Newbie would love some help in choosing first road bike

Biopup
Biopup Posts: 3
edited October 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi there

Please can anybody help me. I am a runner, with a much loved and overused mountain bike and quite a strong swimmer. I would like to do triathlon one day (but have no realistic timeline yet... just a pipe dream), as I have yet to master a road bike. I have never been in a position to splash out a lot of money on a road bike, but suddenly my work is offering cycle to work and I have £1000 to spend, but it has to be in Evans Cycles.

I don't know where to start... I don't have to spend £1k, but could do as the repayments are manageable. At the moment I have looked at Lapierre (which they don't stock in my size) and a Cannondale Synapse Feminine Tiagra Triple 2009. I don't even know anything about pedals and shoes yet (do I need to buy clip ons) and I am worried that when I go into the store they are bound to try and sell me something that I don't need.

Is there anyone out there that could help give me some unbiased recommendations for a complete newbie.

Thanks in advance.

Kind regards

Carol

Comments

  • mea00csf
    mea00csf Posts: 558
    firstly, you don't need clipless to do a triathlon.

    If you wanna do triathlon, just do it. Honestly, triathlon is one of THE most inclusive sports I've ever participated. At tri's you get everyone from amazing athletes to mothers who do their hair in transition waiting for their slower swimmer mate to get out so they can do the bike leg together.

    I would advise picking a sprint pool swim distance (400m swim, 20k cycle, 5k run) for your first tho. open water swims are carnage at the start :lol: . The other good thing is that as they set you off in waves, no-one would know if your way out in the lead, or behind by a mile until the chip timings are done
    http://www.bicycletourist.weebly.com
  • skyd0g
    skyd0g Posts: 2,540
    What frame size are you looking at? - depending on your physique, you may not need to limit yourself to "womens specific" bikes, which may give you a wider choice and potentially better value. :wink:

    As for groupset, aim for Tiagra as minimum, 105 if possible. On a road bike, most people find that a standard or compact chainset is sufficient (unless you absolutely NEED a triple) - (unlikely as it sounds as if you're already reasonably fit). 8)

    If possible, also budget for pedals & shoes, padded shorts etc.
    Cycling weakly
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,547
    £1000 should get you a decent aluminium frame and Shimano 105 level groupset. Do Evans stock Trek bikes? If so there should be one in the right price range (they've just changed their model names for 2010 but the 1.7 2009 model would be about right). Trek and some others do women specific frames.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,547
    Here you go, they do Trek but their website says out of stock. Obviously you need to try a few bikes out but just to give you an idea of something in the price range have a look here http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/pilot-21-wsd-2010-womens-road-bike-ec020780

    If you want to hold some of your voucher back towards shorts etc. then there is a 1.5 WSD that would leave you with £200, it has a slightly lower groupset with Tiagra but that can always be upgraded later bit by bit if you enjoy the bike.
  • HandjobDan
    HandjobDan Posts: 704
    Have you thought about a rough track triathalon, swim, mountain bike ride, run. No need for a new bike at all, just the realisation of a dream!

    check out www.endurancelife.com
    Santa Cruz Blur 4X

    Mythic Spitfire Build Thread

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