Bike for a Charity Ride

Sootpants

Hi,

I've signed up to do a 450 mile 7 day charity cycle ride in June this year. I'm new to road riding but bought a cheap Giant Defy 5 to get me started.

I have a budget of around £1000 for a bike to get me fit enough for the ride and also survive the ride as well. There's going to be some serious hills on the trip, such a Porlock Hill in Devon so looking for something light, quick and comfortable.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I've managed to completely confuse myself on what I should be looking for.

Cheers

pda

Maybe I'm not following... what is the Giant for if it's not for training?

skyd0g

Ride the Giant you've bought. More.
...and ride it for the Charity Event.

If you really want to spend some money, then get bib-shorts, a couple of bottle cages & bottles.
...and then ride the Giant more.

There isn't a magic bike that will get you up hills without training & effort.

Sootpants

To be honest, I'm not sure the Giant will make it!! It's had quite a hammering already as it was second hand when I got it.

Training and hard work are a given, have been doing a lot of gym and road work in preparation. The other issue is the Giant isn't quite the right size for me and I don't find it particularly comfortable, even on short 25-30 mile training rides. It was bought as a stop gap until I could afford something a little better and more suitable for my build. Now I'm in that position I'd like some suggestions. Got most of the other gear I need already!!

southdownswolf

There are many threads for bikes of £1000, however, do you need to buy anything else in that budget?
Do you need bib-shorts (which if you have not got, are almost essential), shirts, a waterproof jacket, pedals to go on new bike, shoes, saddle bag.....?

Normal suggestions for £750-1000 are Cannondale Caad, Giant Defy, Boardman, Specialized Allez...
What brands do you have nearby that you could demo?

arlowood

Current issue of Cycling Plus has a road test of 6 bikes all in and around the £1K price point.

Their favourite out of those was the Giant Defy 1 with the Trek Domane 2.0 and Scott Speedster 20 coming very close seconds.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... 1-12-45849

if you are happy with the Defy 5 (apart from it being the wrong size) then go for the Defy 1. But if you can get to try out the Trek or Scott at a local bike shop then give then a go also.

Sootpants

Thanks for the advice. I'll get a copy and check the out.

Appreciate the response :0)

cougie

You'd be better off going to the local bike shop and seeing what they have. As you've found out - fit is key.