Just starting out, Im buying a bike!

miniman1983

Hello,

Ive been thinking about getting out on the road for some time now and with the weather about to turn I thought its about time I go out and buy a bike. Im looking to cycle to gain a bit of fitness while enjoying it. I run twice a week but I find it boring and its playing havock on my ankle which I broke 6 months ago.

Im never going to be a lance and im doing it for enjoyment more than personal gains or races. I will probably go out on a saturday morning and do about 30ish miles. I need help with which bike I should buy. I am going through the Halfords C2W scheme.

I am looking at the Carrera Virago Carbon TT or Carbon Road. I know I should probably opt for the road but the TT has looks to die for! Also the Boardman Team Carbon is an option. The Virago TT only comes in two sizes 52 or 55cm. Im 6ft and unsure if this would be too big/small? The kids in Halfords are as much use as a choc tea pot.

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Richard

bobtbuilder

The TT bike may look very nice, but it is designed for a specific purpose with agressive geometry and will not be very comfortable for regular road riding.

Whatever bike you buy, I strongly urge you to take it for a decent test ride first. I am staggered by the number of newbies willing to buy a bike they have never tested. If you buy an uncomfortable bike, you are less likely to want to ride it, etc.

I don't know much about the Carrera Virago bike you mentioned, or whether you have set yourself a budget, but the Boardman Team Carbon gets high praise from a lot of C2W guys on this forum.

Good Luck.

jgsi

As you are completely new to road bikes... and planning just a few rides, maybe pick something up 2nd hand off Ebay before putting the money out on something that might be completely unsuitable.
You cant go on looks alone - and are you sure about a TT bike?
The Boardman is always going to be a safe bet tho'.
You need really to suss out what you are going to like about cycling tho, first of all.

rbleightonbuzzard

Agree with the above post, get a modestly priced starter bike. Ride it for a while, it will give you the best insights into what will drive your next (and there will be a next) purchase. I.e. Speed, comfort, long rides, TT'ing, etc. It will be money well spent as you can alway use your initial purchase as a winter bike.

kingrollo

Even though the boardman is the safe bet - from the reports I hear it gives a very low position - which is great if your supple and a racer - but perhaps not so good if you want just enjoy riding.

Try a few

and try a few outside the halfords scheme. I know it saves you cash, but your are still paying ! - better to go for a lower spec bike that is suited - than the bargain which doesn't fit.

jgsi

I meant a safe bet for finding a ready buyer if Op finds out the truth of road riding aint all sweetness and light.

stokepa31

JGSI wrote:

As you are completely new to road bikes... and planning just a few rides, maybe pick something up 2nd hand off Ebay before putting the money out on something that might be completely unsuitable.
You cant go on looks alone - and are you sure about a TT bike?
The Boardman is always going to be a safe bet tho'.
You need really to suss out what you are going to like about cycling tho, first of all.

I disagree with picking up something cheaper. the fact is that even if you dont ride the bike, the tax and VAT savings mean you will get your money back after the 12 months when yo sell it on. (assuming its a 12 month scheme).

just take the time to try the bike you want and you should be fine.

STEFANOS4784

stokepa31


Agree, if you go for a Halfords Boardman then 3 months down the line decide you don't like it you'll more than likely be able to sell the bike for more than you'll be actually forking out for it (mind you don't tell that jobsworth on here who got all uptight when someone mentioned just buying wheels on C2W )

jgsi

Its an option to buy off Ebay and not get involved in this ridiculously called cycle to work scheme... like mine that's on till saturday
would suit a 6 footer

rbleightonbuzzard

How many Boardman bikes are on ebay at any one time? .

Most with less then 100 miles on the clock.

miniman1983

Guys, thanks for all the info.

I have looked on ebay and found it amazing how a decent bike will hold its value! Ive been looking for 3 months or so and still havent found on which is in my price range, the right size and within 200 miles!

As some of you have said, with the c2w scheme, I can pick up a 1k bike for about £500!
To me, it seems pointless shopping for anything else!

I wont be doing major distances but I think I could get up to 50miles or so in a day. Are the Tri or TT bikes more suited for these distances? As I said I think ive whittled it down to the Virago TT or road or the Boardman comp. Ive heard lots of great things about the Virago TT, im more concerned if the 55cm would fit me! Im 6ft.

