Absolute beginner - bike advice from this shop

bingobang

Looking at buying a road bike through the B2W scheme. Will be used for leisure and fitness - and its been a looong time since I have used a bike since I am a runner. But would like to try cycling for a change.

Any recommendations from here?:

http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/category/2/115/RACE-ALUMINIUM/

What would be a good compromise in terms of price and spec - anything stand out? I just want to have an idea before I go into the shop and try a few out, I realise comfort and fit etc will be an issue. (I am 5'10 about 11.5 stone, slimish build).

I know nothing about gearsets etc so I can't tell the difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive ones.

Also could buy from here but seems to be more expensive:
http://www.bikedock.com/posit/shop/index.php?category=17&group=34

Thanks guys

warrior4life

If its for leisure and fitness i'd be buying something with a compact chainset and something that was comfy.
The bikes all seem to be a pretty standard price with no bargains there, the more you pay the better you get.
They're all decent though.. A shame you cant look elsewhere as you would get a bargain..

bingobang

I should add that I get a 10% discount on those prices in the first post if that helps?

The only other places I could try are:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=1996

or

http://www.bikeitcycles.com/productlist.asp?ProdText=Mens&CatID=402
10 off this last one too
if that helps?

mr_poll

Hi I am pretty much a novice myself so please ask around - but I was looking at the C2W scheme myself (until I got put on notice of redundancy) so did a bit of research at this sort of price level. If your happy to spend up to the £1000 mark then you will find most will offer Shimano, either Sora or Tiagra. The Tiagra is the better set so i would opt for those where u can. Some will offer Campag but you will prob find the cost has been offset in other components.

I noticed that bikeitcycles has the Merida 903-18 on offer at £850 http://www.bikeitcycles.com/productdeta ... rodID=1945
- this has got a good spec and recently Cycling Active magazine named it its best buy in the 750-1000 category (think it was the Feb or March edition) so worth a look.

warrior4life

I love cube bikes, I've had most of the big bike brands and next time i'm going to get a cube, I'd go for this for under £1000, a great looking bike and always get good reviews
Cube Attempt Road Bike 2010 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44406

bingobang

Anthing worthwhile around the £600 mark?

warrior4life

At that price you'll usually be looking at an aluminium frame with sora, tiagra and maybe a dash of 105... I'd just get the one had the best reviews (plenty on here) and that i liked the look of...http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=44408

warrior4life

Ebay is full of bargains if you have someone with you who knows bikes..I've bought 4 and they where all great deals...Its amazing what you get for your money!

rf6

+1 for Cube. I bought a 2009 Cube Aerial from CRC at the start of the year. Bought for the commute and fitness. I'm really really pleased with it, especially for the £600 ish I paid for it. Oh, and CRC were their usual efficient selves, the bike was delivered two days after delivery.

It may not be the most fashionable name, but it's gained a lot of positive comments from people who own much more expensive road bikes.

bingobang

Thanks folks

Will look at the Giant Defy 3 (2010 - yellow/black) - can it for £565 new but mighrt see if they can come down in price a bit

Think it would be a good starter bike - comments?

Hmmm - or is the Trek 1.2 (2010) better specced for £540?

garrynolan

Hi, I have a BeOne Storm with full Shimano 105. I've found it an excellent ride and I would imagine the Cube Attempt 2010 to be very similar. CRC - Chainreaction - have a showroom so you can try before you buy. Just give them a call. Assuming you're up North or somewhere in Ireland. Good luck.

bingobang

Any advice re the Trek 1.2 2010 vs the Giant defy 3 2010?

bingobang

quick bump

Hoping to get a look at the Trek tomorrow - fancy it over the yellow Defy

warrior4life

Both nice bikes... Im sure you'll be happy with either, i had a trek 1000 that i loved and i have a giant bowery 84 singlespeed at the moment and it totally rules!
With them i'd get the one with the higher spec kit...

