First Road Bike - Entry Level

[Poolcue]

Hi there,

A very basic post really. Would this Road Bike linked to below be suitable as an entry level road bike? I am basically looking to get to a level of fitness ive never been to before. Get out on the road away from the pool / gym.

http://www.dawescycles.com/dawes/giro-200.htm

Thanks

 

[Globalti]

Looks great. Buy it and start saving for the next bike as your fitness increases!

 

[TVC]

That would do, these are worth thinking about too.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/road-racing-bikes-3963881/

As RR suggests if you get the bug you may soon outgrow it and that's when bike collecting starts

 

[rich p]

How much is it?

 

[Poolcue]

Rich P.

Retailing for 189.99

 

[RedBike]

A good frame is normally at least £100, a good wheelset and tyres £100 and Shimanos basic groupset starts at just over £100, so to get a complete bike for £200 you obviously need to cut some corners!

As such I would normally be recommending that you avoid these 'budget' models. However, Dawes have a good reputation. If this bike is a typical Dawes, then it could well be worth a punt.

Have you read the toys-R-us thread?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if budget allows, get a bike with integrated gear shifters/brakes. makes for a less wobbly experience than trying to get used to having one hand on the bars with the other fumbling for the gear shifter.

there will be people who will say they have used them for years and are expert with them. fine and dandy, but for a beginner stis/ergos (as they are known) are the way to go. and if the pros use them, they must be good.

 

[Ludwig]

Entry level..is that one of these annoying Americanisms that means cheap or crap. Get a quality used lightweight steel bike rather than a cheap new bike. The build quality and components will be far better. Inj the past week I've seen four nice looking used bikes for sale for very little money.

 

[got-to-get-fit]

Would the budget stretch to the guess RB1 ????


http://www.supercycles.co.uk/site_details.asp?ProductID=341

 

[upsidedown]

Looks alright to me, if it last two years that's £2 a week, can't go wrong.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Go for it. I have a giro 300. use it for club rides and leisure rides. Had it for three years now and its been very good.

 

[Poolcue]

I think i will go for this.

I am 6Ft 1 and have an inside leg measurement (all the way to floor, not ankle) of 34 inches. Which size would be more suitable for me, 53cm or 58cm ?

Thanks

 

[rich p]

I think i will go for this.

I am 6Ft 1 and have an inside leg measurement (all the way to floor, not ankle) of 34 inches. Which size would be more suitable for me, 53cm or 58cm ?

Thanks

58 but it's best to try first

 

[Perry]

Entry level..is that one of these annoying Americanisms that means cheap or crap. Get a quality used lightweight steel bike rather than a cheap new bike. The build quality and components will be far better. Inj the past week I've seen four nice looking used bikes for sale for very little money.

+1 Have a look on the classified section on this site

 

[andyfromotley]

Wow that really is cheap as chips and will do you fine. The only drawback as pointed out is that you have to change gear using levers on the stem. The modern way is to use gear levers built into your brake levers. Sounds mad i know but it is a really neat system amd means you can change gear wothout having to move your hands. It really is very good and virtually all new roads bikes have had this for many years.

If you can stretch to it i dont think you would regret spending the extra to get a bike with these on. A quick search of cuycle websites seems to show this as one of the cheapest. Looks good and decath;on bikes have a very decent reputation.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-16v-42393911/

Hope this helps, but if you cant stretch to it the one you have highlighted will do the job.

andy