Looking for a new bike, any advice?

[MicroJak]

Hey all,

I've been looking for a new bike for sometime now.

I'm 14 years old and have recently got interested into road cycling. At the moment, my bike is too small, therefore it has resulted in me having to use my Mum's bike, which is... is not prefferable.

I know I can fit a 53cm or a 56cm frame. My main choice is a road bike with drop down handlebars.

The one I am looking atm is this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AWESOME-Barracuda-CIPRESSA-2008-Racing-Bike-RRP-220_W0QQitemZ140275932729QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140275932729&_trkparms=72%3A1298|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14#ebayphotohosting


Note: this is coming out of my own money, so that's why I'm using ebay .

Anyway, my real questions are, do you think this bike would be suitable for me?, and...


I don't know what gears to use and what they are all called. Personally, I think the ones that also 'double-up' as brakes would be the best, STI shifters are they called?

Of course, the ones in the ebay advert are the ones where you turn them on the handlebars, which is a slight problem... I'd prefer the other type.

So, what type of gears are the best; or which are the ones most likely to suit me?

Any other advice very welcome!

Thankyou in advance!!!


Jack.

 

[dantheman]

I'm no expert, but think it may be worth saving a little more, or going the second hand route...- maybe with your money and a christmas present???- dont think barracuda are such a good brand, if you intend to keep this bike a good few years, and use it a lot, i think its worth getting something decent.

i thought those revo shift ones were the twisty grip ones, i hate themon a flat bar bike, and think they'd be even worse on a drop bar bike..

a little more info on what use its gonna get, ie what road surfaces are like, whether you want all out speed, or comfort etc, would help others to help you. also whether you'll be going up many hills, and your experience etc.

if you havent tried a bike for size, try some at an LBS, even just standing over one without riding can help some..

oh and welcome...
im sure someone will be here to ask/advise more soon.

 

[MicroJak]

Ok well, I've been cycling since I was about 5.. just two weeks or so, yet recently I've started to do more cycling, go further etc.

I think I'd want a 70/30 on Speed/Confort .

It's gonna get A LOT of use. I hope next oyu to do London - Brighton, and possibly LEJOG (if i'm good enough by then..).

The road surfaces are pretty good around Sussex (where I live). It won't be doing any off-roading either .

I think my budget is around £300, so anything more will take some serious persuation for me to buy one ..

 

[dantheman]

300 squid should get an okay bike, as said, if you know your correct size, you could look at last years models (ie 2008 models, but maybe still some 2007 models around and should be bargain prices) on the internet. there are many good brands of bike, still dont rule out second hand.

 

[fossyant]

Have a look at Decathlon....do not touch that ebay thing......serious rip off.....

What you think you can fit too is subjective....... try a few local bike shops and ask them, tell them what you can spend, I'm sure they will come up with stuff.

One thing with Decathlon, they do good bikes from a reasonable price, so see what they have for your cash...and ask for help - they do have proper mechanics.... just ask for them/ask for help....

 

[Young Un]

I got the bike you can see in my signature(follow link) for just 310 second hand. I am 14 aswell and I seriously recomend going down the second hand route with your budget, i did and got a cracker of a bike out of it.

 

[swee'pea99]

At anything like that level, you're going to be sooooo much better off going (carefully...use google to check out maybes) second hand. Try ebay. Do your homework, try to be patient. Here's just one example of the kind of thing you can find. Probably won't get near £200, and it absolutely craps on that new piece you're looking at.

 

[jay clock]

avoid the Barracuda like the plague - they are QVC type bikes. That Peugeot looks excellent though

 

[nilling]

+1 Decathlon - they have some good value junior road bikes

 

[Yanto]

Hi Jack and welcome. I would agree with others on here who advise to steer well clear of the Barracuda. For your budget you should be able to get a used Giant, Specialized, Bianchi etc on e-bay, which would be so so much better. You really need to know exactly what frame size you require though as that is extremely important in your riding. Hope you find something suitable soon and good luck

 

[MicroJak]

I got the bike you can see in my signature(follow link) for just 310 second hand. I am 14 aswell and I seriously recomend going down the second hand route with your budget, i did and got a cracker of a bike out of it.

You're bike looks so cool!

Do you have the gear which double up as brakes too?

Also, does it matter if the part of the frame that goes between your saddle to the handlebars is on a slope, or is completely horizontal?

Thanks for all of your advice. I'm looking at Decathlon now; very interesting .

 

[killiekosmos]

MicroJak, welcome to the forum. I've got a Giant SCR 2.0 too. The brake and gear levers are in a single unit (called STI shifters). As well as the normal 'pull' brake effect, there are two small levers recessed under the brake lever, you push one to change up, the other to change down. Once you've tried them you'll love them. The bike is good, it is a 'triple': 9 gears at back and 3 chainrings at front, so it offers a wide range of gears.

You should be able to get a second hand one for £300. They now call them Giant Defys.

Happy cycling

 

[4F]

Here's[/URL] just one example of the kind of thing you can find. Probably won't get near £200, and it absolutely craps on that new piece you're looking at.

Swee'pea99 Good spot on the peugeot, just what I have been looking for

 

[JonoB]

Decathlon

+1 Decathlon - they have some good value junior road bikes

Bear in mind that the price you pay in £££ is usually the same number you pay in Euros. Know anybody going to France this summer? Got any space in the old campervan?
All my kids have Decathlon bikes (bought in France) and they are excellent value.

 

[swee'pea99]

One more thing to bear in mind - depreciation. If you're 14, chances are one day you're going to want to sell whatever you buy. Spend £200 on a good 2nd hand bike and when you sell it you'll get £180 for it. Spend the same on new and you'll be lucky to get £70.