Buying a cheap road bike....

nacnudsmada
nacnudsmada Posts: 55
edited December 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi All,
After a few changing plans as was going to ride to work, sadly this will not happen now, so i can going to keep my current bike which is a carrea subway for taking my daughter out on etc i am looking to get a road bike,

Sadly my budget is 150-200 at a push, Ive seen a few

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/39048394 ... pla&crdt=0
or
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003DZ15CQ/? ... B003DZ15CQ
or
http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-pa ... src=google
OR
would it be better to look around for a second?

I really cannot go any higher than 200
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Comments

  • Bustacapp
    Bustacapp Posts: 971
    nacnudsmada wrote:
    Hi All,
    After a few changing plans as was going to ride to work, sadly this will not happen now, so i can going to keep my current bike which is a carrea subway for taking my daughter out on etc i am looking to get a road bike,

    Sadly my budget is 150-200 at a push, Ive seen a few

    http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/39048394 ... pla&crdt=0
    or
    http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003DZ15CQ/? ... B003DZ15CQ
    or
    http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-pa ... src=google
    OR
    would it be better to look around for a second?

    I really cannot go any higher than 200

    That muddyfox looks nice!! Just get it!
  • mattrixdesign2
    mattrixdesign2 Posts: 644
    I would either consider second hand (nearly new or older if you know what to look for) or you may just about find something in either Decathlon or Halfords, you may need to wait for a sale though.

    Decathlon Triban 3 is well regarded but out of your budget, but it sets the base line for a decent road bike at the budget end, Halfords have the Carrera TDF, again above your budget, but gives an idea of what minimum spec to go for. Try seraching for these on Ebay, as they a cheaper than most to start with so you could find a bargain. Also looks for the likes of popular choices Specialized Allez etc second hand.

    Also why are you looking for a drop bar road bike, I presume the obvious answer is to ride on roads... but you already have the Subway, which would be another option I would have suggested if you didn't already have one!
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    Thanks both, I just wanted a road bike to be a road bike if you get me, ill keep the subway as just brought a seat for my daughter so we can go down the canals, paths etc and i wont worry to much about the bike!
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    Cycling Weekly just reviewed the Triban 3 and it got a good write-up. I second the advice to see if you can stretch to one of these or find one second-hand on eBay. You might also be able to find a second-hand bike from one of the bigger brands such as Specialized, Trek or Cannondale at this price if you keep your eyes peeled.
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    i don't think the boss would allowed the stretch as she does not know Ive stretched to 200
    Thanks for the advice!
  • Guanajuato
    Guanajuato Posts: 399
    To be honest, I'd stick with the Subway rather than get one of the ones you linked to. Your subway is a better spec all round. The only thing missing is drop bars. But with those three, the shifters are all on the top of the bars anyway, so you'd not be gaining anything. Spend £30 on a set of lower rolling resistance tyres and you'll get the same benefits.

    If you really must get a road bike, You'd be far better off with a 2nd hand Carrera TdF or Triban as mentioned before. You might get hold of a better spec than those 2nd hand too if you're lucky. Or persuade the Boss that the extra £100 is worth it.
  • surfatwork
    surfatwork Posts: 82
    I strongly suggest a second hand. There are some fantastic deals to be had on places like gumtree or even in the classifieds here and on other forums.
    2011 Scott S30
    2004 Trek 4500
    2009 Trek 7.1
  • hipshot
    hipshot Posts: 371
    Heed the advice above. You can get a 2nd hand Triban for about 200. Don't take a chance on anything else.
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    Hi All, Thank you for your advice, Ive managed to get my budget increased...
    Ive come across the barracuda blackfin http://www.barracudabikes.co.uk/bikes/b ... unisex.php and form the above i like the Carrera TDF - http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710

    Also ive seen Halords have http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_165710 - as well... Its £30 over but does look like a better bike...

    So these are my final Three, what would you suggest is best set up?

    I should say that once brought i do not plan to buy a new bike! and will aim to get out on it 3-4 times a week!

    Many thanks
  • Guanajuato
    Guanajuato Posts: 399
    I don't understand why the Zelos is more expensive than the TdF - it seems lower spec to me. The main differences are the Zelos has one less sprocket at the back, the frames are different Aluminium grades and the Zelos is black rather than yellow. :)
    The problem with the TdF is that its gearing is a bit high if you live in a hilly area. The wheels are very heavy as well, which doesn't help. Even a fairly cheap pair of wheels weighs about the same as just one carrera wheel.(review on here) The Blackfin has a triple so would make easy(er) work of hills.
    Try them all out and pick the one that suits you best.
  • Phill B
    Phill B Posts: 71
    Raleigh airelite 100 at Rutland cycles was £500 now £344. has had some decent reviews and much better than any of the halfords stuff in the same price range

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/42347/Ral ... White.html
    Hills hurt but sofas kill.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    I have the TDF and it takes everything I through at it. Commutes and coast to coasts so would be fine for you.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    Guanajuato wrote:
    I don't understand why the Zelos is more expensive than the TdF - it seems lower spec to me. The main differences are the Zelos has one less sprocket at the back, the frames are different Aluminium grades and the Zelos is black rather than yellow. :)
    The problem with the TdF is that its gearing is a bit high if you live in a hilly area. The wheels are very heavy as well, which doesn't help. Even a fairly cheap pair of wheels weighs about the same as just one carrera wheel.(review on here) The Blackfin has a triple so would make easy(er) work of hills.
    Try them all out and pick the one that suits you best.

