Buying first road bike

OJ Hanmer

Hi,

Been shopping around for a while now trying to decide what a good road bike is for a beginner. Obviously don't think it's feasible to buy a ridiculously expensive carbon bike as it's my first and can't afford!

Have been to some local shops and looked at second hand bikes. What do people recommend out there?

Here's a few I've looked at:

Allez Specialized (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec016019)

Merida Road Race 750 (http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=Merida750road)

Personally the Allez specialized is my preferred choice so far. Just wondering whether there's any cheaper alternatives? or is it worth buying second hand?

The problem i feel with second hand is that i don't get the technical advice i would from a shop, which is important as it's my first bike, as with buying online (although save a lot of money sometimes!)

Thanks for any help.

maddog 2

Allez is a good starting point

Have a look at the entry level Treks and Scotts too. They are all very similar in terms of spec, so go for the one that has the best deal, fits the best, and you like the look of. Over time you can upgrade stuff, probably starting with the wheels and tyres.

OJ Hanmer

I've also found a couple of bargains at Tredz. Going there tomorrow.

Any thoughts on these:


Dawes Giro 300 - £358
Giant FCR 4 - £361
Specialized Sirrus Sport - £390

(http://www.tredz.co.uk/productlist.asp)

Anyone ever had any experience of a Claude Butler Criterium??

Mettan

If you're planning on doing any Sportive's in the near future make sure you get a Compact or Triple - the Spesh Allez 18 2009 looks good - 50/34 compact - you could always sell the wheels and put some Racing 5 Evo's or similar on and you'd have a nice budget road bike.