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My First Road Bike, Two Choices

mackccjmackccj Posts: 5
edited February 2014 in Road buying advice
After injuries to my joints through running I have decided to take up road biking in order to keep fit, I am looking to spend around £300 for my first bike, I have seen two bikes I like the look of but I'd appreciate an experienced cyclists opinion, the 2 bikes are a carrera zelos and the other is a Btwin triban 3. Feel free to let me know your opinions and advice. Cheers

Posts

  • SproolSprool Posts: 1,022
    heard good things about the triban 3 as a decent entry-level bike, a few new road cyclists round here have started off on that model. Decathlon are pretty good at servicing and advice if you need it, so I'd opt for the Triban 3.
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,732
    Just beware there are 2 Triban 3 the original red one with carbon forks and the white one without. The Zelos doesn't look to bad but is only a 7 speed rear cassette which is quite dated, the Triban 3 red is a 8 speed triple which is easier for newer riders currently available online up to size 51 for £249.99 or Triban 3 white At £299.99. It does say on the website that maybe stock in stores of the Red. The Carrera Virtuoso is a good starter bike as well. You might also look at second hand as well as some good deals around if you know what to look at.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • DiscoBoyDiscoBoy Posts: 905
    Either a red triban 3 or a carrera TDF get my vote in this price bracket.
    Red bikes are the fastest.
  • mackccjmackccj Posts: 5
    thanks for the advice, the triban 3 red are all gone in my size, read a few reviews on the TDF and most of the comments mention having to change parts or upgrading when buying, wiggle have a felt z100 2013 priced at £356, would the Felt be a better spec of bike for not much of a price increase? also i see a lot of people change the saddle for comfort, is this recommended or do padded shorts make the normal saddles more comfortable?
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,732
    Saddles are a personal thing they either fit or don't. Padded shorts or tights are a must, don't skimp on quality either your butt will thank you. By increasing your budget you get to look at the lower spec models from Felt, Giant, Trek, Moda, Forme amongst some. Look at last year's models as well you can get a better specced bike for less money. Try Paul's cycles for last year's models at cheaper prices, just make sure you get the right size for you. Nothing wrong with Triban 3 just some people can be snobbish, I have several mates using them every day for work in standard form and they have managed, in fact one mate has done a couple of triathlons with his as well.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • AnonymousAnonymous Posts: 79,667
    DiscoBoy wrote:
    Either a red triban 3 or a carrera TDF get my vote in this price bracket.

    Have never seen a T3 in the flesh but I have picked up a TDF. Luckily I had eaten 3 shredded wheat for breakfast that day!
  • Mad_MalxMad_Malx Posts: 4,957
    Much the same discussion here:
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40020&t=12958360
  • galatzogalatzo Posts: 1,295
    Buy a used one of tEbay.
    I reckon you could get a much better used say £850 when new for your budget
    25th August 2013 12hrs 37mins 52.3 seconds 238km 5500mtrs FYRM Never again.
  • Mad_MalxMad_Malx Posts: 4,957
    Galatzo wrote:
    Buy a used one of tEbay.
    I reckon you could get a much better used say £850 when new for your budget
    Yes, but you need to know what you are doing and buying. OP says he is just taking up road - it's a lot of money to spend if you have never sat on one.
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