Entry level road bike?

poejollard

Hello!

New to the forums and new to the world of road biking.

I'm an avid mountain biker however want to see the thrill on the other cycling spectrum.

Basically want to know what is the best entry level bike for the money. I would be looking to spend a maximum of £600 and would prefer to get a second hand bike in good condition as you generally get a lot more for the money. However there are bike sales on currently. I am most interested in the Felt Z95 - which is on sale with 20% off the price currently (£648 down to £518). I have seen them in the shop and I must say they look like a nice piece of kit. On the other side, I have been looking at the Allez series. Marked at around £550. My friend owns one and absolutely loves it.

What do you guys think?

Z95: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... bike-46698
Allez: http://thecyclehub.net/review-specialized-allez-2013/

Cheers guys!

arlowood

Of the 2 you've listed, my money would go on the FeltZ95.

Has Sora (2013) drivetrain mainly compared to Shimano 2300 on the Allez. The Felt also has Shimano branded brake vs Tektro on the Allez. Wheelsets are nothing to get excited about on either bike but you will probably eventually be upgrading the wheels in due course.

Felt also is also 9-speed vs 8-speed on the Allez and the felt has an 11-32 cassette that should help you as a newbie to the road as far as tackling any problem hills. You can always swap it later for a closer ranged cassette once your fitness levels and hill climbing improves.

poejollard

Thanks for your response!

My instinct was to go with the Felt. Especially at that price. Although it is quite heavy, with a medium weighing in at 10.21kg (although I will be getting a small). But with better quality components I don't see how overall it can make that much difference. But that could be my road newbie ignorance!

Any thoughts, or suggestions on other bikes?

5nakey

i just bought an F95. i know next to nothing about road bikes so my opinion isn't really that helpful but i absolutely love mine - it flies!!

poejollard

Yeah pretty much the same situation as me! But to be honest with entry level bikes I don't see how components can differ that much seeing as they only have so much money to put a decent one together! Glad you're enjoying the F95 dude, hopefully I'll be able to say the same once a decision has been made!

poejollard

Seen big discounts on bikes elsewhere as well.

How do these bikes compare?

http://www.beone-bikes.nl/EN/j2013/prod ... _sport.php

OR (for a bit more)

http://www.beone-bikes.nl/EN/j2013/prod ... m_race.php

£550 really is my absolute max. I have seen the BeOne Race on sale for 560 which is pushing it.

snowjho

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-black-id_8239801.htmlunbelieveable value for money, look no further. It illustrates how much you're paying for a 'brand'. Just won a group test in cycling plus too.

markp80

poejollard wrote:

Seen big discounts on bikes elsewhere as well.

How do these bikes compare?

http://www.beone-bikes.nl/EN/j2013/prod ... _sport.php

OR (for a bit more)

http://www.beone-bikes.nl/EN/j2013/prod ... m_race.php

£550 really is my absolute max. I have seen the BeOne Race on sale for 560 which is pushing it.

If your budget's really tight, don't forget to factor in for any accessories you may need - helmet, shorts, lights, lock, tools etc. You may/may not need some or all of these, but they're often forgotten about and can soon add up.

Cheers,
MarkP

poejollard

Just as an update - got the Z95. For me, it was my gut instinct. Thanks all for the input, much appreciated. I'm so excited for it to arrive!!

Toe knee

Nice one, enjoy it when it arrives.

poejollard

Cheers mate, good luck with the Dale. It looks like a great bike - if only I was a bit taller haha

poejollard

As an update i received the bike however it has arrived damage. The cradle where the quick release wheel sits seems to have a crack on the carbon fibre which makes it tapered and as a result the front wheel does not fit. I'm having a nightmare!

Wish I had bought from my LBS now and should I get a refund I most likely will, unless they can compensate me somehow.