First road bike

[malcermie]

I have been riding my Raleigh Grande hybrid for about four months now and have covered seven hundred happy miles. I think I would also like to own a road bike for those sunny summer days! Being a pensioner of limited finances I have a limit of £300 and have in mind to get the Raleigh Carrera TDF. The only worry I have is the gearing, it has a 12-26 cassette and a 52/39 chain ring. I have read some reviews stating this can be a bit high for my sixty eight year old legs! Would it be reasonably cheap to change chain ring and can this be done without changing the chain and cassette?
Malc

 

[Rob500]

Hi Malc.
For that kind of money many forum members say you can't go wrong with the Triban 3.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

 

[malcermie]

Hi Malc.
For that kind of money many forum members say you can't go wrong with the Triban 3.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html

The only problem I have with that is that I would have to get it mail order and I would like to sit on a bike and have it fitted to me.

 

[Easytigers]

Bought a Triban 3 a few months ago and have been very happy with it. Rode 1500 miles on it but then had a few problems with the wheels...not sure what the Carrera would be like but for sub £300 you're not gonna get the whole package.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Buy second hand, get much more bike for your buck, and you could even have even change to personalise the gearing if required

You want either a triple chainset or a 34/50 compact chainset IMO.

It's easy to change chainrings, but you can't make a standard double (52/39) into a compact by just changing the rings.

However, it's arguably even easier to just swap the chainset over completely, (depending on BB set up).

 

[Peteaud]

2nd hand ebay or Triban 3 imho

 

[biggs682]

another vote for 2nd route and well done

 

[malcermie]

Almost decided on the Triban 3 as it has so many good reviews and lots of gears! As I am 5ft. 8in I think the 54 size will be about right. Will hang on till after Christmas to see if there are any price reductions.
Malc

 

[BrianEvesham]

Very pleased with my T3, you won't be dissapointed. I would be surprised if they discount them after Christmas, but you never know!

 

[JohnC60]

Almost decided on the Triban 3 as it has so many good reviews and lots of gears! As I am 5ft. 8in I think the 54 size will be about right. Will hang on till after Christmas to see if there are any price reductions.
Malc

Had mine a couple of months now but only managed just over 100 miles on it due to weather/other commitments (why do these always occur when weather is favourable for cycling?)
I'm also 5' 8" and have a 54. Should be fine unless you have long legs, short body or vice versa. Really looking forward to taking it for a long ride as suffering withdrawal symptoms. Got to go, just been informed the unit 50 yards down from ours has just started flooding......

 

[malcermie]

Decision is made it's going to be the Triban 3 within the next month or so. Never had a bike with high pressure tryes before so which mini pump do you chaps use.
Malc

 

[smokeysmoo]

Decision is made it's going to be the Triban 3 within the next month or so. Never had a bike with high pressure tryes before so which mini pump do you chaps use.
Malc

A mini pump won't get the pressure you need TBH

For at home get one of THESE, for on the road get one of THESE

 

[BrianEvesham]

I want/need a track pump but I have one of these;

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_700450_langId_-1_categoryId_165661

Seems to do the job till I can get a track pump.

 

[Eribiste]

I've just put some pound coins together and bought a Bontrager track pump for £30 from Worcester Cycle Centre. So much easier than with a hand pump, and I now know what pressure I'm running the tyres at, namely 110 psi. I'd got them up to about 80 by hand before using the track pump.

 

[lulubel]

For at home get one of THESE, for on the road get one of THESE

Alternatively for at home get one of these (Joe Blow Sport - a lot of forum members use them) , and for on the road get one of these (Lezyne Road Drive - had to use mine for the first time today, and everything people said about its ability to pump tyres up to high pressures is absolutely true ... and not a consumable cartridge in sight).