Looking into start Road Biking, with a very limited budget!!

Indigo Gorilla

Hi everyone,

I'm currently a mountain biker but do alot of commuting on my mountain bike and I've done some long distance cycle challanges that are better suited to a road bike really.

Therefore I'm looking into keeping my mountain bike in it's best condition by getting a road bike!!!

However though, I'm only looking to spend £80-100 on a bike though (going second hand) at the moment and then just giving it some TLC and upgrading it when it brakes.

If I get the bug for it though (and when I have more money) then I'll probably get a new road bike and then just keep this first one as a pub/hack/winter bike.

Anyway, could anyone recommend any particular bikes that should be within this kind of budget? I'm probably going to get something off ebay but have no idea what to look for!!!

skyd0g

Your budget isn't going to buy you alot of bike. The main thing to look for is one your size, anything else would be a bonus.

sicknote

You could be lucky and get a bike like mine 531 frame and have now found out it was an old Carrera TDF Lt ed that had had newer ergo veloce on it.

I paid about £70-80 with delivery and had to put a new chain, tyres, inner tubes and brake blocks, so cost me about £110 to get it on the road but have also seen some do much better then me.

So keep an eye out and have a look at some LBS for old ones too.

thel33ter

I would also say so keep an eye on ebay cause I got a trek 1000 for 70 quid. It needed new wheels and big chainring but apart from that It was fine. It ended up costing around 150 to get going but considering they cost 350 or so it was a great deal.

dombo6

I went the ebay route and got a great bike for £120. If you go for something that needs a bit of light work then you can get some worthwhile bargains.

Indigo Gorilla

Could anyone recommend any particular models to look out for then?

Seen a few falcon and peugeot road bikes. Just worried though that they need specific parts and they'll be hard to find.

I don't know a thing about road bikes and whats decent and whats not.

sicknote

Hi

Try to post some links as that might be the best way to help you but should be able to get parts any way.

passout

Look on the road classified forum and e-bay. I'd say a Trek 1000, Ribble winter Trainer or similar would be ideal.

I might be able to locate an old 54cm (medium) Trek 1000 - PM if interested.

bigjim

£50 on e-bay. Rides like a dream, Needed nothing doing to it. Bit high geared if you live in the hills. Apart from that superb road bike.


Check out what the LBS has in stock. End of season price?

Takis61

You'll be lucky to get anything at an LBS for £100 !
Peugeot or old Raleigh would also be O.K., ebay or 2nd hand bike shops would be best bet.

bigjim

Bought a couple of years ago for £40 from LBS but beat him down from £50. Pictured on tour in Mallorca. Changed freewheel and tyres but only for personal preference.


At least 2 local LBS in my area stock older s/hand bikes.