    Probably the zelos is just "newer" with the new tourney groupset, does look way better in the flesh too than the tdf.

    Wheels on tdf although heavy, mine still run true after 2000 miles including some hefty commuting potholes.

    Agreed with gearing, changed my cheap shimano bits, A050 front mech and AO50 chainset for Shimano 2300 compact and its great.
  • Buckie2k5
    Buckie2k5 Posts: 600
    get the triban 3, you cant get a new bike with that spec for anywhere close to 300. I had 1 and loved it.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    My tdf was 265 in the "sale", but wasn't aware of the TR 3 at the time, carbon forks and a triple. But I don't like the red :-)
  • surfatwork
    surfatwork Posts: 82
    If you are insistent on getting a new bike, then nothing matches the Triban at that price. But I still think a used Specialized (or similar) is a better choice. All the bikes you have listed above (from Halfords etc.) are heavy!!! 11.7kg??
    2011 Scott S30
    2004 Trek 4500
    2009 Trek 7.1
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    Phill B wrote:
    Raleigh airelite 100 at Rutland cycles was £500 now £344. has had some decent reviews and much better than any of the halfords stuff in the same price range

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/42347/Ral ... White.html


    TDF beat it in the reviews.... :-)
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    surfatwork wrote:
    If you are insistent on getting a new bike, then nothing matches the Triban at that price. But I still think a used Specialized (or similar) is a better choice. All the bikes you have listed above (from Halfords etc.) are heavy!!! 11.7kg??

    Not really sure that folks buying a 300 quid bike the weight really matters. All are similar, just go woth the one you like the look of, although I have heard red bikes are faster ofc :-)

    My tdf with pedals was bang on 11kg, so only 500g heavier. TR3 do have the carbon fork so makes sense its lighter.
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    For info, slightly biased ofc on the tdf front, but do have 1 mate has bought the Zelos, 2 who have the triban as they weren't halfords fans. All are happy with there purchases.
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    Thank you all again, i am a little nervous buying second hand as did this with my current and was told it was a mish mash of bikes! :?
    and as i don't have a clue i would prefer to by from a shop. but appreciate your points just need to make a call.

    Thanks
  • Bustacapp
    Bustacapp Posts: 971
    nacnudsmada wrote:
    Thank you all again, i am a little nervous buying second hand as did this with my current and was told it was a mish mash of bikes! :?
    and as i don't have a clue i would prefer to by from a shop. but appreciate your points just need to make a call.

    Thanks

    Let us know what you get!
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    will do!
    now the "easy part"!!!
  • prawny
    prawny Posts: 5,445
    The TDF is a decent bike, bit heavy but fairly nice to ride. The triban is great and it's on my wish list as a winter bike. Porbably for next year now though. Out of the two I'd go for the Triban but I'm not too far from a decathlon and service is excellent, whereas halfords can be hit and miss. Have fun whatever!
    Saracen Tenet 3 - 2015 - Dead - Replaced with a Hack Frame
    Voodoo Bizango - 2014 - Dead - Hit by a car
    Vitus Sentier VRS - 2017
  • dandam
    dandam Posts: 2
    A friend bout the Triban 3 and loves it, at £300 it is a bargain
  • mattrixdesign2
    mattrixdesign2 Posts: 644
    I would take the Triban 3 over the TDF if they were the same price.

    As the Triban 3 had carbon forks vs Hi-Ten on the TDF, I also think it has Sora in places over the bottom of the range 2300 kit (which is perfectly usable!). I would also lean towards Decathlon expecting better customer service, I think they even throw in and fit lights?

    Having said that the TDF is still a decent choice @ 299, but not at the list price of 499!

    As posted ealier, my first, and still current road bike was a Spesh Allez, bought online at Evans on the 24/12 2 years ago, at 380, so it could be worth waiting for a super deal to come along?
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    Don't think Triban 3 doesn't has sora
  • mattrixdesign2
    mattrixdesign2 Posts: 644
    zx6man wrote:
    Don't think Triban 3 doesn't has sora

    Website says "Groupset Shimano 2300"... but I am sure when I saw a freind of my buying one instore it has a Sora front mech - it certainly isn't a deal breaker.
  • nacnudsmada
    nacnudsmada Posts: 55
    Again thanks for the advice - a friend of mine who is big into riding has suggested looking for a second hand good bike off eBay. So I need to have a think and look around. In Mean time ill keep the money in the bank!
    Thanks once again!
    Is there a page for deals on this forum?
    D
  • zx6man
    zx6man Posts: 1,092
    mattrixdesign2 wrote:
    zx6man wrote:
    Don't think Triban 3 doesn't has sora

    Website says "Groupset Shimano 2300"... but I am sure when I saw a freind of my buying one instore it has a Sora front mech - it certainly isn't a deal breaker.

    Maybe he was lucky, the 2 of my mates are 2300 front mechs and the photo on website is also 2300 . Sora doesn't have the adjuster screws on the side.
  • lc1981
    lc1981 Posts: 820
    The Cycling Weekly review says it has a Sora front mech, though they do preface this with "almost unbelievably"!

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