Hybrid to Road bike - what to look for

[2wd]

Hi all

Being new to cycling after 30 years abscence I deciced to buy a new Felt QX65 Hybrid

The reason I went Hybrid was I didnt expect to be doing much riding on roads as my confidence was low and I pretty much thought I'd be finding canal paths and trails to do all my cycling on.

Well I was wrong,all my cycling has been on the road and I have really enjoyed it,my confidence is getting better and I am now thinking I should have bought a road bike for the drop bars and skinnier tyres and a bit lighter as well.

I have a limited budget of around £500-£600 (£700 absolute tops)and have been looking on the Tredz web site who offer interest free credit over 6 months,also some of the more expensive bikes have decent discounts and drop into my budget.

I realise in terms of the cost of some bikes, this is a small budget but can anyone tell me what are the most important factors to look for in a bike in my budget

eg,number of gears/gear types,forks etc

I have been looking at Cube,Felt,Cannondale and Specialized

Oh and why are some advertised with no pedals

Thanks

 

[vickster]

Road bikes rarely come with pedals (except the real entry level stuff) - the assumption is that you will likely want to choose your own SPD/SPD-SL pedals and shoes. You can get cheap 'normal' platform pedals for a tenner or so

In terms of best bang for buck, at this time of year get a 2011 bikes with a good discount. Also, do you want a fairly relaxed upright position or something aggressive and head down?

In terms of gearing, how hilly is it where you are? The Shimano STI range broadly goes 2300, Sora, Tiagra, 105 I think. Then there is SRAM, Apex is the starting point, and is similar to Tiagra.

Forks, I'd want carbon to soften the road buzz/ride a bit

Whatever you do choose, make sure it is the right size for you - get a proper fit. I think the bikes in this price range are all much of a muchness, go for the best specced one, that floats your boat styling wise.

This looks a good deal for a more relaxed ride

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Secteur-Sport-2011-Road-Bike_37650.htm

Or aggressive...

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Allez-Sport-27-2011-Road-Bike_37622.htm

 

[mcshroom]

Don't discount having a look at the B'Twin bikes at Decathlon in Stockport as well

Link

 

[vickster]

No finance but this is a good reduction http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-tcr-2...ampaign=bike-bulletin&utm_content=uk-02-10-11

As long as you fit a medium

Or a Felt? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f75-2011/

Or a Raleigh http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-400-2011/

 

[2wd]

Thanks for the replies and thanks Vickster for taking the time to look at various bikes

Quite like the spec on the Secteur but I'm not a fan of red on bikes

The Allez Sport looks stunning and a decent spec too,never thought about the relaxed/aggressive ride as I thought on drops they were pretty similar

But its definatley on my list now

I live half way up the pennines so quite hilly

at the moment I'm choosing my routes carefully so as not to hit too many hills and the ones I do hit with the QX65 are a bit of a struggle

Sizing,I'm in between really - The QX65 I have is 52cm but I could go to 54cm

These are another 2 I quite like the looks of,opinions appreciated

Cannondale Synapse Sora

http://www.tredz.co....-Bike_39639.htm

Allez 24

http://www.tredz.co....-Bike_48288.htm

 

[vickster]

I think the spec on the Allez 27 is superior to the 2012 model which is only 2300, so bog basic (it was £750 RRP)

I have a feeling the 2300 shifts in a different way, a small button to push rather than sifting with the level by the brakes (I have no idea what the technical terms for these bit are)

The Cannondale looks nice, again more relaxed style

You won't ride on the drops, more the hoods

 

[2wd]

Thanks

Its between the Cannondale and the Allez Sport 2011 for now

I'll have a good read up/google reviews and probably end up thowing a few more in to make it even harder to decide

 

[2wd]

Knew I'd find another one

Cube Peloton

This is the look I really like(no picture on the link at Tredz but they are selling it for £679)

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=57245

It has the Shimano Tiagra as well

 

[vickster]

Looks sound, time to get out for some test rides

 

[chris-s]

I bought the fx85 as a winter commuter and swapped the tyres for 28mm road tyres, improves it no end but it's still harder work than the bianchi road bike, good for the legs!

Chris

 

[2wd]

Cube pelotron 2012 just released at same price as 2011 model £679

No stock though

 

[Stephen wilby]

I have the 2011 allez sport and got evans down to £500 cash so sum spare money for accesories. It is a very nice bike and perfect for someone looking for their first road bike.

 

[2wd]

too much £s going out at the moment or would do cash deal

I think I have narrowed down my choice now to the Cube Peloton 2011 or the Specialized Allez Sport 27

Looks wise the Peloton really floats my boat,the Spesh has excellent reviews though.

Tredz dont have my size for £679 and where they do have my size they want over £800 which is above budget

So unless I can find the Peloton 53cm for less than £700 on 0% finance I will have to settle for 2nd choice Spesh

This is purely down to looks though as both are good spec for the money

A Cannondale may just slip in there as well

Cannondale Synapse alloy 7 or Cannondale Synapse sora 2011

This is doing my head in

 

[ttcycle]

Is there anywhere you can try them first?

Best to make a decision on fit and feel

 

[2wd]

Made a decision and bought the Specialized Allez Sport 27 2011

Its a good spec for the price and I can get 12 months credit on it as well

Should be delivered in the next week or so