Make sure you let us know which bike you get and your thoughts.

bingobang

Funny went to look at them, but rather than the Defy the sales guy recommended the Specialized Allex Sport:

http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/10443/SPECIALIZED-ALLEZ-SPORT-54CM-MEDIUM-TRIPLE-WHITE-2010/

with a full sora set.

He reckoned it was better than the defy 3 and the Trek.

He also suggested this light set with speedo thing:
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/8835/CATEYE-LIGHTS-%2B-VELO-5-GIFT-SET/

Helmet:
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/10786/SPECIALIZED-ALIGN-HELMET-WHITE/

underwear type shorts:
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/product/10043/ENDURA-MENS-COOLMAX-BOXERS-XLa/


bottle:
http://www.mcconveycycles.com/store/pro ... IPE-710ml/


Any comments?

£664 for the lot btw

garrynolan

Hi bingobang, bike, helmet, bottle all fine for the price point. The lights are fine but I would make sure the cateye is wireless - easier to install and no trailling wires. As for the underwear, I wouldn't bother - coolmax can be bought elsewhere without the padding. I would get cycle shorts instead and ask them for a cycle jersey also. Personally, I would go for bib shorts as they don't ride down and bunch around the waist. If you're looking for other bits and bobs Lidl have some cycle stuff just in - decent quality and very good prices. Some will tell you don't bother but I've never had a problem with their stuff. Good luck and let us know what you get.

garrynolan

Hi bingobang, bike, helmet, bottle all fine for the price point. The lights are fine but I would make sure the cateye is wireless - easier to install and no trailling wires. As for the underwear, I wouldn't bother - coolmax can be bought elsewhere without the padding. I would get cycle shorts instead and ask them for a cycle jersey also. Personally, I would go for bib shorts as they don't ride down and bunch around the waist. If you're looking for other bits and bobs Lidl have some cycle stuff just in - decent quality and very good prices. Some will tell you don't bother but I've never had a problem with their stuff. Good luck and let us know what you get.

warrior4life

+1 for above

There's not much between the trek, giant and specialized.. Very similar bikes.. I'd just check reviews on all three (which should be easy to find)
If it was me i'd be going for the best frame (not sure which it would be) A compact chainset and whichever was lightest.. All the extra's are nice but not always needed.

Specialized do make very comfy helmets and shoes as well.

I would go for the cateye strada computer as well... wireless

dov2711

The allez sport will fit your description well and is a good entry level/winter bike. the Sora groupset gets some stick but it does the job.

100% agree with the advice on wireless cateye and the avoidance of the boxer short efforts- bib shorts-top better option

Have you thought about pedals and shoes?

Finally you linked to the sport triple- is this in line with your requirements? possibly the compact would be a better choice dependign on what your intention/fitness is.

bingobang

dov2711 - what do you mean about the triple, not sure if I linked to the right bike or not.

Whats the difference? Is this the extra cog for the gears?

ian_s

I think you will find the Secteur is more equivalent to the Defy (relaxed vs racey ride). The Allez is more a race geometry.

Also the Defy can take proper mudguards (well the Giant ones anyway). Based on what the OP said , that would be my choice all other things being equal.

But ultimately you should try to get a ride on one before you buy.

passout

I'd ride the Allez myself but it won't be as relaxed or comfy as the Secteur or Defy. Then it again it depends how you ride - if you train hard & end up cycling fast I think the Allez is a bike which will suit. If you are just doing the odd cycle ride and taking it easy I'd say the Defy.

Mudguards can be an issue (proper mud guards are best) but the new crud guards will fit most bikes these days.

garrynolan

bingobang wrote:

dov2711 - what do you mean about the triple, not sure if I linked to the right bike or not.

Whats the difference? Is this the extra cog for the gears?

It's three cogs at the front (triple) or two cogs (double) so it's the gears. A 'compact' is a double but with enough spread to give similar gearing to a triple. The big ring is for flat or downhill, the small ring for hills or headwinds/tiredness. Don't know how much you know but basically it's - Big ring at the front, centre to smallest cog at the back - Small ring at the front, centre to biggest cog at the back. Hope this helps.