Help Please newbie

LeeStilton

Hi i am from Peterborough, Got a mtb for christmas and started to ride and finding i love it. I do go to the gym and prefer a good couple of hours on the bike alot more.

The only problem is do i go for a road bike (mainly bike on the roads) if so whats the best bike for around 600-700 what other gear do i need and is a road bike v different to ride then a mtb.

also is it best to join a club?

Lee

EdZed

Hi Lee,

If you're mainly riding on roads a road bike will make a massive difference, not least for speed and effort - you'll be amazed at the difference narrow tyres and riding in a much more aerodynamic position make.

Bristows stock Giant, Trek, Bianchi, Kuota and Ridgeback. Terry Wright's stock Specialized, Orbea, Trek, Giant, Scott, Raleigh and Claud Butler and Rutland Cycling stock Giant, Kona, Scott, Specialized and Wilier. There are many bikes in your price range so you might want to go and have a chat with any of them, I'm sure you'll find something to suit you. I would particularly recommend Bristows for their knowledge and help (but I'm biased)

There's a good choice of decent bikes at that price point, as a starter for 10 for bikes around £600-£700... there's the Bianchi Nirone 7, Giant Defy 3, Trek 1.5, Specialized Allez or Secteur Sport, Scott Speedster S50, Raleigh Airlite 400 or Orbea Aqua/Fleche. Ultimately the best bike for you is the one you're most comfortable on and like the most, none of the above are likely to disappoint you; chances are you'll see something you really want and get that one anyway. Definitely make sure you test ride a few before you buy. All the above shops will let you test ride their bikes.

For kit... you could get away with mbr shoes to start with but I would recommend a decent pair of road shoes and shorts/bibs at the very least. The road shorts/bibs are essential. If you want to do some longer rides I would also recommend a road top, the rear pockets are essential for carrying things e.g. food. and the tighter fit helps too. A pump with a presta valve is essential too. A lightweight shower proof top. Gloves. A helmet (IMO) - but you could use a MBR one if you have one. As the year progresses.. arm and leg warmers, full bibs, overshoes, a decent long sleeve jersey/jacket etc. I've probably forgotten things (it's late now!) but others will comment. There are other threads on this site that give more detailed lists of the sort of kit you will be looking at.

Re clubs... I suppose it depends what you want from your cycling. If you're doing this on your own, then probably yes, but it's not essential. I'm not a member of a club but I do have a group of friends I ride with and I'm happy with this.

gregmorris234

I recommend a Chris Boardman bike, They are cheap and have quite a good spec. They also can be trusted. Downside is you will have to get it from HALFORDS! :twisted:

EdZed

Agreed - I forgot about the Boardman. I don't think Halfords will let you have a decent test ride first (I might be wrong) and as Greg suggests Halfords reputation for service isn't good, but I've not been to the Peterborough store so can't comment from personal experience.

gregmorris234

Oh dont worry. You could visit every Halfords in the world and you should come across some sort of 16 year old kid that knows bugger all about bikes. Its some sort of disease i think swooping around every halfords around. Thought id give you some happy words there!

Mark Alexander

Rule #1, don't go to Halfords. Rule #2 dont go to Halfords, rule 3 Don't... you get the idea. Your local bike shop (LBS) is the best way to go and if it's worth it's salt, you'll come away with what's right for you even if it's a little cheaper than your budget, but given the climate, I doubt it.

They should offer better after-sales service and lots of people who go to Halfords go to an LBS to get it set up after wards. They are likely to charge less for servicing once you've bought from them. Build up a rapore and trust and you won't regret it.

Kit wise, follow the above advice. There are some good deals out there but my suggestion is buy as you need it. It's addictive though. I totted up what I'd spent on bikes and kit, got to a point and stopped :shock:

Happy riding

LeeStilton

EdZed wrote:

Hi Lee,

If you're mainly riding on roads a road bike will make a massive difference, not least for speed and effort - you'll be amazed at the difference narrow tyres and riding in a much more aerodynamic position make.

Bristows stock Giant, Trek, Bianchi, Kuota and Ridgeback. Terry Wright's stock Specialized, Orbea, Trek, Giant, Scott, Raleigh and Claud Butler and Rutland Cycling stock Giant, Kona, Scott, Specialized and Wilier. There are many bikes in your price range so you might want to go and have a chat with any of them, I'm sure you'll find something to suit you. I would particularly recommend Bristows for their knowledge and help (but I'm biased)

There's a good choice of decent bikes at that price point, as a starter for 10 for bikes around £600-£700... there's the Bianchi Nirone 7, Giant Defy 3, Trek 1.5, Specialized Allez or Secteur Sport, Scott Speedster S50, Raleigh Airlite 400 or Orbea Aqua/Fleche. Ultimately the best bike for you is the one you're most comfortable on and like the most, none of the above are likely to disappoint you; chances are you'll see something you really want and get that one anyway. Definitely make sure you test ride a few before you buy. All the above shops will let you test ride their bikes.

For kit... you could get away with mbr shoes to start with but I would recommend a decent pair of road shoes and shorts/bibs at the very least. The road shorts/bibs are essential. If you want to do some longer rides I would also recommend a road top, the rear pockets are essential for carrying things e.g. food. and the tighter fit helps too. A pump with a presta valve is essential too. A lightweight shower proof top. Gloves. A helmet (IMO) - but you could use a MBR one if you have one. As the year progresses.. arm and leg warmers, full bibs, overshoes, a decent long sleeve jersey/jacket etc. I've probably forgotten things (it's late now!) but others will comment. There are other threads on this site that give more detailed lists of the sort of kit you will be looking at.

Re clubs... I suppose it depends what you want from your cycling. If you're doing this on your own, then probably yes, but it's not essential. I'm not a member of a club but I do have a group of friends I ride with and I'm happy with this.

Thanks for the advice , one thing i have found road bikers are freiendly and helpful

AndyG1

Don't judge all Halford's on a few bad posts, see your yourself.....!

I've got a Team 09 and it's superb. Having added the "Team" to a short list, I visited 4 branches in Suffolk to check out their knowledge for myself. Although spotty teenager are a plenty, some branches have at least one experienced mech who's undertaken Boardman training, it's just a case of making sure they're in when you plan to go and that they and they alone build you bike.. !

Good luck with the search and if you can wait until Sept, word is that the new 2010 range will be in and you may be able to locate a bargain 09 Carbon