the classified adds or ebay to give you an idea of prices.
    http://www.ripon-loiterers.org.uk/

    Fail to prepare, prepare to fail
    Hills are just a matter of pace
  • Jez mon
    Jez mon Posts: 3,809
    Of those i would get the Raleigh or the Giro 300, the giro was my first bike and it was fine, not as good as a £500 bike, but cheaper :D

    Bear in mind that starting road cycling can be an expensive business. Once you've bought the bike, there are a number of other things to worry about, shorts are what i'd get first. Then shoes and pedals, and eventually a top.

    Furthermore, get some tyre levers and spare tubes before you go for any long rides
    You live and learn. At any rate, you live
  • JC.152
    JC.152 Posts: 645
    Edinburgh bike coops brand Revolution is worth a look at. There bike which i got for about £250 was my first bike and was really good for what i wanted last year and it meant i could upgrade and it it now my winter bike after I got a Focus.
  • acorn_user
    acorn_user Posts: 1,137
    Although I'm really a Dawes guy, I think the Raleigh is a better buy. Make sure you can fit mudguards though!

    The older Giro 300 was 100 pounds more, but was a really nice bike. I don't think the newer ones are as nice.

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