Which entry level/intermediate road bike?

foolz
foolz Posts: 6
edited April 2016 in Road buying advice
Hi all,
Looking to get into road biking for commuting and long weekend rides. All I'm after really is something half decent with a full sora groupset (minimum) around £400-£500.

I've found these three:
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-do ... e-EV207286
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-ff1 ... 84208.html
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-520-r ... 22663.html

Which would you go for?

Many thanks!

Comments

  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    The Triban 520 has been mentioned elsewhere recently as a good starter bike, and Decathlon's customer service and aftercare is meant to be very good.

    The Merlin FF1 gives you the next step up in Shimano groupset, the trade-off here being that 7005 aluminium is slightly denser than 6061 so the bike may be a little heavier (although it is listed as being slightly lighter!).

    The Pinnacle seems similar in spec to the Triban but has internal cable routing which probably gives it that 'higher end market' look.

    At the end of the day, on what I've heard along with the specs., I'd probably go with the Triban.

    But it may be an idea to see if you can try and ride them first - not all bikes fit the same, and you may just feel 'more at home' on one of them.

    Good luck with your choice,
    Steve
  • foolz
    foolz Posts: 6
    Thanks Steve, did some more research and went around my local bike shops. Managed to get http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-3-20 ... _73910.htm for less than £400. Bargain!

    Happy riding!
  • SME
    SME Posts: 348
    The Giant Defy 4 is normally a high rated bike but you seemed to be after Sora rather than Clarify equipped.

    I must admit I did see the Defy 3 at the bargain price you mentioned but when I clicked the link it said 'out of stock'. If you've managed to get ahold of one then you have got a bargain.

    Enjoy - Giant Defy is a good bike.
    Steve

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