Bike Advice * 2
richred_uk
Posts: 167
Road Bike Buying Advice * 2 please 
1 My housemate wants a cheap road bike for fitness runs rather than commuting without a big outlay in case he doesn't keep it up - he's asked whether this would be any good:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_759101_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
2 Mine is more open ended - I'm currently riding a Dahon Espresso which has been fine for 5 miles ish each side of the train, but probably isn't the best choice for the full 16 miles each way 5 * week and looking to go further at weekends. I was looking at entry level road bikes around £500 - Giant Defy 4 or 3.5, Specialised Allez etc, but work are saying they'd let me do the CTW scheme which means I can look more at a package around £800 - thinking of getting toe clip pedals and a spare SPD set to see if I get on with them. I'd like to get a triple chainring rather than a double, and the road I do most of my work journey on isn't the best surface, so would like something that can smooth it out a little if possible.
I intend to visit a few shops (Welwyn Garden City/ Hatfield or Finchley area) to see any suggestions in person and get as many test rides as I can. Any recommendations for bikes to look at, and also questions I should be asking? I'd rather buy from a LCS than the web so I can be hands on with stuff and get a proper set up and measurement.
Thanks in advance
Rich
1 My housemate wants a cheap road bike for fitness runs rather than commuting without a big outlay in case he doesn't keep it up - he's asked whether this would be any good:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_759101_langId_-1_categoryId_165710
2 Mine is more open ended - I'm currently riding a Dahon Espresso which has been fine for 5 miles ish each side of the train, but probably isn't the best choice for the full 16 miles each way 5 * week and looking to go further at weekends. I was looking at entry level road bikes around £500 - Giant Defy 4 or 3.5, Specialised Allez etc, but work are saying they'd let me do the CTW scheme which means I can look more at a package around £800 - thinking of getting toe clip pedals and a spare SPD set to see if I get on with them. I'd like to get a triple chainring rather than a double, and the road I do most of my work journey on isn't the best surface, so would like something that can smooth it out a little if possible.
I intend to visit a few shops (Welwyn Garden City/ Hatfield or Finchley area) to see any suggestions in person and get as many test rides as I can. Any recommendations for bikes to look at, and also questions I should be asking? I'd rather buy from a LCS than the web so I can be hands on with stuff and get a proper set up and measurement.
Thanks in advance
Rich
0
Comments
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1. That's probably the best new bike for the money, he'll get more by going used though.
2. The Specialized Tricross Sport is £850. Wide range of gears, and as it's a cyclocross bike, it will take the knocks of rough roads easily. They have many, many fans.
Try to buy from a shop that will give you a good fitting, even if you have to pay for it (most will throw it in if you buy a bike). A cheaper bike which fits you perfectly will be a lot more enjoyable to ride than a more expensive bike which doesn't, and faster.0 -
The carrera range of bikes are great for those like me on a budget, i use a virtuosso for commuting and its fine.If i had £300 spare i would buy the TDF as well but i am limited to 2 bikes, winter hack and summer roady.
The tri-cross does look tasty for a more expensive commuter, though consider compact doubles as well as triples.
Do not forget the Boardman Road Team, boardmans offer a lot of bang for your buck and are always rated on C+FCN 3/5/90
