I need to buy a bike - HELP!

jmods34

Hi, I posted this is the other sub forum but think it's probably better here and hopefully some kind folks that take pity on a newbie will be more likely to reply here too!

Not sure if should post here or in beginner forum. I weigh 85 and I am 181 cm tall - ideal weight is 72 which is what Im aiming for.

I want to try to improve my fitness, I am currently doing some running and have gone to a cycle lane at the weekend a couple of times. I would like to train for a mini triathlon.

Anyways, I want to get a road bike or a cyclocross that I can use mostly in doors on a trainer and then at the weekends at this cycle track. I live in a city here traffic and pollution are terrible so don't think I will be commuting with it although that might be cool too.

I can not go to bike shops as the bikes are waaaaay tooo expensive! I have checked Decathlon and can probably afford the triban 100 - My max budget is 300 eur MAX. I am desperate now and just want to get something, Im a complete beginner so need to make a decision. If I like the sport and take it seriously then I can buy a better bike later.

I have checked on FB Market place and have found some options, again no idea if any are good:

Been offered 2 bikes:
FUJI SE Medium size - 290 eur

and

FUJI BARRACUDA 105 groupset - M Size 52 - 330 eur

Would any of those fit me? Any better than the other? For absolute beginner?

I have found the following on facebook market place:

Which one looks better and what should I check for when/if I go and seem them. COMPLETE NOVICE -

Here is 1: Masi Inizio 56 size

Says condition is 70% and the right size....I asked if there was anything wrong and he said no but that it hadn't been used in a long time and he would have to check it out and he would get back to me. This one is cheaper.

Here is 2: Specialized E5 - Claris Drive 8 gear. Size 56
Says its in good condition and wants to buy another bike so selling. This one is more expensive.

So out of those two, which are in my budget.....which one would you go for. Also what should I look out for when I go and see them??

More options......More expensive.......

Giant OCR-3


And this new bike cyclocross:

gt grade claris cyclocross.

I just want to go out and buy one now, my head is going to explode from looking at so many options......remember Im jut a beginner! Please help me make a decision on best way and least option that I am going to regret.

jmods34

Not getting any advice.....:(

jmods34

Tired of looking now for a secondhand bike and just want to get started......what if I just buy a bike from decathlon new? Like the Triban 100 or 500 or maybe this cyclocross bike and change the tire for the indoor trainer?

http://www.bangnabicycle.com/store/prod ... VvF9sfOoug

So, keep looking for a secondhand bike or do above?

manglier

The UK price for the GT is £260 plus whatever import duty is liable. Good call on that one.

Mad_Malx

If you are going for new then best value likely to be Decathalon.

I would struggle up my local 12% hill with the Triban gearing because the bottom gear isn’t very low, but ok on rolling terrain (I’ve never understood why manufacturers do this on starter bikes).

You can get more if buying used but if you don’t know what you are doing might end up wasting money and have to replace worn out bits.

Fit is important. As Ox says, 52 sounds a bit small.

Mad_Malx

^However, that GT looks better than the Triban 100 if it’s in your price range.

jmods34

Mad_Malx wrote:

^However, that GT looks better than the Triban 100 if it’s in your price range.

So the GT better than the triban 100. I would need to change the tires for a trainer as it comes with cyclocross tires.

What about the triban 540 - more expensive:
https://www.decathlon.co.th/en/p/8389938_-triban-520-white-black.html#/5886-200-l

I want to buy this week. I already have a kickr snap.

Mad_Malx

^you have linked to the 520 but that is MUCH better bike than the 100 for road use.

Not sure you need to spend so much if it’s only going to be used on a trainer though.

Incidentally, looking at the decathalon chart you do look more like a medium in their bikes.

jmods34

Mad_Malx wrote:

^you have linked to the 520 but that is MUCH better bike than the 100 for road use.

Not sure you need to spend so much if it’s only going to be used on a trainer though.

Incidentally, looking at the decathalon chart you do look more like a medium in their bikes.

Thanks, Im going to go for the cheaper cyclocross bike to start off with then. If I get into it then I can buy a better bike in the future.

Should I change both the cyclocross tires to slicks or simply get a trainer tire?

Will something like this do? Only on the back tire?

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/schwa ... 4&search=1

What tools do I need to swap the tire......or in general besides a bike pump what else should I get.

lakesluddite

jmods34 wrote:

Mad_Malx wrote:

^you have linked to the 520 but that is MUCH better bike than the 100 for road use.

Not sure you need to spend so much if it’s only going to be used on a trainer though.

Incidentally, looking at the decathalon chart you do look more like a medium in their bikes.

Thanks, Im going to go for the cheaper cyclocross bike to start off with then. If I get into it then I can buy a better bike in the future.

Should I change both the cyclocross tires to slicks or simply get a trainer tire?

Will something like this do? Only on the back tire?

https://www.lazada.co.th/products/schwa ... 4&search=1

What tools do I need to swap the tire......or in general besides a bike pump what else should I get.

If you are only using it on a turbo trainer, then you only need to put a trainer tyre on the rear, as this is where the tyre contacts the roller. To swap the tyres you will need tyre levers only - very cheap. If you have issues with changing the tyres, just browse Youtube for instruction videos - there will be hundreds.

If and when you decide to do Triathlon, or for the outdoor track, then it would be best to put road tyres on, depending on the condition of the surfaces you will be riding on (if they are rugged, then perhaps the cyclocross tyres would be fine).