I'm going NUTS!! Small entry level road bike needed... like yesterday!!

[laura1985x]

Hiya guys...

I came on here around a month ago going stir crazy over bike sizes... basically because I wanted to buy a bike on Ebay.
I need a bike for many reasons, the main reason being that i've signed up to a couple of Tris which will be my first.
I have a knackered GT mountain bike and now want a cool looking road bike but the absolute max I can afford is £350.
As such i've been down the LBS route but... i'm 5'2 and need a 48/49cm frame. Second hand is hard to come accross so i'm now finding myself looking at new budget entry level bikes - Viking, Carrera, Claud Butler, Dawes, Raleigh, Sarri...
I've done everything everyone said and still one month on don't have a bike!!

Pleaseeeeeeee help me!!

xxxxxxxx

 

[nickhuds]

hi laura1985x, i was having the same problem and looked at loads of budget end bikes and just couldnt make my mind up, so i ended up getting finance on a boardman.
I dont know if your interested, but decathlon have a entry level road bike for around £270 and there frames seem to start from a 45", they come with 2 years parts a labour warrenty and 5 years on the frame, not bad for an entry level bike.
It might not be for you but worth a look? check out there website for more info.http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-1-45-48-51-63-69568559/#INFO-DETAIL
hope this helps and if not good luck with your search.

 

[SimonC]

+1 on Decathlon road bike, my brother bought one for training on, and has even done a few road races on it

 

[fossyant]

Was going to say Decathlon too - they do a big range of sizes.

 

[Sittingduck]

Go to Halfords.
Get This
Get somebody to tighten up everything after collection & adjust gears if needed.
Job Done.

SD

 

[mickle]

Wot Sittingduck said.

 

[nickhuds]

hi laura1985x, sittingduck has hit the nail on the head with his recomendation, ive just been reading the cycling plus magazine and theres a section on budget bikes under £400, and the reviews on the carrera virtuoso couldnt really be any better, it might be worth reading the article for yourself?
it just goes to show theres some extremely good advice available from the members on this forum, not by me im only a begginer but there are some experienced riders with lots of knowledge.
good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[johnnyh]

+1 for the Carrera

 

[ChrisKH]

Carrera looks like a good bet, however be sure you are ready to progress to drop handlebars and are comfortable with them.

 

[Garz]

What the crouching duck said ^ !

 

[peterdowning]

Will you consider a flat barred road bike? I have a small '08 Specialized Vita Comp I need to sell. I originally had it on eBay in March but it didn't meet it's reserve, then I was let down by a couple of private buyers. As a consequence, we've still got it.

It's in 'as new' condition, with less than 200 dry miles on the clock.

It cost £699 but I would accept £350

eBay Auction number was 110360941167.

PM me if you are interested.

 

[Randochap]

I can't comment on what's available in that price range in UK, but I did see some decent stuff at Decatholon, during my last visit.

Be sure you are armed with knowledge about what size you need, before you go shopping.

 

[trio25]

Where do you live?
I have a bike that size that is just collecting dust! Probably needs a little bit of TLC as it hasn't been ridden in two years but everything is fine. Happy to let it go cheap as well!

 

[stoatsngroats]

I have a Carrera Virtuoso, bought used in 2005, and it's great......


so +1 for Carrera

 

[laura1985x]

Where do you live?
I have a bike that size that is just collecting dust! Probably needs a little bit of TLC as it hasn't been ridden in two years but everything is fine. Happy to let it go cheap as well!

I'm based in Bristol/Bath area on the weekends...
Basingstoke for work Mon-Fri 9-5 and live in Windsor mon to Fri.......

Anywhere close enough?!!!!