Buying my first road bike £200-£300 budget

[The Essex Spurs]

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!

Go on Ebay.I got my Claud Butler road bike for £101.00 plus £30 postage.I don't know much about bikes so advice is sometimes more confusing so keep it simple.

 

[Cycleops]

If you don't know what you're looking for second hand can be a nightmare especially if you have to take it to your LBS for repairs. That's why you need to know its been properly vetted like the vintage bikes that @biggs682 offers. If you want something new then try to get to a Decathlon store if you can otherwise Halfords stuff is OK. Unfortunately the service experience can be a bit variable there and has been well documented on here. I think @cyberknight is still in dispute with them over poor prep on a new bike.

 

[vickster]

If wanting a 'Halfords' bike and have one close, perhaps use Cycle Republic rather than a Halfords store if you can

https://www.cyclerepublic.com/stores-finder

 

[cyberknight]

If you don't know what you're looking for second hand can be a nightmare especially if you have to take it to your LBS for repairs. That's why you need to know its been properly vetted like the vintage bikes that @biggs682 offers. If you want something new then try to get to a Decathlon store if you can otherwise Halfords stuff is OK. Unfortunately the service experience can be a bit variable there and has been well documented on here. I think @cyberknight is still in dispute with them over poor prep on a new bike.

Got a phone call from the manager apologizing and suggesting i take it in to be fixed , obviously i had already sorted it and to be fair out of 3 bikes i have had from there it is the 1st that has been wrong , its like the old joke about cars made on a friday afternoon .