New first bike....

ted-on-tour

Ok, so not too long ago I asked the good members of the forum if they could recommend a bike for me to start on, with a £250 budget in mind, a well covered subject that I'm sure a few of the more seasoned members of the forum are a bit bored of advising on.

I was advised to go second hand and to go for one of the decent or 'big' brands. Trouble I'm finding now though is I have no idea of what the 'big brands are, or what spec I should realistically be looking for. :?

So the question is, what would you say qualifies as a 'big' brand and what spec should I realistically be looking for in a bike thats going for 250/300 second hand?

Many thanks in advance for any advice offered.

Nifer

What are you looking for in your bike? Where do you want to ride? How often?

ted-on-tour

Well it would be used to commute to and from work as well as training, decent sort of distances. Very regular use.

topdude

Look out for the following,

Specialized Allez,
Giant OCR / SCR / Defy
Trek Pilot / 1.2
Also maybe Carrera

I like second hand bikes and have bought many over the years.
You should look for a bike that fits you well and has been looked after (not thrown around and left out in the rain). Spec wise it would probably have Sora / Tiagra components.
Also the chain / cassette and tyres may be worn so be prepared to have them replaced if necessary.
Good luck

ted-on-tour

So I have an oppertunity to buy a Carrera Vanquish Road Pro, on budget, what do you think? Looks nice enough, plus I've been assured its had a good going over prior to selling.

slowlanejane

Hello. I've been away for ages so my first post for a while. Re the Vanquish if you still have the option: check the frame geometry online to be sure it fits; allow an extra £50 sometime soon for a basic service at the local bike shop, because you don;t know the competence of the previous owner ( I thought I was OK at basic maintenance but just collected my bike from LBS service today to be told some numpty had fitted the saddle waaay too loose, dangerous, have an accident it could shear any time ... wonder who that was? ... :oops: ) . Also check write-up for the model, but Carerra generally have a good rep. For your budget your choices are limited. If you can find another 100, Evans have £350 for Trek FX 7.3, great bike, 2009 model, and Sepcialized Sirrus 2009 entry level at same price, models I have recommended to the non-bikey hubby as fast, nimble, go-anywhere (within reason) bikes that will feel like a normal bike.

Big brands - Trek, Specialized, Ribble, etc, browse a bike mag in WHSmiths, the big ads belong to the big brands with the big budgets.

My local LBS says Trek the better brand for budget bikes as they manufacture all their own frames, all are good quality, whereas other brands will buy in frames made to order elsewhere. Don't ahve a Trek myslef, but eyeing one up now.

Enjoy whatever you get in the end.

topdude

So I have an oppertunity to buy a Carrera Vanquish Road Pro

You need to give it a test ride and make sure it is the correct size for you.
Can you take someone experienced with you ?

ted-on-tour

I can try it out when I'm there to see if its good for size and what not, just wanted to know if that bike is a good place to start for a COMPLETE novice.....I mean I'm contemplating stabilisers for the first couple of weeks!!

Unfortunately no I can't take anyone with me for guidance, I don't know anyone in the area, not long moved see.

ted-on-tour

What do we think...for WELL under budget.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/carrera-vituoso-r ... 43a4727333

I just have no clue, plus its a pretty daunting with so many to choose from.

redvee

There is a reserve on the bike and you have to factor in the petrol costs upto St.Helens to collect the bike too.

ted-on-tour

I know yeah, I've factered in all the costs icluding petrol and meeting the reserve which I've spoke to the fella about and it still comes in under budget by some way.

What do you think of the bike?

topdude

The bike looks good if you are getting it for a good price, they were selling for £360 new so expect to pay £180 / £250 depending on condition.
It looks like the handlebars have been raised a long way, much higher than you would normally see on a racing bike but you should be able to lower them again.
One thing worth checking is that the seat post is not seized into the frame (very common) make sure the saddle can be raised / lowered. If not walk away.
Size wise, it looks like it will fit someone approx 5' 6" to 5' 9" or so.

Good luck and don't be afraid to walk away if it is not as good as advertised.

rake

what happened did you get the bike

ted-on-tour

Yeah I dot the bike, I'm struggling with it at the moment though trying to lower the handlebars, any help? I'm currently discussing it in a thread titled 'raised handle bars'