Commuting bike help please

silver65

hi
New user here so please bear with me.
ive had a look around the website but couldnt find quite what i needed.
so if anyone can offer help ? it would be much appreciated

at 46 and a tad overweight ive decided to start cycling to work.16 miles round trip. 2/3 times a week
not cycled seriously in 20 odd years. but am commited to changing that

i got a cycle to work certificate for 500 gbp and chose a bike from a local bike shop. Forme peak trail 3.0.
BUT there has been a problem getting the bike. so ive had a look around at different bikes.

ive now decided that a road bike would probably be a better solution as i would like to cycle at weekends ect and il be using roads.

bikes roughly in my budget(dont mind adding to the certificate)
are
Forme Longcliffe 4.0 575 gbp h[url]ttp://www.formebikes.co.uk/bikes/road/longcliffe4.php[/url]
raleigh arlite 100 500 gbp http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/47366/Raleigh_AirLite_100_2012_Bike
carrera virtuoso 429 gbp halfords
boardman road race 11/12 585 gbp halfords

bike shop said they can source most bikes. not too sure about the 2 i listed from halfords. but they are mainly a guide to what ive been looking at.

so what do you think?

again help much appreciated

thanks

Dan_Giant

Take a look at this - http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b65s6p3678&tbv=CANNONDALE_CAAD_8_SORA_TRIPLE_Road_Bikes_Racing_-_Road_Racing

I bought my bike from them, mine is the synapse sora which has all the same gear just different frame.

For the money you get a really decent spec with the sora gears, and carbon forks. They do the cycle to work scheme to i think. I sat on the CAAD 8 and it was a lovely bike, but for the extra £20 i went for the Synapse as its slightly more relaxed riding position and more forgiving over bumps.

I also looked at the Carrera, and its not a bad bike, but they are really small frames. I'm 6'2 and the Large frame was tiny on me. The boardman would be the better option from halfords.

MichaelW

You are not going to race so maybe consider some practical commuting style road features:
Generous mudguard clearance with long-drop caliper brakes
Threaded eyelets for rack and mudguards
Lower compact-double gears
Sportif style raised head tube for more upright position.
This style of bike is still light and fun to ride at weekends but much better for commuting when the weather turns.
Sometimes called Audax, light touring or winter training style.

jae-so

I keep recommending it but it has honestly been great so far, I got the Ribble Winter trainer/special edition with Shimano Tiagra for £644. It can be specced closer to £600 which is amazing value for tiagra

jeepie

I agree with Michael W. You are not racing so I'd get something more stable and comfortable with mudguards and rack mounts. How about a second hand Ridgeback Voyage?

Steve@Tern

I agree that a tourer could well be your best option.
How about a Dawes Vantage? You can pick one up new for around £600, not too far above your certificate.
It comes with guards and rear rack already fitted, and pretty comfortable saddle to boot. The chainset's a triple, so plenty of options.
They're very well-regarded - look around some of the other forums. Should give you the chance for some decent runs at the weekend too.

silver65

thanks all for your helpfull replies.

still in a dilema.
workmate recommended a Marin Belvedere as an alternative to a straight road bike 500gbp
http://www.marin.co.uk/2012/bikepage.php?ModNo=12BE

then theres

forme peak trail 3.0 http://www.marin.co.uk/2012/bikepage.php?ModNo=12BE ( its black and gold tho not black and silver as illustrated ) 400 gbp

so im none the wiser.

ty all again

supersonic

You posted the same link twice ;-)

passout

I'd go for a Speciallsed Tricross or similar 'utility-cross' bikes (I just invented that phrase); I've heard it desrcribed as a 'freeroad' bike too. I really liked my Tricross - great fun & flexible. Tourers are good if you are carrying loads...obviously.