Can you get a good road bike for £100?

[MrMonster]

Also, how do I know the needed frame size? Bit of a noobish question, but I am entirely unsure, usually I just adjust the seat to my liking? :S Lol

 

[MrMonster]

one of these is what i started out with, and it was good enough for club riding (change the saddle mind).

i ended up spending loads on it as the frame was sound but a change in gearing requirements found me upgrading the groupset, then i put a carbon fork on, then new wheels…

if you can spare £200, the bike in the link is a good start which, like me, you can upgrade if you feel the need, or just enjoy it as it is.

That's a rather nice looking bike! Unfortunately I don't have £200 at this moment in time, and being an auction I doubt I can raise it in the next few days either. At least I know what to look out for, when I have the money.

 

[Rhythm Thief]

For a road bike you need about an inch between your crotch and the top tube when you stand astride the bike with your feet flat on the floor. If you ask what the standover height is, or what height the top tube is off the ground, you'll get an idea.

 

[MrMonster]

So from my crotch to the floor, minus an inch?

 

[Rhythm Thief]

Sounds about right.

 

[MrMonster]

Okay, don't quite have a tape measure handy, and it's too late to go rooting around so i'll have a look tomorrow. I'm 5'9" so I would suspect i'm around the average bike size. But i'll give it a little check tomorrow, certainly want one that fits for the money they cost!

 

[Noodley]

I do have a bike at the moment, but it's a MTB with 3" tyres, so it's not the easiest thing to ride in comparison to my friend on a Bianchi Road Bike.. He just sails off with minimum effort, and with the distances I am looking to cover, perhaps it would be wise of me to invest in one, however money is my issue.

Should I stick with my MTB until I can afford a decent bike?

I'll look on eBay like you said, and post the links to see if they are worthwhile buying.

Replace the 3" tyres for something narrower and without so many knobbles. Instantly faster

 

[alecstilleyedye]

Replace the 3" tyres for something narrower and without so many knobbles. Instantly faster

noodley speaks the truth. some slicks will make a huge difference, as will locking out any suspension on the bike while on the road.

 

[MrMonster]

What about the disk brakes, will I need to buy a wheel with a disk on it? Or should I just buy tyres instead of wheels?

I have a huge shopping list at the moment! This cycling isn't cheap! Lol

 

[Noodley]

Just the tyres, you can pick up something cheap which'll do fine.

 

[MrMonster]

Oh ok. I was thinking that maybe the wheel maybe a little bit too big as it's had to accomodate 3" tyres?

How do these look? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20418

 

[buddha]

Oh ok. I was thinking that maybe the wheel maybe a little bit too big as it's had to accomodate 3" tyres?

How do these look? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20418

That's a road bike tyre (700x23). Mountain bike tyres are usually 650x??. This for example.

edit: is there a sticker on your wheels (on the rims) that indicates their size, and what size tyre you can fit? Your rims may be too wide for tyres less than 1 1/8 inches. Your current 3 inch tyres probably require a wide rim.

 

[jay clock]

It is a toughie.

One option if you can up your budget a tiny bit (OK, £200!) is the Carerra Subway One from Halfords. Generally I would avoid Halfords, but this is a good all round bike. "Urban MTB" is the pitch, ie no suspension (weighs less and less energy wasted pogoing up the street) and slick tyres. I have done rides of 70+ miles, and it will tour too as it will take mudguards and racks. A superb all rounder, that you should keep even i fyou do eventually get a road bike

 

[buddha]

And Decathlon is pretty good value.

 

[Rob3rt]

Also, how do I know the needed frame size? Bit of a noobish question, but I am entirely unsure, usually I just adjust the seat to my liking? :S Lol

Well you need to know your height, reach and inner leg measurements to size the bike properly. Standing over the top tube is ballpark, but for proper fitting you will need to measure yourself, work out a ballpark bike size.

Go to a shop, ask their opinion, hope their estimate matches (so you know they arent just making it up on the spot to sell you what they have in stock) then get seated on a few bikes in and around the size you/they estimate to be correct. This will confirm your sizing.


They might even drop you on a turbo trainer and tinker with the bike to fit you real nice while you pedal. Then you take what they say. Maybe keep the shop in mind to buy some consumables at some point as a bit of a courtesy for good service.