Hello from a Worcestershire newbie....

d_kni004

Hi all,
Just getting into road biking after a period using and abusing my mountain bike. My recent entry to the Duston Triathlon means my half hearted search for a decent second hand road bike must come to an end very soon. Looking for an xl road bike, around 60cm as I'm 6'4'' for less than £500 if anyone knows of one. I can travel but anything in the Midlands would be good. I have put an ad in the Wanted section.
Cheers and happy cycling,
Dave.

unixnerd

You can get some new road bikes for under 500 if you look at 2010 models, just use the Shopping option on google (left hand pane). Cannondale CAAD8 2010 for 449, Specialized Allez from 400, etc.

d_kni004

Cheers for that. I will take a look. Not sure whether to get a better second hand model or a new slightly inferior model?
Dave

unixnerd

It depends what kind of second hand deals you can find. My mtb and "nice" road bike were both bought second hand. You'll get a better deal on a used bike if you can find one the right frame size that's been lightly used.

It also depends on what your plans are. If it's a first road bike to get a taster for the sport get a basic one as no-matter what you buy you'll want to upgrade it in a year :-) Once Pandora's box is open she'll soon find your wallet and credit card details.

I think it all boils down to what sort of used bikes you can find locally.

d_kni004

Looking at ebay I think you're right, alot of the bikes are less than a year old and are selling due to upgrades!! I've just found a new 61cm specialized secteur sport 2010 for £470 down from £650, not a bad price I didnt [url=thinkhttp://www.dalescycles.com/productdetails.asp?productid=50651]thinkhttp://www.dalescycles.com/product ... ctid=50651[/url]
Will have to give it some thought over night and try to subtly drop the bike buying issue into conversation with my missus!

d_kni004

....Bearing in mind I am getting this bike mainly for the triathlon scene I've just been offered a 2yr old 60cm Trek Equinox 7 with only a couple hundred miles on the clock for £450 including SPD's. The seller is a colleague from not too far away. What do you think, link here http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/trek/equinox-7-2009

unixnerd

Seems a decent deal. Tri bikes are less common so if that's what you want I'd jump at it.

One thing, tri bikes are harder to steer than a normal road bike - a bit more nervous maybe. It'll feel very different from your mtb but you'll get used to it. Just be careful at first, especially in traffic.

It's also important to have the correct riding position, even more so than a normal road bike. You might find it very uncomfortable until your body adjusts. A normal road bike is a good half way house. Ask your mate, he'll have done all this and be able to offer advice.

d_kni004

Great advice once again. The more I think about it the more I am tending towards the second hand time trial bike, on the basis that it seems a better deal but also I have my mountain bike for pottering and the time trial bike will be purely for hard training sessions and the tri races. Will let you know how I get on. Thanks.

d_kni004

After a bit of thought I ended up letting the time trial bike go and instead have just ordered a new 61cm cannondale caad 8 sora triple 2010 with a decent set of bontrager hard case tyres and a pair of shimano spd pedals (from pedal on - online)together with a pair of decent but second hand Northwave revenue cycling shoes - total price £535. Pretty pleased considering the bike on its own was £649 last year and the 2011 version selling at £699. Thanks for all your help. Dave

unixnerd

Sounds like you got a bargain! Hope you enjoy it :-)