First entry level road bike

topo
topo Posts: 3,104
edited March 2015 in Road buying advice
I have not been around this forum for a while, and it is definitely my first visit to the road section. I have been doing a lot of road riding the past few years, usually riding around 20 miles (so not massive distances). Up to this point I have been doing this on my XC bike. Which means fat tyres, poor geometry and not the most pleasent of bikes to ride long distances.

I am looking at getting an entry level road bike, around the £500 mark but really don't know where to start. I have found a few which have caught my eye but I am looking for your opinions on these, and alternative suggestions.

The three I have seen are:
Specialized Allez 2014
Scott Speedster 60 2015
GT GTS Sport 2015

The Specialized and GT seem to have a better groupset than the Scott, and the GT is the only one offering carbon forks, to shave some extra weight off. These are completely un educated observations of course so I am hoping you can add some better input.

Comments

  • holiver
    holiver Posts: 729
    How tall are you? Are you very flexible? Do you think you could stand/want a low and racy position or something a little more upright?

    I believe these are all questions that need answers before bike suggestions.
    2013 Kinesis Racelight T2
  • wotnoshoeseh
    wotnoshoeseh Posts: 531
    I just had a look on the Wiggle site, and increased your budget to £600 for the search (to see if there are any reduced last year models that might be worth stretching up to).
    One thing that did show up was last years Felt Z85 at a shade under £600 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-wiggle-exclusive/., and last years Felt F85 at a shade under your £500 original budget http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-tiagra-2014/.

    There's loads of stuff out there though.
    Get something though that is the right size - most important.
  • topo
    topo Posts: 3,104
    holiver wrote:
    How tall are you? Are you very flexible? Do you think you could stand/want a low and racy position or something a little more upright?

    I believe these are all questions that need answers before bike suggestions.

    I am 5-7. I definitely couldn't do the splits, but I don't think I would have a problem with the lower ride position. I am not looking for an out and out race bike, so a slightly more relaxed geometry may be better suited, I read that sportive bikes offer this?
    Before I purchase a bike I will be looking looking at going to a local bike shop to check the sizing and make sure I am actually comfortable with the riding position. I am looking to get an idea of which bike to go for first though, and then I can look at the nearest shop where I can try them out.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    wotnoshoeseh wrote:
    I just had a look on the Wiggle site, and increased your budget to £600 for the search (to see if there are any reduced last year models that might be worth stretching up to).
    One thing that did show up was last years Felt Z85 at a shade under £600 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-wiggle-exclusive/., and last years Felt F85 at a shade under your £500 original budget http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-tiagra-2014/.

    There's loads of stuff out there though.
    Get something though that is the right size - most important.

    This is good advice, last years bikes are fine and you get a good discount.
  • topo
    topo Posts: 3,104
    Yes, 2014 bikes may be a good way of getting me more for my money. The felt F85 looks nice, but am I right in thinking it is setup as more of a race bike? I will obviously need to try these out for size and position, but suggestions like these are good to get me looking in the right places
  • cenkee
    cenkee Posts: 71
    http://startcycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bik ... white.html

    2014 speedster s40 for 499. another option.
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    If you flip the stem to the upright position most road bikes give you a more upright, relaxed riding position. Most road bikes are fairly similar but best to try test rides to see what you prefer.
  • stevie63
    stevie63 Posts: 481
    I am 5'7" as well, just be careful when looking round bike shops that they don't try and sell you a bike that is too big. You will probably find that a 51 or 52cm frame is about right.
  • wotnoshoeseh
    wotnoshoeseh Posts: 531
    topo wrote:
    Yes, 2014 bikes may be a good way of getting me more for my money. The felt F85 looks nice, but am I right in thinking it is setup as more of a race bike? I will obviously need to try these out for size and position, but suggestions like these are good to get me looking in the right places

    the F85 in Wiggle is only available as a 56 or 58 so probably too big.
    I'm 5'11" and ride a 56cm. F series Felt

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