New to cycling, which bike??

[spinkung]

Hi All,

I am about to buy my first road bike (no stabelisers) which i have to say i'm pretty excited about. Unfortunately i don't have a huge budget (£300 is my limit, i know i know not a great deal).

I have narrowed my search (of new bikes) down to these few which i'm hoping i can get some advice on or whether i should cancel the new bike idea and get a second hand as i've seen suggested on these forums.

ok....
- Viking Roma 2009 (£270)
- Saracen Tour 1 Bike 2008 (£299)
- Dawes Giro 200 Bike 2009 (£255)

Are any of these worth the money or does anyone have any other suggestions.

Many Thanks.
Spin.

 

[jimboalee]

Let's have a look at the Dawes Giro 200. Only because Dawes publish the weight of it in their literature.

The Dawes glossy says its 11.2 kg. Without any extras. That's 24.5 lb.

For those who have been eagle-eyeing my theories, this is exactly the situation where newbies should take notice.

Add on to the 24.5lb a water bottle of 2lb and a seat pack 0.5lb and you get 27lb - Bloody Hell

According to the mysticism, the bike should have a 37" gear.

Dawes have loaded it with a 39 x 28 lowest ( 38" ).

OK, so buy a small water bottle and carry your PRK in a back pocket to bring the weight down to 26lb, and now the 'magic' gives you 38".


The chappies at Dawes know a thing or two, and have a good idea of gearing.

This bike is OK for moderately flat rides with hills up to 10%, but expect to struggle when you get to an 11 or 12% gradient.

I will check out the other two.

 

[jimboalee]

Forget the Viking Roma.

 

[jimboalee]

Go for the Dawes. The Saracen is 'much of a muchness' for more money.

 

[Ant]

If you're anywhere near Luton I'm selling a 55cm Bianchi via narone7 2007 for £100 if that's any good

 

[amnesia]

You will get a lot more for your £300 second hand...

 

[spinkung]

Thanks for your advice jimbo. consider the viking and saracen scrapped. What's your opinion on ants 55cm Bianchi via narone7 2007??

Hey Ant,

I only live in hatfield so i'm not far away. What kind of condition is it in?? Will i need to get any work done to it??

Thanks.

 

[marinyork]

If you want a road bike, get the via nirone if the gearing and size are right. It's a bargain and they are pretty bikes.

 

[jimboalee]

I'll race you to Ant's

 

[jimboalee]

ie, SNAP HIS HAND OFF.

 

[Ant]

Sold. Happy cycling spinkung. Hope it's as good to you as it's been to me.

 

[spinkung]

Thanks for advice Jimbo. I'm now a happy owner of a via nirone.

Thanks Ant, a pleasure doing business with you and i'm looking forward to many, many, many rides on it.

Spinkung.

 

[amnesia]

Congratulations - a lovely bike and a BARGAIN price !!

 

[ed_o_brain]

I loves a happy ending

 

[Dayvo]

Thanks for advice Jimbo. I'm now a happy owner of a via nirone.

Thanks Ant, a pleasure doing business with you and i'm looking forward to many, many, many rides on it.

Spinkung.

Make sure you got the extra key from Ant to the bike lock, spink!