New Bike??

[Cyclox]

Limited edition Viking
Elysee Bike (2011) Frame: Lightweight Alloy Tubing Frame with smaller Frame Dimensions and Mudguard Clearance <LI>Fork: 700c Hi-Tensile Fork with Mudguard Clearance <LI>Cranks: Prowheel Double Chainset with Alloy Cranks <LI>Bottom Bracket: Cartridge <LI>Pedals: Steel Cage Pedals with Toe Clips and Straps <LI>Shifters: Shimano 14 Speed Gears with Shimano Handlebar Mount Control <LI>Cassette: Shimano <LI>Front Hub: Alloy Quick Release <LI>Rims: Viking 700c 36 Hole Black Double Wall Alloy Rims with CNC Sides <LI>Tyres: 700c x 23 All Black Road <LI>Brakes: Promax Alloy Side Pull <LI>Brake Levers: Alloy <LI>Handlebar: Promax Road <LI>Stem: 70mm Short Alloy A-Head <LI>Grips: Black Cork <LI>Saddle: Viking Road <LI>Seatpost: Micro Adjust Alloy <LI>Colour: White




RALEIGH Pursuit

AL6061 aluminium race style in two sizes
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Forks​

Steel unicrown racing fork
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Description​

This machine gets you going for your first taste of fast riding on a drop bar machine. With the gear shifters positioned to allow you easy changing, you can relax and speed off in style. Equipped with 28mm tyres and mudguard clearance, this bike can be perfectly adapted to suit several uses - from commuting through to riding the smoother country trails.
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Gears​

Gearset: SHIMANO 14speed A050 gear set. 52/42T chainwheels with 14-28T freewheel.
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Like them both but don't know which to buy. 4 Commuting & leisure rides.

 

[cyberknight]

Like them both but don't know which to buy. 4 Commuting & leisure rides.

I am sorry to say i would avoid them both, if i was in the market for an entry level bike i would be looking at ..

http://www.decathlon...an-3-173178017/

or...

http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165710

http://www.halfords....tegoryId_165710

The shifters on both of those bikes are positioned on the top of the handlebar but you will find that the natural position is to ride with your hands on the brake tops so you can cover your brakes.The 3 bikes i have shown have the shifters integrated into the brake lever so you do not have to move your hands every time you want to change gears.
The parts are liable to be made of very cheaply and will not last long.

I am afraid that you would need to spend around another £100 on top of the price of these bikes to get a decent entry level road bike, if you cannot afford more then maybe look at getting a good second hand bike.

The 1st and 3rd bikes are £300 , the 2nd is £350 ish.

Out of the 3 i would go for the 1st as it has the same spec as the others but also has a carbon fork to smooth out the vibration form the road.


I did a 73 mile ride the other week on the second bike and it performed admirably.

 

[Herzog]

Rather than a new one at that price, I would certainly look for a second hand bike for around £300. If you have a decent LBS near you (perhaps post here asking for recommendations in your area), take some time to have a chat about what they could offer you. You may be surprised. This allows you to get a bike suited to your needs whilst supporting a local business. If they get a sniff that you may be a frequent visitor, they're more likely to offer you a deal.

 

[Cyclox]

Thank you Cyberknight .....never really bought a 'brand new' bike they have always been 'hand me downs' with tons of problems.

I have taken on board all your comments.

 

[Cyclox]

Herzog thanx for the advice.

 

[smokeysmoo]

+1 for CK and Herz comments. Check out at Halfords online with PayPal and get 10% off all adult bikes until 4th July, details HERE

 

[Soltydog]

Dont know where abouts you are, but check out the classifieds on here THIS seems a good buy if it's the right size for you.

 

[cyberknight]

I will be selling a second hand TDF in a few weeks as well once i get my new bike through C2W, 54 cm frame ( virtual ) if that is any help .

had a new chain, cassette and a better rear derailleur since i had it, will have original hardly used tyres back on as well.

 

[Cyclox]

I will be selling a second hand TDF in a few weeks as well once i get my new bike through C2W, 54 cm frame ( virtual ) if that is any help .

had a new chain, cassette and a better rear derailleur since i had it, will have original hardly used tyres back on as well.

Sorry Cyberknight I'm only @ 47cm........

 

[cyberknight]

Sorry Cyberknight I'm only @ 47cm........

Its sold anyway , a 47 cm puts you at around 5 foot?

virtual frame size means measuring the seat tube as if it would meet the top tube assuming the top tube were level and not sloping like most compact frames are these days , the actual measurement is 51 cm.

 

[Cyclox]

I'm 5' 2"

 

[zexel]

As an aside why do they (Raleigh and others) continue to put 52/42 chainset on these type of bikes

 

[cyberknight]

Because they stick the old style 7 speed 14- 28 screw on block , 52x 14 gives you 98 inch top gear i get 109 from 50x 12

 

[zexel]

Because they stick the old style 7 speed 14- 28 screw on block , 52x 14 gives you 98 inch top gear i get 109 from 50x 12

I was thinking more about the other end of the scale. What does 42-28 give one compared to a normal compact?

 

[cyberknight]

I was thinking more about the other end of the scale. What does 42-28 give one compared to a normal compact?

according to sheldon brown .... 39.6 inches, i get 36 with a 34x 25