Advice for a Road Newbie

jjgreenwood
jjgreenwood Posts: 36
edited June 2012 in Road buying advice
After attempting to ride my old mountain bike on the road today I've decided to sell it on the bay of thieves and get myself a proper road bike. I have a branch of hargroves cycles near to my work so think I'll use them putting down whatever I get for my old bike as a deposit and then using interest free to fund the rest. This is pretty much as far as I have got so far. Not really decided a budget but my last one was about £1k so using that as a benchmark atm. I am overweight so it won't be used for any racing etc. Basically looking for a little guidance so I don't make a complete fool of myself when I walk in. As a starter for 10 seen these on the website, help would be appreciated:

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike

Comments

  • dennisn
    dennisn Posts: 10,601
    After attempting to ride my old mountain bike on the road today I've decided to sell it on the bay of thieves and get myself a proper road bike. I have a branch of hargroves cycles near to my work so think I'll use them putting down whatever I get for my old bike as a deposit and then using interest free to fund the rest. This is pretty much as far as I have got so far. Not really decided a budget but my last one was about £1k so using that as a benchmark atm. I am overweight so it won't be used for any racing etc. Basically looking for a little guidance so I don't make a complete fool of myself when I walk in. As a starter for 10 seen these on the website, help would be appreciated:

    http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike
    http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike
    http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike
    I kind of like the "Cube". If only because of the Shimano 105 stuff on it. Good, reliable, stuff.
  • ajb72
    ajb72 Posts: 1,178
    Glad to hear you are leaving the dark side!

    You picked out 3 very decent starting points there. In general terms you will pay more for the brand names of Bianchi and Specialized, whereas in selecting a Cube or Focus etc you will get a good frame but a much better finishing kit and groupset. In the examples you have selected, the Cube has the excellent Shimano 105 groupset, whereas the other two 'better known' brands have groupsets from lower down the pecking order (although with sales etc there is a price difference here). One of the biggest effects on how your bike will feel is the quality of the wheelset and here again I think the Cube offers a better deal.

    It sounds like you are not overly concerned on brand so you are in a great position to pick the best all rounder for your cash. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions at the bike shop. For example, tell them what sort of riding you want to do and ask what sort of geometry will suit you. If they are half decent they will explain how taller head tubes will give you a more relaxed riding position and not such a dramatic change from your mtb, an show you examples of different setups. If you feel pressurised or steered down one particular route without them getting to know you first, walk away and have another think.

    Good luck, and let us know how you get on.
  • jjgreenwood
    jjgreenwood Posts: 36
    Thanks guys after investigating a bit further it seems most cube and specialised bikes seems to be out of stock. They do seem to have the cannon dale range in stock though so will prob go and look at the caad 8 and caad 10. I'm guessing thats why there is so many cannon dale threads on here all of a sudden lol.
  • Went for this in the end after advice in store. Chap said carbon would be a bit more comfortable and lighter.

    http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... oad%20Bike

    They also recommend the Scott CR1 and the Stevens Stelvio but as they had neither in stock the cube sort of picked itself. The only problem is my mate has virtually exactly the same bike.

    Arrives friday :mrgreen: