First Road Commuter Bike

[mstrmind5]

Hi all,

New to cycling and looking to get a bike to eventually use to commute from SE London to Central London ~ 10 miles each way. Leaning towards getting a road bike (drops), but not sure whether to get a new or used (maybe better value for money). Not sure what brand, groupset to look for or know what is appropriate for my uses. I've been tracking the prices that some bikes sell for on ebay for a couple of weeks now to get some idea.

Budget for the bike around £500, been looking at Giant Defy and Cannondale Synapse, but am open to any brand. Will I see any difference across the different groupsets - Claris, Tiagra or 105?

Thanks.

 

[mstrmind5]

I've been tracking a used Cannondale synapse 105 disc 2014 model in my size. It appears well looked after, what should be a reasonable price for it?

 

[vickster]

£500?

You'd be advised to get a bike that can take proper mudguards and a pannier rack. And perhaps fatter tyres than 25mm

I'd say there's a difference between Sora and tiagra but less tiagra vs 105

If commuting budget for insurance and also membership of LCC, CTC or British cycling for 3rd party and legal cover

 

[ChrisV]

I've just got a GT Traffic 1.0, very impressed with it. £500 brand new. I've not noticed much difference with speed either strangely, was sitting at 16 mph on the flat last night is about right for me.

 

[mstrmind5]

£500?

You'd be advised to get a bike that can take proper mudguards and a pannier rack. And perhaps fatter tyres than 25mm

I'd say there's a difference between Sora and tiagra but less tiagra vs 105

If commuting budget for insurance and also membership of LCC, CTC or British cycling for 3rd party and legal cover

How much does insurance, crash and/or theft, typically cost?

 

[vickster]

Ask your home insurer for theft. The others around £30-50 a year. Although LCC offer 3rd party for around a tenner