Buying my first road bike £200-£300 budget

[Parry8]

Hi guys,

Just looking for some advice on buying my first road bike. I only use it for commuting and to the gym so about 10 miles a day. I have been riding a friends hybrid bike for 6 months now and I want to give a road bike a go but not too much at this stage. If all goes well then i'll look to invest in a better bike. Currently looking between £200-£300 which i know is not the best budget but don't want to spend to much initially.

Only issue is I have no idea what to look out for. Halfords did recommend the following bike: http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-zelos-mens-road-bike

Any suggestions for bikes would be appreciated!

 

[rugby bloke]

I ride a similar model from a couple of years ago. It serves me fine, from 20 mile rides right up to the RideLondon 100. Its not particularly light or fast but then again neither am I ... The only trouble I have had is with the front mech, which was always temperamental so I've changed it to something that is up for the job.

Alternatively, if you look at the second hand market you will get something much nicer for your money !

 

[Leaway2]

Take a look at https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-id_8306187.html

My son had a Carrera road bike. I am not sure what is was but Lord it was heavy! He soon sold it!

 

[Too Tyred]

My first road bike was a Halfords Carrera which was more than adequate. Yeah it wasn't the lightest and didn't have the best components, but it got me over the local hills which can be nasty. Can't expect more for that sort of money. I've upgraded since but I still have it and it could still do a very good job.

They seem to get decent reviews on bikeradar and the likes even now. The main fault judging by those reviews is the weight and a lack of climbing gears but if you're half decent on hills then ignore that because I found it to do a decent job.

 

[Tangoup51]

I owned a halfords carrera zelos 2014.

I have to admit, it's really good for what it's worth. Alot of people may tell you to buy something more expensive than this, but that just means there's more stuff to go wrong!

As posted above, the hill climbing can be faulty but I swapped out my freewheel for an easier geared one for £12.00 - Worth every penny.

My favorite thing about that bike is just there's so little to go wrong, and if something does go wrong it's Hell'a cheap and you seldom would have to visit an LBS to replace anything as it's very straight forward.

 

[cyberknight]

Take a look at https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-id_8306187.html

My son had a Carrera road bike. I am not sure what is was but Lord it was heavy! He soon sold it!

+1 for the btwin , a lot better bike , obviously more expensive.
The next bike up in the halfords range the virtuoso is a lot better bike for the money and similar spec to the btwin .
http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/carrera-virtuoso-road-bike.

I rode an older vituosso for many years including club rides, solid bike and ok for the current £260 .

 

[biggs682]

@Parry8 where are you based?

If you are anywhere near to nn8 Wellingborough you are always welcome to come and try any of the used bikes I have for if you decide used is the way forward.

 

[Archeress]

I too have a Zelos. Has been a great bike for me, although I have now upgraded a large amount of the componentry (https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/upgrade-from-2x7-to-2x10-speed.217294/). Certainly can't go wrong with the budget you've got with the Zelos, but I also agree with others that a look at the bike from decathlon.

I would also recommend looking at second hand bikes. There are a lot of good bikes ridden for a short time and then stuffed at the back of a shed until finally being sold.

Hugs
Archeress x

 

[Saluki]

+1 for the Virtuoso. If you join British Cycling. You get 10% off bike stuff at Halfords. Not just bikes but helmets, clothing, servicing etc. Some Halfords are better than others though.

 

[vickster]

+1 for the Virtuoso. If you join British Cycling. You get 10% off bike stuff at Halfords. Not just bikes but helmets, clothing, servicing etc. Some Halfords are better than others though.

And membership is half price for first year (£18.50 iirc)

 

[Parry8]

Thanks for the help guys, for that little bit extra the Virtuoso does look like the bike for me. Might go to the local halfords and check it out. I have tried to look at 2nd hand bikes but have not found anything local to me being based down south in Bournemouth. Will have a look at the weight of the Carrera as well but it does look like a good first road bike.

the Btwin does look good but there no decathalons near me to test it out see what I think. In no rush at the moment so may bide my time and see if any good 2nd hand ones pop up.

 

[Saluki]

And membership is half price for first year (£18.50 iirc)

Mine this year was 10% off as I hadn't been a member for a year.

 

[vickster]

Mine this year was 10% off as I hadn't been a member for a year.

I looked the other day. I've decided not to renew now, gone for LCC £9.50 3rd party
Half price for 1st time members

 

[cyberknight]

Virtuoso is in the same weight bracket as most bikes that price range , i have been riding a rigid mtb with slicks to work untill my new bike arrived and it must have weighed 20 kg with panniers etc , its about 2 mins slower over 10 miles compared to my now commuter which is about half the weight .
Sure its a lot nicer to ride but on the flat there isnt that much difference , its only on the hills where i noticed it .

 

[alecstilleyedye]

virtuoso is a great bike to start with and always great value…