Introduction to Competiton - Upgrade

[markc94]

Hey all,

I've caught the cycling bug.

Last August I bought an old Schwinn which I restored to most of its former glory. I used it as a commuter during the year with some weekend rides. The cycling bug caught hold throughout the year and I ended up touring 1200 miles across Europe last month.

I would really love to get competitive in the next few months, but as a student I'm looking at prices and crying.

What is the minimum I would have to spend to have a bike that would be competition worthy? And any recommendations on bikes while we're here?

The bike I have currently is 25" frame, so I'm looking an XL frame!

Thanks!

 

[midlife]

What do you mean by competition, time trials?

 

[markc94]

What do you mean by competition, time trials?

Just to get involved with the local club and get involved with as much competition as possible - an all rounder is ideally what I would like.

 

[S-Express]

It's quite probable that the bike you already have is 'competition worthy'. The real question should be 'is the rider competition worthy?'

 

[vickster]

What's your budget?

As anove, do you want to do club rides or races, time trials?
What bikes do your club mates ride that you think would fit the bill?

Maybe look for something second hand like a Specialized Allez, should be available for £300 or so?

 

[markc94]

What's your budget?

As anove, do you want to do club rides or races, time trials?
What bikes do your club mates ride that you think would fit the bill?

Maybe look for something second hand like a Specialized Allez, should be available for £300 or so?

I want to keep my budget as low as possible, is a secondhand Allez the best value?

Or should I look at btwin?

 

[vickster]

I want to keep my budget as low as possible, is a secondhand Allez the best value?

Or should I look at btwin?

You really need to say how much money you have, that'll be key to the degree of value

You can look at all brands, BTwin are goof value new but you might find a higher specced bike second hand

 

[jowwy]

Without much to go on....

You need a budget of around 35million....a minimum of at least 8 other riders, along with team bus, mechanics truck, coach, chef, massuer, 2 team cars.....

Maybe then you may be just about be competitive

 

[J1888]

Without much to go on....

You need a budget of around 35million....a minimum of at least 8 other riders, along with team bus, mechanics truck, coach, chef, massuer, 2 team cars.....

Maybe then you may be just about be competitive

Agreed, a bike worth less than £3,749 will not allow you to be competetive. Sad, but a fact of life.

 

[XiShT]

As above, it really depends on your budget. If your budget is relatively low (in bike terms at least) - say about £300-500, then looking around on eBay and/or Gumtree will often net you a better deal than buying new. Otherwise as above, do take a look at B'twin bikes, the Triban 900AF has 105 (for £800) and is UCI approved if that matters.