New Bike

dormer88

Hi guys, I'm looking into getting my first road bike. I have around £450/£500 to spend. What should i be looking out for in terms of spec on a bike?

Would it be better for me to get a better 2nd hand bike then a cheaper new one??

Many thanks

martylaa

Plenty of as new bikes on eBay or here mate, u can save a lot and get a decent bike for your budget...

MountainMonster

I'm a firm believer in buying second hand, as you get a good deal on things you wouldn't be able afford otherwise. Some people are very cautious though about buying second hand since they come with no warranty, but it's just bike parts, so won't be too expensive to repair. No engines to replace or anything!

As far as bikes, check the classifieds here for decent bikes, or try Gumtree, but only meet people in person, don't deal with shipping on Gumtree!

dormer88

Cheers guys!! 2nd hand it is!! Is there anything i should be looking out for in terms of a decent deal?

MountainMonster

dormer88 wrote:

Cheers guys!! 2nd hand it is!! Is there anything i should be looking out for in terms of a decent deal?

For around the 500 mark you should be able to get a decent 1-2 year old bike with 105 or so. Would be much better than anything new in terms of spec!

dormer88

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/trek- ... 0/84643273

Guys is this something i could buy as a first bike??

Slow Downcp

Whatever you do, make sure it's the right size - doesn;t matter how cheap soemthing is, if it doesn't fit it's a waste of money. And do not underestimate the difference 2cm makes to the comfort, a 54cm if you need a 56cm will give you problems.

If second hand, make sure the seller has the original receipt and if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Always take someone else with you, and preferably at their house.

The Trek looks okay - as long as the receipt is available. Not sure why photo's have been taken in a park, or why the bikes listed as a Hybrid when it's not.

Slow Downcp

Forgot to mention - remember to budget for other items if your first road bike. Good padded shorts, pump, possibly pedals and shoes are a must

dormer88

Slow, many thanks mate! Im selling my kona MTB for around 380 so that plus 100 of my own is around my limit. If I'm honest i have no idea when it comes to road bikes so if you have any decent ideas of a beginners bike id be grateful cheers

Slow Downcp

Any idea what size you're after?

dormer88

Hello mate, I'm 5ft 11! So I'm guessing 54/56 from reading posts etc? My Kona is 19 inch though that wasn't fitted

Slow Downcp

It all depends on leg/arm/torso length also, but at 5'11" I'd go for a 56 (in fact I do). It may be worth going to a large chain like Evans and just trying a few out for size and taking it from there.

Slow Downcp

Depends where you are, but pleanty about:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GIANT-DEFY-2- ... 3f0c125208

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-A ... 231278b1ae

dormer88

Slow many thanks mate for your help. i must admit i like the allez. Would you say that was the better bike of the 2? many thanks

Slow Downcp

The Giant has a better spec IMO out of the two - I woudn't rush into anything though, as I said try a few out first so you at least know what size you want. I sold a little used Bianchi Via Nirone for £450 (I think) a few years ago - it had cost £900 eighteen months earlier. Luckily I'd bought on cycle to work so I didn't actually lose anything

dormer88

Many thanks for your help

chadders81

dormer88 wrote:

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/trek-12-road-bike-2010/84643273

Guys is this something i could buy as a first bike??

Could do worse. That was NEVER a £800 bike though.