Budget cycle

[Jody]

As I know little about road bike was after some advice. Thinking about dipping a toe into the crazy world of road cycling but ideally on a budget at first. My fiends go out on road rides and I can't really tag along on the full suss as they ride carbon bikes that weigh nothing.

Is there any scope for picking up a second hand bike that is reasonably light or OK to ride for a budget of £300ish. Other than a TT bike I can't differentiate between road bikes so feel pretty clueless. Are they all much the same

At 5'5 what size bike would be ideal?

 

[biggs682]

@Jody £300 would or should get you a decent 2nd road bike

where are you based in the uk ?

only asking as if near to NN8 Wellingborough postcode you are are welcome to come and try a couple of my road bikes for size etc etc .

are you thinking more modern style ie sloping top tube or older retro steel bikes flat top tube ?

 

[vickster]

As I know little about road bike was after some advice. Thinking about dipping a toe into the crazy world of road cycling but ideally on a budget at first. My fiends go out on road rides and I can't really tag along on the full suss as they ride carbon bikes that weigh nothing.

Is there any scope for picking up a second hand bike that is reasonably light or OK to ride for a budget of £300ish. Other than a TT bike I can't differentiate between road bikes so feel pretty clueless. Are they all much the same

At 5'5 what size bike would be ideal?

A small one - maybe a S / 51cm type frame

Perhaps look for a second hand Small Giant Defy or Specialized Allez or similar e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/giant-defy-3-/112287582659?hash=item1a24dc89c3:g:SFsAAOSw-0xYkJvw

@biggs682 I have a feeling he's up in Scotland

 

[Jody]

I have a feeling he's up in Scotland

Bit further south than that. I am in Sheffield

 

[Jody]

are you thinking more modern style ie sloping top tube or older retro steel bikes flat top tube ?

Thanks for the offer but you are a little to far away. Google maps reckons 120 miles. Last time I rode a "racer" was when I owned a childs Raleigh tha had 5 gears and a shifter on the down tube

I have nothing against the older style bikes but prefer the new look with sloping top tube

@vickster Was looking at the Giant Defy but most seem to be in bigger sizes. Didn’t know if Boardman or BTWIN would offer good value and ride for a second hand bike.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the offer but you are a little to far away. Google maps reckons 120 miles. Last time I rode a "racer" was when I owned a childs Raleigh tha had 5 gears and a shifter on the down tube

I have nothing against the older style bikes but prefer the new look with sloping top tube

@vickster Was looking at the Giant Defy but most seem to be in bigger sizes. Didn’t know if Boardman or BTWIN would offer good value and ride for a second hand bike.

Yep, they are pretty decent too if you can find good ones locally

 

[Deleted member 35268]

The Giant Defy in a small would be an excellent choice IMO.

 

[Jody]

Yep, they are pretty decent too if you can find good ones locally

It's not local but if I wasn't going on holiday next week I would take a punt on buying this blind. Not sure if its too good to be true or nicked

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Def...869524?hash=item5699580354:g:1OoAAOSwpkFY69Xs

 

[Cycleops]

How about this:
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/bicycle/1238860770
Or this, might be a bit big:
https://www.gumtree.com/e/trek-12-road-bike/v1|142359144990|0
Small Cannondale for 200
https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/...400-road-bike-46cm-ladies-juniors-/1235712316
This Carrera looks a good bet, your size too:
https://www.gumtree.com/e/carrera-v...-slightly-used-carbon-forks/v1|322498609992|0

Good luck.

 

[Jody]

@Cycleops Good shout on those. It was a thread on here about the Carrera vanquish that set my thinking. People were saying his bike was worth 125-150 and it looked like a nice bike for that kind of money. Quite like the Carrera and Giant you found.

 

[Cycleops]

If you're buying used then the Carrera is the sort of thing to go for, in that it's been hardly used. You then don't need to think about replacing bits and pieces.

 

[Welsh wheels]

B'Twin Triban 500 SE from Decathlon for £299. People say they are very good value for money.

 

[vickster]

It's not local but if I wasn't going on holiday next week I would take a punt on buying this blind. Not sure if its too good to be true or nicked

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Giant-Def...869524?hash=item5699580354:g:1OoAAOSwpkFY69Xs

It's got ridiculous handlebars

 

[Jody]

It's got ridiculous handlebars

Should be easy to swap though. Handlebars and new shifters/levers

 

[Cycleops]

But will cost you around £100 + if using new parts. Don't forget it's nearly four years old so some items might be significantly worn.