£300 max?

The Northern Monkey

New to road bikes, but i'm getting sick of commuting on my MTB.

I know people are just gonna say "buy second hand" but there isn't alot in my local area and I don't have very good transport (other than my bike) to see/buy.

What are peoples views on this:
BeOne Briza

I know its going to be substandard spec to what most of the people on here ride, but to me it'l be a revelation... a good 8-9lb lighter than what i'm currently riding!

Also, it is possible to use MTB clipless pedals? already got some + shoes and cant really justify the extra £40+ on road specific ones...

I would have liked a fixie...but £400+ for no gears!!

Also, i'm 6ft1-2 what size bikes should I be looking at? Going down LBS to have a nosey in a bit...

Oppinions and other bikes welcome.

B

ride_whenever

ss/fixies are great to use a transport, and you can do most hills if you pick your gearing correctly. You then get a much better bike for your money.

You can use your mtb clipless pedals on a road bike, many do because they're easier to walk in off the bike.

STEFANOS4784

Why not save up longer? You'll get something with much better spec as that does seem really basic and if your mtb is still usable then a couple more months longer surely wont hurt

The Northern Monkey

well, admitidly that could be an option. But having never been on a roadie before, i'm not sure how i'm going to like it.
I'd rather spend less £££ on a lesser spec bike to only find that I don't enjoy the style of riding....than spend more cash and not use it!
But then I assume if I did get into it more, parts could be upgraded, or a better bike bought.

I haven't got the slightest idea of what is good/cheap/budget spec on a road bike, no idea what components are favoured, not a clue about size, don't understand why you shave your legs and don't know why the tyre sizes are 700c etc etc

feeling waaaaay outa my league to say the least!!

Mettan

bigbenj_08 wrote:

What are peoples views on this:
BeOne Briza
...

Oppinions and other bikes welcome.

B

Perfectly ok to commute on - another option: Saracen Tour 1 2008

http://www.ashcycles.com/power/index.ph ... cts_id=905

http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/p ... ts_id=7327


Again, perfectly ok to commute on - both bikes would be nippier than a MTB.

Obviously - if you spend ~ £500, you can get a competent, first Road bike - but, if its just fast commuting/odd weekend ride, then a budget Roadie would suffice.

The Northern Monkey

looks like the larger BeOne's have gone out of stock since this morning :shock:

Think I'd be needing a larger frame that the saracen's unfortunately... being 6ft2.
How are road bikes for strength? I'm not fat, but I do weigh 16st...

Guess i'm gonna have to save anyways now... seen a charge plug n my LBS that was quite nice

Thing is, i've seen the thread on here about the Richmond Park 3 lap challenge, and although i'l be nowhere near any of the guys on her (I mean seriously...60mins :shock:) but it'd give me some sort of training too.

kingrollo

I ride an MTB to work in the winter - and have just got on my £250 decathlon road bike - what a difference it feels like a ferrari and knocks 10 minutes on a 8 mile commutte.

If your near a decathlon store they currently have the latest version of the bike on offer at £260 - its now badged as btwin - but as a commutter I reckon you will struggle to find better.

The Spiderman

My old ,heavy ,steel ,framed ,early 90s vintage road bike that I use for commuting is hugely faster than my 24lb mtb.Even a cheap road bike is going to be noticeably better on the road.

I picked up my other road bike ,a 3 year old Trek 1200 off the classifieds for £300 and its great.A similar new bike would be over £600,so don`t discount buying secondhand.

If you want to buy new and are on a tight budget,some of the Carreras in Halfords are worth a look.