how do i choose when purchasing by mail order?

[half_life73]

Help I'm trying to choose an entry level road bike.my budget is between £500 and £650.I have spent a few weeks looking on the net and have been able to test ride a Scott speedster 60.a gt4 and a trek 1.2.I have narrowed it down to the trek 1.2 £630 sora carbon forks ets,specialised allez c2 2014,claris group set and the Fuji 1.3 triple compact 2013 sora and carbon forks.I'm not looking to race but just clock up the miles and get fitter and do some sportives,thanks for any advice

 

[Saluki]

Sorry to put the cat amongst the pigeons but what about a Giant Defy 3. Wonderful bikes for the money.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.3.white.blue.black/11833/56804/

You will find them a little cheaper at dealers I reckon, especially with the 2014 models coming out soon.

 

[vickster]

You can't buy Trek online in the UK I believe

Defy 3 a little over budget, but 15% of freebies

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-3-2013-red

People on here have been happy with their purchases from these guys

I did read that the Giant stores are discounting the 2013 models as Saluki says if you have one close by

 

[Cyclist33]

To answer your question. Don't buy unless you've tried. In your case that leaves only the Trek.

 

[lpretro1]

Don't buy online - full stop. When it goes wrong you will have a big problem as you have no backup - and they do - we get them through our workshop all the time!

 

[half_life73]

Good point,very good point!makes sense.I will stick with my local bike shop who does very reasonable finance options too.thank you.hopefully he will get a few more entry level models to try but I did like the trek 1.2

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Good point,very good point!makes sense.I will stick with my local bike shop who does very reasonable finance options too.thank you.hopefully he will get a few more entry level models to try but I did like the trek 1.2

The Trek 1.2 is a quality bike. For a beginner you'll not go wrong buying it. Make sure you try the right size then buy it and ride it.

Seriously, you can go round in circles for months checking spec's etc but buying a beginners bike (and a damn good one at that) from Trek, Spesh, Giant or C'dale is all much of a muchness.

 

[Boon 51]

Plus make sure your bike has the right gearing this of course depends how many hill you want to climb?

 

[Carbon]

Steer clear of the big brand names and pick yourself up a gem for £599.00 - Carbon Forks / Carbon Seat Stays / Tiagra 10 Speed / Good kit and a good looker to boot

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-7-road-bike-black-id_8239802.html

Assuming there's a Decathlon near you definitely worth a look, great reviews on these bikes !!!

From personal experience I have a Triban 3 (with a few upgrades) as my winter trainer and for the money it's epic.....

 

[goody]

Wiggle have some good deals on at the moment their sale has just started.