new to cycling want to buy a road bike

siowls

Hi..I have been cycling since Mid Jan on a Trek MTB...but really want to move onto a road bike...really enjoying riding...started out on a 4mile route..which nearly killed me...now doing a good 14 twice a week...but I see these peeps on the road bikes shooting past me, obv doing more miles..I want some of that.....trouble is I have a very small budget £250-£300 tops...please could someone advise which bike I should be looking at


Regards

Aud Reekie MTB

There's not a great deal available at that price range in terms of out and out roadbikes - you're really looking at £500 for anything decent new.

So, you're looking at maybe something like a Giant Defy 3 or 4 second hand, or perhaps new base level commuter bike with 700c wheels and a good range of gears - maybe a Specialized Sirrus if you can stretch to it.

siowls

Thankyou for your prompt reply...will go and give them a look

ratsbeyfus

Hi there... my opinion is that you should look for something second hand on eBay (or here) for that budget. If you ares et on buying new look into either a B'Twin road bike (available from Decathlon stores only) or possibly a 'carrera' of some sort (from Halfords). If you've got an employer signed up to a cycle-to-work scheme £300 would buy you a new £450-500 bike... if your employer isn't signed up, have a go at persuading them! Hope this is useful

Good luck!

lingwoodmick

I am not sure what other replies you will get but I would consider buying second hand off ebay. I sold a Fausto COppi a few years ago for appros £200ish after paying about £380 for it new. It wasn't all whizzy bizzy but did have a full set of Shimano Sora which I feel is sturdy enough to get you going.
If you buy second hand and then the bug really hits you shouldn't lose so much money if you sell it again (or keep as a winter/ spare bike)
You could also consider the cycle to work scheme in which case you could end up with a nice bike and save 30+%. That is if your employer (presuming you work) is willing to join the scheme.
If you buy second hand try and find out if it has been serviced/ looked after.
Enjoy!

siowls

ratsbeyfus

Thanks for your help...

Right first thing in the morning going to see the boss

Really excited about getting on with this...My wife thinks I'm mad...and yes "mmmmmmm bikes"

siowls

lingwoodmick

Cheers...really looking into this...loving my Trek MTB at the mo....maybe I should sell that to move on?

lingwoodmick

Keep old bike for :-
nasty days
pulling trailers
rougher routes
leaving at train station
Oh and going to pub!

symo

SH on eBay or go to your nearest Decathalon store.

rake

carrera bikes are on the budget side but seem good and solid for the money. i got a virtuoso for £220 (old stock clearance new) and its great for the money. its still flying through the winter and got nearly 4000 miles on the clock only thing replaced was recently a new rear hub because of winter and riding through the odd flood over the axles. a second hand boardman comp would also be excellent and several steps up, you should find one with very little use for that price range.you cant go wrong with one imo.

StanwaySteve62

May well be selling my sirrus elite, size L so would suit 5'6 to 6'2 (me)
I'm in essex if interested

ChrisFilter

Look for Giant Defys and SCRs second-hand. I got one for £150 second-hand and it's a fantastic commuter bike.

Got a Boardman for weekend riding.

siowls

StanwaySteve62

Thanks ..but I am way down in Somerset

siowls

Just Like to say I only joined this Forum on Monday,and I am amazed at all the replies so far..

So thankyou to everybody who has helped me...

I am researching big time


Juat got to say I have been on other forums for allsorts of other things and this one is certainley the best I have seen for help

Regards

Simon

nochekmate

Simon,

PM Sent re: 2009 Trek 1.2, if your budget has a bit of elasticity about it.