Beginner - would a CX bike suit me?

[vickster]

I don't know if @jamin100 sold his Merida?
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/merida-cyclocross-cx-shimano-105-bike.255333/

 

[Kevfm]

OK a bit of a change of mind - going to go for a road bike. So, all things equal (price, condition), if I had to choose between

Giant Defy 1/2
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2124-slr-8.8-alloy.html
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html

what would folks recommend?

 

[vickster]

OK a bit of a change of mind - going to go for a road bike. So, all things equal (price, condition), if I had to choose between

Giant Defy 1/2
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2124-slr-8.8-alloy.html
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html

what would folks recommend?

Defy, no wheel issues, better resale if /when you upgrade.
BUT go ride them for yourself, not least to get the right size.
Other thing, imo, if planning on using year round...Get one that that takes at least 25mm tyres with proper mudguards

 

[biggs682]

@Kevfm if i was wearing your shoes and budget i would look at buying a sub £200 lightly used s/hand road bike and make sure you enjoy and like cycling before blowing a bigger budget and two weeks later finding out that you don't enjoy cycling

 

[Kevfm]

@Kevfm if i was wearing your shoes and budget i would look at buying a sub £200 lightly used s/hand road bike and make sure you enjoy and like cycling before blowing a bigger budget and two weeks later finding out that you don't enjoy cycling

That was my other option and I spent a lot of time looking around. What I have done in the end though is ordered one of these:
https://www.h2gear.co.uk/128519/products/2019-giant-contend-1-mens-road-bike-in-blue.aspx

In the unlikely event I don't take to cycling I can always flog it on but I don't think that will happen. I spend a lot of time exercising and my other hobby also takes place on 2 wheels (but with a bit of mechanical assistance).

Thanks to everyone for the advice, very helpful - even though I seem to have ignored most of it . Now I need to find out about pedals, shoes, etc. I live quite near near a Giant shop, a Halfords and a Decathlon, which is handy.

Bike will arrive next week and I'll report back when I've tried it. It should be different to the £99 mountain bike I last had.

Kev

 

[biggs682]

@Kevfm good saving there and enjoy it , it can get addictive so be warned

 

[Kevfm]

I changed my mind again and I got this in the end
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html

A couple of months in and so far so good. I've nothing to compare it with but it goes and stops well enough for me. Comfort is fine now I'm used to it. I'm gradually getting my distances and speeds up but I'm more of a sprinter than a marathoner though so 1.5 hours is the most I'm doing atm, trying to go faster rather than further.

Still on flat pedals for now but will look at other options soon. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[Pale Rider]

I changed my mind again and I got this in the end
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-rc-500-disc-road-bike-black-sora-id_8554410.html

A couple of months in and so far so good. I've nothing to compare it with but it goes and stops well enough for me. Comfort is fine now I'm used to it. I'm gradually getting my distances and speeds up but I'm more of a sprinter than a marathoner though so 1.5 hours is the most I'm doing atm, trying to go faster rather than further.

Still on flat pedals for now but will look at other options soon. Thanks again for all the help.

As good as you'll get for the money.

Of course, you meant to post that you are limiting your rides to an hour at the moment.

 

[Kevfm]

As good as you'll get for the money.

Of course, you meant to post that you are limiting your rides to an hour at the moment.

Ah yes, didn't I say it was an hour on the road then straight on the turbo trainer to finish off...