Better road/race bike.

[ptolomy]

Hi guys I have been cycling since I was very young but have never really taken it seriously before now, I have also started riding road bikes and have realised how much faster they are than mountain bikes!! I have bought myself a very old road bike and its now failing. I am looking to upgrade my bike or get a better one, I would like to do this slowly, possibly bit by bit but dont really know where to start. Please can anyone with advise please help me out!! Thankyou.

 

[Garz]

Whats your budget firstly?

 

[ptolomy]

Well if i was to do it slowely then almost anything as i may be able to spend that little bit more on a quality part, and build it up that way, maybe max of £100 per item.

 

[Will1985]

You're in Brum! Whereabouts?

 

[RedBike]

I am looking to upgrade my bike or get a better one, I would like to do this slowly, possibly bit by bit but dont really know where to start.

Upgrading bit by bit will always work out far more expensive,

Your best bet is probably to start saving for a complete new bike / only buy new parts for the existing bike that can be transfered across to the new bike when you get it.

Wheels and tyres are nearly always the most cost effective upgrades.

 

[ptolomy]

kings heath area what about you? Ahh i thought it might be cheaper to buy a bike cheaper bit by bit, thanks for the advice redbike.

 

[Sittingduck]

If your current steed is ride-able I would stick with it for a little while saving cash and look to get a new bike (or decent 2nd hand replacement). Full rennovation or building from scratch can cost a lot!

 

[ptolomy]

Talking about a new bike then what are good cycling names, as in what is worth getting and what is not so good?

 

[MadoneRider1991]

trek, giant, orbea are all good

 

[ptolomy]

You guys are awesome and really helpful, thankyou eveyone! The main reason why i wanted to try and change my derailleurs was because i am having trouble with changing my gears. They dont seem to change very well and if i do my chain usually falls off. Have any of you got any idea what the problem might be?

 

[Sittingduck]

Front Gears: http://bicycletutor.com/part/front-derailleur/
Rear Gears: http://bicycletutor.com/part/rear-derailleur/

Clean your chain too!

Regarding new bikes, I guess it depends upon ultimate budget. Try looking at the Specialized Allez or the Boardman Road bikes from Halfords for the 500-600 range. Less than that - try Decathlon or Carrera bikes on Halfords. Also worth looking at Ribble for mid-range customisable options.

Cheers,
SD

 

[Will1985]

kings heath area what about you? Ahh i thought it might be cheaper to buy a bike cheaper bit by bit, thanks for the advice redbike.

Selly Park.

 

[ptolomy]

Very close then to me...
Will, do you ever ride down the Pershore road on your way towards town, because you may have sped past me once lol.

 

[ptolomy]

Front Gears: http://bicycletutor.com/part/front-derailleur/
Rear Gears: http://bicycletutor.com/part/rear-derailleur/

Clean your chain too!

Regarding new bikes, I guess it depends upon ultimate budget. Try looking at the Specialized Allez or the Boardman Road bikes from Halfords for the 500-600 range. Less than that - try Decathlon or Carrera bikes on Halfords. Also worth looking at Ribble for mid-range customisable options.

Cheers,
SD

I have heard bad things about halfords though :S

 

[accountantpete]

You guys are awesome and really helpful, thankyou eveyone! The main reason why i wanted to try and change my derailleurs was because i am having trouble with changing my gears. They dont seem to change very well and if i do my chain usually falls off. Have any of you got any idea what the problem might be?

I suspect that the chain is worn.

You can get lucky, simply replace the chain, and find everything works ok but in some cases the wear has also spread to the chainrings and cassette - and if this is the case they will also need replacing.

I'd take the bike down to the lbs and ask them to have a look.