Newbie needs a bike, but which one?

2E

Ok, so i've just turned 30 and after spending my 20's smoking and drinking and taking my body for granted I know that if I do the same in my 30's i'm going to have major health issues. Only 1 thing for it, and thats to swim, bike and run my ass off.

So, swimming lessons booked. Running and gyming, started and I'm making good progress.

But confussion reigns when it comes to bikes. So have been doing abit of research and have come up with these. Would just like to know if anyone has any advice on these or maybe other bikes. My budget for the bike itself is probably 400 - 800 (abit more at a push).

1) Cube 2011 Aerial, £594, shimano sora

2) Cannondale CAAD 8 2011, £555, shimano sora (Tiagra is £679)

3) BeOne Mistral race 2011, £839, shimano ultegra, (common sense says one of the other two but my gut wants this one but cant find any reviews).

Any other recommendations? thanks

surreyxc

I would always get the best you can, it will hurt the wallet but just one great ride will wipe the pain away.

If you have the cash I would strongly recommend looking at second hand on Ebay or Gumtree. Personally I would be looking to save at least 35% of shop price, beware if something seems to good it is probably stolen especially on Gumtree.

A quick search on Ebay for £500 - £600 private sale bikes show 27 available.

surreyxc

Case in point:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Van-Nicholas- ... 733wt_1139

snowy lowey

surreyxc wrote:

I would always get the best you can, it will hurt the wallet but just one great ride will wipe the pain away.

If you have the cash I would strongly recommend looking at second hand on Ebay or Gumtree. Personally I would be looking to save at least 35% of shop price, beware if something seems to good it is probably stolen especially on Gumtree.

A quick search on Ebay for £500 - £600 private sale bikes show 27 available.

+1

2E

Cheers guys, my only issue is I cant afford a lump sum (you know how it is, mortgage bills, even grocery shopping) so am looking to go down the 0% finance route over 6-12 months.

I should have pointed that out on the initial post

surreyxc

Can you do the Bike to Work scheme, this could mean 40% of the cost and then the company just deduct the money from your pay packet each month.

I got a Boardman CX which retails at £1000 for £600 spread over 12months.

Bobbinogs

Worth a look at the Spesh Allez too.

Be careful about getting the right size bike, IME this is equally as important as the bike itself.

2E

Surrey, that would have been ideal but i'm a service engineer and my office is my van parked infront of my house, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to blag my employer to take part.

2E

Cheers bob, I'm 5'8 so was looking at about a 54cm frame size if that is correct?

I was looking at the specialized allez double, £449 for a 2011 with good reviews.

I'm sure this question has been asked many times but as a beginner would there be a big difference between a double and a triple which im presuming has more gears and is abit more expensive?

nochekmate

surreyxc wrote:

Case in point:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Van-Nicholas- ... 733wt_1139

Case in pont???

There are 5 days left and the auction price is already £500. You are living in cloud cuckoo land if you think you would secure that for £500-£600 given the spec.

There are some bargains on eBay occasionally but this won't be one of them for the OP's budget!

rogerthecat

2E m8, if you can afford all bikes listed, get the one that you like the look of the most, go for a test ride then decide. I have found CUBE to be excellent bikes, Cannodale is raved about on here, the BeOne not read any comments on here about it or even bothered to look in to them, I will say this ,buy the best you can afford, make sure you like it nay love it and test ride it, it as simple as that really. The Beone has the best groupset so if you like the look of it and you acn afford it ride iot then buy it..

Always go with your gut!

prawny

I've just had my verenti delivered, £808 pretty damn nice for that much, haven't had chance to test it properly yet but seems rediculous value.
The only obvious cost cutting parts I can see on there are the chainset and BB (square taper :shock: ) and the pro lite como wheels, which are standard fare on £1000 carbon bikes anyway. Might ride to work tomorrow if the wind dies down a bit.

KnightOfTheLongTights

2E wrote:

I'm sure this question has been asked many times but as a beginner would there be a big difference between a double and a triple which im presuming has more gears and is abit more expensive?

a big difference if you're a new rider and going to be tackling big / steep hills on a regular basis, yes

I got a Spesh Allez triple a year ago as my first bike - and having done some riding in the Lakes and some long-distance touring in the Pyrenees and other mountainous regions of France, I've been glad of the granny ring.

However, when I get a new bike next year (I'm after something a bit higher-end) I will probably go for a standard double - particularly now my legs are stronger.

A compact double would be the compromise option.

MichaelW

Do you need a road-race bike or a more practical winter-training style of road bike? The easiest way to fit regular cycling exercise in your life is by commuting, which really needs mudguards and possible a small rear rack.
Compact double chainsets are a good choice for those who don't compete in races.
If you are starting physical training from a couch-potato level, be careful not to overdo things at first.