Better road/race bike.

[Sittingduck]

I have heard bad things about halfords though :S

It's varied from branch to branch but that said their reputation for setting up bikes correctly before collection by the customer isn't great. You will still get a bargain there for the money you spend though and tightening up a few cables / adjusting gears is not exactly rocket science. In my opinion, the possible inconvenience of this is outweighed by the spec of some bikes at this price point. As stated above there are plenty of other options too.

Good luck finding the right bike for you,
SD

 

[ptolomy]

Ok well i think i will go and have a look down my local halfords thankyou!

 

[Will1985]

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.

Yes - Pershore Rd from Dogpool Lane. I treat it as a 4 mile dragstrip
You'd see me in a CC jersey or uni kit.

 

[jimboalee]

Yes - Pershore Rd from Dogpool Lane. I treat it as a 4 mile dragstrip
You'd see me in a CC jersey or uni kit.

I might be seen in both KH and Smelly Fart ( Selly Park ).

I regularly do the No.11 route. My record is 1 hr 22 mins.

 

[jimboalee]

Yes - Pershore Rd from Dogpool Lane. I treat it as a 4 mile dragstrip
You'd see me in a CC jersey or uni kit.

I have this strange feeling a dragstrip is only 1320 feet ( or 1000 feet if you are in either Top Fuel or Funnycar with NHRA ).

 

[Randochap]

Regarding the original question: Depending on the age of the bike, you're likely to run into compatibility issues with parts, which in the end will cost.

Best to take it to the LBS and see what they think. Like others, I'd consider saving for a new or nearly-new bike.

 

[jimboalee]

I might be seen in both KH and Smelly Fart ( Selly Park ).

I regularly do the No.11 route. My record is 1 hr 22 mins.

May I add this time for 25 miles was set in the heyday of my lunacy between 06:00 and 09:00 on a Sunday morning.

I WOULD NOT advise any attempt to better this time.

The 1hr 22 was set in 1985, and has stood such due to increased traffic and the building of a family.

 

[ptolomy]

Hehe well i will keep an eye out for either one of your blurs Shouldnt be too hard to spot me however, ill be the one broken down in the most in appropriate place....