Buying my first road bike Please Help!!!

[Maw2011]

Hi all

I'm new here and would like and would welcome some advise from seasoned cyclists.

I currently ride a hybrid bike 15 miles daily and have decided to buy my first racing road bike and i intend to join a local cycle club.

I have £500 to spend and would like some good advise/opinions.

Three bike I'm interested in are:

Giant defy......seems to be very popular

Specialised Allez.....read several good reviews

Felt z100 2011....seems to be geared slightly differently but very stylish and i've read some very good reviews.

Would appreciate your opinions on above and if anyone has any better bikes to throw into the mix for the same money please do!!!!

Thanks all!!

 

[accountantpete]

Basically bikes from the major brands will be more or less as good as each other for each rough price band.

Two points though - I would look to get a bike with a Shimano Tiagra groupset which may be a little more. Secondly the main difference between models is the geometry - you should try to get a test ride on any shortlisted bikes just to make sure you feel comfortable.

 

[Broughtonblue]

i have a giant scr2, the model the defy replaced, really happy with it. would take into account what the previous poster said about the better groupset if you can afford it.

 

[Maw2011]

Basically bikes from the major brands will be more or less as good as each other for each rough price band.

Two points though - I would look to get a bike with a Shimano Tiagra groupset which may be a little more. Secondly the main difference between models is the geometry - you should try to get a test ride on any shortlisted bikes just to make sure you feel comfortable.

So tiagra is better than sora??

what about shimano sti and 510??

I need it explained to me i really am clueless

 

[ttcycle]

Sora is the basic system, tiagra is one up and then 105 will be the step up from that.

sti is the type of shifter at the front.

As has been said by what you can afford but the most important thing is to test ride the bikes above and see which feels the most comfortable for you. Bear in mind it will feel different to the hybrid in that it's a tad twitchier and your centre of gravity will be lower as you're over the drops or on the hoods.

 

[vickster]

What sort of terrain will you be riding. May need a triple if very hilly.

I have SRAM Apex, which is apparently between Tiagra and 105 in price and quality. Not sure how many off the peg bikes use it though (mine was custom from frame)

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

I would second the test-ride advice: the "best" bike for you, is the bike you feel most comfortable on; you won't cycle very far if you're uncomfortable.

Don't get too hung-up on equipment spec. at this stage: true, Tiagra is a better groupset than Sora, but it's a perfectly decent set-up for a beginner.

The best (perhaps only) way to learn what is important to you is from experience; as this is your first road bike, it's likely you'll be buying another in a year or so, by when you'll know better what is important to you.

You might get into long-distance rides, in which case comfort and reliability are most important; you might be racing or time-trialling and be looking for the lightest, fastest bikes (hint: everyone knows red bikes are fastest).

The June issue of Cycling Plus reviewed four sub-£500 bikes and noted "All four of these bikes provide a positive road riding experience for the newer rider...". In reverse order they were: Dawes Giro 300; Carrera TDF Ltd; Revolution Continental and Raleigh Airlite 100.

Halfords currently have the Carrera reduced to £300 (that's £150 less than when reviewed)! If I was in your position I would be sorely tempted to plump for this and spend the £200 left in my budget on decent shoes and clothing etc, which will have a big impact on your riding comfort.

Bonne route!

 

[kennyb]

Well said jimmy...