Thanks Again.

miniman1983

P.S JGSI, send me a link to your bike then?

skyd0g

miniman1983 wrote:

Guys, thanks for all the info.

I have looked on ebay and found it amazing how a decent bike will hold its value! Ive been looking for 3 months or so and still havent found on which is in my price range, the right size and within 200 miles!

As some of you have said, with the c2w scheme, I can pick up a 1k bike for about £500!
To me, it seems pointless shopping for anything else!

I wont be doing major distances but I think I could get up to 50miles or so in a day. Are the Tri or TT bikes more suited for these distances? As I said I think ive whittled it down to the Virago TT or road or the Boardman comp. Ive heard lots of great things about the Virago TT, im more concerned if the 55cm would fit me! Im 6ft.

Thanks Again.

No, a TT or Tri bike will be too severe a position - look for a road race or sportive bike. I'd suggest the Boardman Comp/ Team /Pro road bikes (depending on your budget), you won't regret it.

Marcosplace

Local bike shop everytime. and not Evans either!!!!

STEFANOS4784

Just to re-iterate, don't buy a tt/tri bike, they wont hold there value as well and aren't really designed for a gentle 50 mile meander, just because you think they look cool aint enough, you'll probably regret it straight away.....

miniman1983

Thanks Guys,

The plans have slightly changed now. I was in the bar last night and a few friends are doing Wolverhampton to Aberdovey Bike ride, they suggested I come along! So my training starts here and starts fast!

I am now set on the Road bike so its either the boardman carbon or the Virago carbon road.

Any ideas? I think your going to say boardman all the way?

Thanks

mattward1979

Echoing some of the advice here, Id say go and speak to your local Halfords and arrange a test ride of both bikes. Depsite the C2W discount, its still a wedge to shell out on a bike, so make sure its the right one for you!

When you get on for the first time, the position feels a bit funky, but you soon get used to it, and should easily be able to tell if you feel stretched out or cramped, and which of the two would be best suited to your needs...

If you wanted to go on specs alone, the Boardman would be first choice.

jgsi

and make sure you just aint been conned by 'pub talk' "yeah, yeah, yeah, we all doing it.. blah blah" even the best of mates find the most appropriate of excuses on the day...

gregster10217

Are you aware that you can buy other makes than just what Halfords stock? They will get you a Trek or a Specialized, and there are some places like Leisure Lakes Bikes
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/ that will accept you C2W voucher. Should be one reasonably close to you.
However, if you're set on one of the 2 bikes you've previously mentioned, then, without a doubt, get the Boardman. I was lucky enough to get the Limited Edition, and love it, but would have been happy with the standard one having ridden it now for a couple of months. It is a bit racy in geometery, but it is a very comfortable ride and soaks up a lot of the road. It's fast, responds well to a turn of speed and the SRAM gearing is very easy to use, and get used to if you've not used it before.
I agree that some of the staff in Halfords CAN be less than helpful, but if you find a decent one, you'll be ok. Just ask to see the Cytech trained mechanic, and discuss the set up of the bike. YOU CAN TAKE BIKES FOR A TEST RIDE FROM HALFORDS TOO. Don't be fobbed off by them saying you cannot.
Good hunting and let us know what you decide upon.

miniman1983

Thanks Guys,

I wasnt aware you could get other brands on the c2w scheme, I do like the Trek 2.1.

Ive just been into Halfords and while the guy was really helpful, I dont think he knew too much. I sat on the Boardman and it felt nice, he lowered the saddle to the floor so my feet were flat on the floor but I soon asked him to raise it back up!

So, I think im set on the Boardman team carbon. Next BIG question is what size? Im 6ft with a 32-33 inside leg. Dave in Halfords suggested a medium (53cm) but the saddle was quite high. The large is 55.7cm.

Also I could do with a link to a decent shoe and pedal combo, the bike doesnt come with pedals. As always I want to spend as little as possible! I also purchased a Giro Stylus Helmet whilst there, £20 down from £50!

Greg, that Limited Edition white version looks awesome, Unfortunately, there sold out

STEFANOS4784

I'm similar height to you and would go for the Large i reckon but it's personal taste as much as anything, the Halfords guy seems pretty good. Are you able to try both sizes at all?

keef66

as a rough guide to saddle height put your heel on the pedal and your leg should be virtually straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke. (that way when you're clipped in pedalling normally it will have roughly a 30 deg bend)