A bike for a road beginner

cauldo

Hi guys,

Im just starting out and am looking for my first road bike, i have read several reviews on this site which has helped me loads, however i have just come across this

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/product ... rt-disc-13

and cant find any reviews anywhere on it. I would greatly appreciate if anyone could offer some opinions on it even if its just by having a look at the specs?

Thanks in advance

cauldo

Mickyg88

Gears are shimano sora, a bottom end group set for a lot of money, a decent bike but you can get more for your money, maybe the disc brakes have bumped the price up... Keep on looking, some great bargains on 2012 bikes in the sales.

cauldo

Thanks a lot for the quick reply mickyg
much appreciated

hipshot

Looks OK if a bit expensive. The Secteur is a proven bike wth a good rep.

With the big clearances, discs and 28 tyres its leaning into Cyclocross territory rather than being a pure road bike, nothing wrong with that if it's what you want.

Not one for the club snobs though.

andyk19

2013 Sora is a step up over 2012 though, as the replacement of the thumb shifter with 'normal' style shifters (integrated with the brakes) sorts the biggest issue with older sora.

It's worth noting that you technically can't take part in road races with this bike as discs aren't UCI legal, however that's only an issue if you're thinking of racing.

simon_masterson

If you want disc brakes, it's a decent enough choice. Otherwise I have no reason to endorse it particularly.

But you can only go so far wrong with sub-£1000 aluminium bikes; whatever you buy you are getting a cheap aluminium frame with low-end [generally] Shimano components[often not a complete groupset] and cheap factory wheels; finished off with some basic parts. Therefore don't worry overly about specs, groupsets or weight, and don't feel obliged to spend a lot of money; there isn't £200 of difference between a £700 Specialized and a £900 Specialized.

Go to a bike shop and try some; pick the one that feels best to you. There are small variations in the design and build of all road bikes that can really affect the sort of riding they are most suitable for. What sort of riding are you intending to do?

Mickyg88

Cauldro, if your looking at spending £1k on your bike, try and stretch it to £1200 and get a great bike from hargroves cycles, the Scott cr1 comp, full carbon fibre with tiara group set, I got one in last years sale with shimano 105, an absolutely fantastic first road bike, and very upgradeable if needs be, you might even find it cheaper, try wallis cycles in Preston, a great guy to deal with, and no I don't work there, just got my bike from him.

cauldo

Thans for all the responses people.

simon im just looking to get out on the road with the intention to build up to 50-100 mile rides for now.
Ive come across a felt z6 on wiggle.co.uk for £830 in your opinion is this a better than the entry level offerings from trek, giant specialized and boardman?

simon_masterson

It looks nice! I wouldn't assume it to be any 'better' as such, but that doesn't say much; all of those choices could well work for you. You are getting a carbon frame and Tiagra bits, which is nice. That is very much a 'sportive' bike rather than an 'out-and-out racing' bike; it gives a comfy upright position rather than a hunched over racing one. Could well be a good match for the sort of riding you've described.

Philinmerthyr

I got a Specialised Roubaix this week. Same geometry and a great ride. For £200 more you could have a carbon frame.

cauldo

thanks again guys your help has been great, i think my next step is to have a chat with my lcs and see if i can try some out