Best entry level road bike - around the £500 mark

silkyskillz

Hi guys - I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I'm looking for a bit of advice on the best road bike currently available for around 500 quid.

I've been looking at the B'twin Triban 520, which seems to have decent specs for £450, but I live about 150 miles from the nearest Decathlon and am quite concerned about buying 'blind'

I also noticed the bike is almost 11kg - this seems pretty heavy, but I could be wrong.

So - can you guys recommend any bikes around that price mark (i can go maybe another £150 at a push) and should I go to somewhere to get a proper sizing done before buying online, or is it always best to test the machine first?

one final thing, that Triban 520 has quite a confusing size guide. I'm 6ft 1, with a 33 inside leg, but it's not completely clear whether I should go for a large (5ft 11-6ft 1) or xlarge (6ft - 6ft 3)

anyway, thanks for reading and hopefully I can be pointed in the right direction as I'm definitely way out of my comfort zone here.

cheers

Silky

Vaughan1

Have a look at ribble. I have a evo pro from their special list but you can have one for just a bit more than you are budgeting and its under 9kGs. rides lovely

Mad_Malx

Most local bike shops drop prices quite a lot in early autumn to shift this year's stock. Worthwhile hanging on a few weeks unless you really need it now.

t4tomo

Whilst I hear your distance issue, not a lot beats a Triban if you are looking at New around £500. New set of wheels will bring the weight down.

Second hand could through up some more choices though.

si.brown

Are you able to take advantage of a cycle to work scheme? I've just ordered a Triban 540 with Mavic Aksium wheels and 105 groupset which, after tax deductions, will set me back £360 - bargain!

silkyskillz

thanks for the replies.

was wondering what the thoughts are on the Specialized Allez 2015....in comparison to the Triban 520.

I went into evqans today to get my sizing nailed and the bike and feels very nice.

thanks

funkyg

WHere abouts in the country are you?
I love my Ridley, which cost £500 from here http://www.merlincycles.com/ridley-r6-el-road-bike-61377.html but they are based in Chorley.

Stupot07

I'm keeping a keen eye on this thread, this is around my price range too, although I need to persuade the better half that a) I won't get myself Killed and b) I won't get bored of cycling, then never use the bike. I need to find something to keep fit, I've retired from footy and I find the gym boring. I've always enjoyed cycling but my bike is an 18 year old mountain bike. I keep buying cycling magazines and leaving Evans (and other good retailers ) websites open on the iPad as subtle hints.

That Ridley looks a beauty, too far for me though I live in the Midlands and they haven't got my size!

t4tomo

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19669770#p19669770]silkyskillz[/url] wrote:

thanks for the replies.

was wondering what the thoughts are on the Specialized Allez 2015....in comparison to the Triban 520.

I went into evqans today to get my sizing nailed and the bike and feels very nice.

thanks

The equivalent Triban is the £299 500 SE with 8 speedmicro shift. The 520 has 9 speed sora group set which is better than the Allez 8 speed sora. Decathlon is much better value than specialized

Philly8mt

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19669940#p19669940]Stupot07[/url] wrote:

I'm keeping a keen eye on this thread, this is around my price range too, although I need to persuade the better half that a) I won't get myself Killed and b) I won't get bored of cycling, then never use the bike. I need to find something to keep fit, I've retired from footy and I find the gym boring. I've always enjoyed cycling but my bike is an 18 year old mountain bike. I keep buying cycling magazines and leaving Evans (and other good retailers ) websites open on the iPad as subtle hints.

That Ridley looks a beauty, too far for me though I live in the Midlands and they haven't got my size!

Exactly like me, packed in the footy after rupturing my Achillies (amongst other things). Found gym & swimming pretty dull, so ended up buying the Allez. Whilst it served me very well and now continues as my turbo trainer/winter bike, my mate purchased a Triban. He got the better value tbf and now he's lightened the load with new wheels (fulcrum racing 3's) it zipps around pretty well.
Must admit to being concerned about the death thing myself when I started out. I've tended to head out to more rural areas, less traffic and far more relaxing

ravey1981

Planet X RT58 alloy framed bike is worth a look. They have been running an offer on and off with a very well specced bike for £499, usual price £649. The one at £549 is still a good buy though.

keezx

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r30-tiagra-2015/

wotnoshoeseh

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sale/felt/#product-list

Some good bargains on here - good bikes too!!

dowtcha

Check out Pauls cycle, always discounted bikes.
They have a 2015 Giant defy 2 for £549. Tiagra 10 speed and a carbon fork.

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5923/GIANT-DEFY-2-2015

Neil_aky

The new Tribans are great value - they are good frames / forks and well specced, have good clearance for wider tyres / guards etc.

I would say go for the 520, When the wheels get tired replace with Mavic Aksium's and just ride it.

I own a Red Triban 3 which I bought 3 years ago and love riding it. You will pay a lot more for a similar spec bike from another name. The Specialised Allez is not as good a bike so would stay clear.

As for size - I think you would probably be fine on a large - but phone the store and see if they have both is stock so you can try before you buy.

Any of the bikes at the price point you are looking at will be fine - just jump in and start riding. Learn how to maintain everything and it will probably work better than many bikes I see (and hear) running (poorly maintained / adjusted) Ultegra groupsets!

Enjoy the ride!

Storming

I was happy with my MTB and technical skills but I was slow and needed Road bike. I calculated and read tests and bought Tommaso Imola Lightweight ‎ as the same site test winner. Feels little heavy, but makes stronger, and doesn´t think that I will get anything better for the price. I will upgrade it and order lighter wheels for Xmas anyway I´m very satisfied with my choice.