£500 on a replacement road bike

steve68

My 10 year old Dawes giro 400 - steel frame, threaded headset, 7 speed STI - is coming to the end of its life. I'm looking for a replacement bike that will cope with fitness rides in summer, occasional short triathlons, use on a turbo trainer in winter. I live in the Lake District so would prefer a triple, although a low geared compact might suit as I get fitter again. I am 6'1 and 14 1/2 st, looking to get down to 14.
There are a few bike shops in the area, all stocking Giant, Spec, Trek etc as opposed to some of the lesser known brands like Cube, and I will probably end up shopping at one to get a good size fit rather than taking a punt online.
What would anyone recommend for my money? This would again need to last many years, so I would like a bike with a better frame than groupset that would take reasonable upgrades as parts wear out.

giant_man

Your Dawes has served you well then Steve, glad to hear of it.

Gosh you have quite a choice for your next one, and pleased to hear you're going to get the right size as well, and not buying 'blind' online. Good man.

Guess it really depends on what budget you have for your next bike. £500 is a good amount but £1k is better of course. Yes the Ribble Sportive is good value and yes the Focus bikes are good too but both of those are mail order. You could go up to Ribble for more insight of course.

Giant, Spesh and Trek all have reasonable models in the £500-700 price bracket and Cube are another one, as are Dolan, Scott, Bianchi etc. Also check out Decathlon as well. You're looking at buying at a good time cos the 08' models will probably get you a good deal.

There is a good guide on this site which is worth a look:

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957

Be sure to read the comments also from posters.

My advice is to visit a lot of bikes shops and do your homework with specs, prices and of course availability. Test rides are a little hit and miss but if you want a certain bike then a good LBS should accomodate you.

Good luck with it and let us know what you end up with.

maddog 2

pop down to Wheelbase in Staveley. Good range (Trek, Cannondale, Willier etc.) and will give you some ideas. Helpful too, as you can take a few for a spin.

Lunch at Wilf's...... mmmmmm