Bike buying advice

butcher_boy
butcher_boy Posts: 117
edited June 2009 in Road beginners
Hi All

Newcomer to the site says hello.

I used to race plenty back in the day but haven't been on a bike for over 10 years. Sadly the fat is creeping on (so is the old age!!) so it's time to get back out there.

I'm looking for bike advice as so much has changed in the years since I sold.

While I don't want to race again (famous last words) I probably want to do some sportives & get around the hills of Lancashire. Looking for something under a £1000 ideally with decent components.

What can I get for this amount? How to sloping frame bikes ride compared to standard?

Capmag / Shimano I know but who is this bl00dy SRAM !!!.

Cheers for any advice :D

Comments

  • Mister W
    Mister W Posts: 791
    Hi :)

    There are loads and loads of bikes to choose if you have £1000 to spend. I would probably go for Alu rather than Carbon at that price although if you shop wisely there are some good carbon bikes out there under that price. None of the bikes from the bike manufacturers are going to be bad bikes so it's really up to you to find something you like. One of the most well rated budget brands at the moment is Boardman, sold by Halfords. Don't expect great service (or in some cases any service) but if you can do any adjustments yourself then their bikes are a real bargain.

    If you're riding a lot of hills then look for a compact double chainset or a triple. I prefer a compact but plenty of people prefer triples. It's a matter of preference.

    Frames with sloping top tubes are generally called "compact frames". I think the theory is that you can make a bike that's just as strong but lighter. TBH it doesn't really matter if you have a compact or non-compact frame. There's no real difference.

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