b'twin fitness 1 - decathlon - please help

cdrew123
cdrew123 Posts: 5
edited July 2009 in Road buying advice
I'm reletively new to cycling and have used a relative MTB for the past 12 months. Now its time to buy my own, I could do with some advice. Looking to spend around £250 -£300, I visited Decathlon and spotted The B'twin Fitness 1 Road Bike.
I will predominantly use the bike for communiting and general road use to keep fit, and I prefer the use of flat handled bikes.

As I said, I'm new to cycling and technical spec means nothing to me. Struggling to find any reviews of the bike, I would really apprecaite any advice.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/fitness-1-54-57-69567206/

thanks in advance

technical information

Aluminium frame .
Steel fork.
Stem: JD 362 - 10° (90 to 120mm);
Handlebars: JD MTB 500 to 540mm.
Flat handlebars.
Saddle: Royal Viper; Seat post: aluminium 27.2mm diameter.Very comfortable saddle for long rides.
Drivetrain: SRAM 3.0 twist-grip shifters; Front derailleur: Shimano TZ31; Rear derailleur: SRAM 3.0;
Cassette: FAC MICHE 7s 13X26; Chainset: Prowheel 48/38/28 170mm; Chain: KMC Z51.Twist-grip shifters are easy and intuitive to use. 21 gears to enable the cyclist to find the right pace without pushing too hard.
Rims: Mach 1; Hubs: Aero 32; Spokes: 32 round;
Tyres: Equinox (650) & Nitro (700), Hutchinson (25); Inner tubes: Hutchinson (650) & Herrmans (700).The wheels and tyres ensure excellent road grip. 25 section tyres for extra comfort.
Brake callipers: Double pivot; Levers: 3-finger black aluminium.

Comments

  • Wooliferkins
    Wooliferkins Posts: 2,060
    When buying buy the best you can afford, sometimes a second hand bike at the same price as a new one is the better buy. At this price there will be a number of cost cutting measures. First the cassette, 7 speed cassettes are getting harder to source and with SRAM introducing 10 speed this season that isn't going to improve. From the pictures, the means of bolting the chainrings on doesn't seem standard this could prove a problem when you need new ones. Miles away I admit but to be considered when shopping on a budget. Now this bike may well serve you well but there are a few non branded/budget items in key places. Wheels,brakes and chainset. Have a look through the reviews on this site then hunt around. It is coming towards the end of the 2009 season and deals will start to appear in local bike shops.
    Neil
    Help I'm Being Oppressed
  • cdrew123
    cdrew123 Posts: 5
    Thanks for the advice
    Maybe I should increased my budget (say between £300 - £400). Can anyone suggest the best make/ model for this price range.
    thanks again
  • bikerZA
    bikerZA Posts: 314
    have you looked at any of the Carrera or Raleigh range from Halfords? There might be something there that suits your needs, and they will be cheap.
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    I have a £250 decathlon sport 7.1 - its got a part sora groupset. I use this as my commutter bike - and its been fine - the ride isn't the most responsive or exciting compared to other (much more expensive) bikes that I own. Personally I think you will struggle to beat this interms of value for money.
  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    Its actually an 8 speed set up, I think its a typo on the website.

    To be honest I think the flatbar 2 is a much better bike.At leats it offers 9 speed with rapid fire shifters and branded chainset.

    If you live near Stockport store pop in and see me.