Best road bike for under 600 quid

CousinBenson

Hi all,

I've decided to get a road bike for my commute to work, was considering hybrid but think road would be better.

Simply put, what is the best road bike I can get for 600 or less? I'm very much a beginner when it comes to bikes. I know people will have different ideas but suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

Thanks

rs6mra1

whatever the recommendations, i'd suggest you consider buying second hand...........

iron-clover

The good news is you have quite a lot of choice with that budget, and you'll be able to get a decent bike that is worth maintaining and even upgrading over time.

The bikes that spring to mind are the Cannondale Caad8, Trek 1.1 and 1.2, and the Giant Defy 4 & 5. All are fairly good bikes (I race on an upgunned Trek 1.1, and thats an older model with alloy rather than carbon forks!), and really there isn't much difference between componentry, although Shimano Tiagra groupset will be the best on any of them, with Claris and Sora being common- both of which are good solid groupsets that will last.

The specialized Allez is also a fine bike in that price range, but it doesn't come with mudguard and rack mountings that you'd like for commuting.

Your best bet would be to look at them, see which one your think looks the best and then also fits you well.

There are a couple of cyclocross bikes that fit your budget as well- Evans is always a good start to have a look at bikes as they always have a good selection, although they don't tend to be as good for advise as a LBS due to their sales pressure so always look up independant reviews as well!

Buying from a bricks and mortar shop is a good idea for your first road bike as they will be able to help get you set up properly and also provide after care when bits start to bed in.

Good luck!

city_boy

This might be worth a look...

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8290145.html

Quins

I picked up a Giant Defy 2, 2012 for £250. It came with panier racks. Found it on Ebay, sold by Cash Converters. I used it as my winter bike, put mud guards on it. (Got the Defy composite 2 for summer). I was looking for a few weeks, almost went for a Defy 4 or 3, but then stuck out for the 2. Fantastic all round bike. They are out there if you do the looking. 2nd hand all the way.

RobSomerset

Can always do what i did and get a flat bar roadie that you can sort of hybrid yourself. Same situation as you couple of weeks back and very indecisive. Went the flat bar road option so got a bit of the best of all worlds if you get my drift.

cycleclinic

A good second hand one or one you build your self from ebay forum finds.

Genesis volant is pretty good for that money. Wiggle no dout have something too. You will find many bikes at this price point are quite similar.

CptMuppet

I was looking for a bike with a similar budget but I was looking for a new bike as I was getting one through the cycle to work scheme. I had never had a road bike before so I asked everyone's opinion and had my mind set on either a Felt from Merlin or a Giant from Rutland. I went to my local store and saw a Giant Defy 3 and that was that, just had to have one. Though it was cheaper at Rutland than my local store. There's plenty of friendly people that will tell you that ones great or that ones better or plenty of reviews online but you will eventually find one that you just love and have to have it. I guess it depends on your level of experience and previous bikes.

CousinBenson

Thanks for the replies, I cant go second hand as im buying with the cycle scheme as well!

schlepcycling

If you can squeeze another 100 quid out of your budget then this would fit the bill, there's both a flat bar and drop bar version http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/road-bikes/london-road

trek_dan

Ribble 7005 Winter trainer. Guards are a must for commuting.

alex222

If you can stretch your budget a bit and are happy to buy online I would look at this Rose
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pr ... aid:743996

CptMuppet

What frame size are you after?

How about a few from Merlin Cycles?

http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-umbri ... 74110.html
http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-umbri ... 74111.html
http://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-mave ... 55803.html

velohutts

Cycle surgery have kona zing at a good price if purchased before midnight.

bendip

CousinBenson wrote:

Thanks for the replies, I cant go second hand as im buying with the cycle scheme as well!

Get in on this, decent spec for the money, i'm having it on cyclescheme so comes in around £475, bit of an unknown quantity though so a relative leap of faith.. :!:


http://goo.gl/tgY3gp

RobSomerset

I was going to get a flat bar Eastway on offer from Tredz. Unfortunately they didn't have my size. They are British firm with a pretty good rep. Think you'll be ok with the one in the link.

bendip wrote:

CousinBenson wrote:

Thanks for the replies, I cant go second hand as im buying with the cycle scheme as well!

Get in on this, decent spec for the money, i'm having it on cyclescheme so comes in around £475, bit of an unknown quantity though so a relative leap of faith.. :!:


http://goo.gl/tgY3gp

KonkyWonky

These options are unbelievable value for money and it would leave you some money left over to buy clothing, track pump, basic tools etc.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r40-2014/

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r30-2014/

Or if you want to go steel and have something all weather there is this.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-st10-2014/