Re-investing in a bike

[Amie]

Hi... I'm afraid its one of those posts- I apologise in advance!

I'm re-investing in a bike after a couple of years without one but I'm not sure where to turn. I've gone through numerous mountain bikes before briefly sharing a Specialized with my brother (we are fortunately of a similar height!- I'm only sized at 5ft 2!)

Ideally looking for a light road bike, I'll be using it to commute to work and keep my fitness up. Since dislocating, tearing the ligaments and losing the cartilage in my knee running isn't the best thing for me and it just gets so boring, much happier on a bike. I'm looking to take part in a few sprint triathlons along the way though!
I've got a bit of time booked away in the Pyrenees so would ideally like to take the bike with me too.

Originally I looked in to purchasing a Viking but got lots of mixed reviews about these from friends who are big on their cycling. I haven't got hundreds of pounds to spend on a high end bike and there's not much point, just looking for an efficient entry level bike.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Ta.
Amie

 

[HLaB]

The btwin Triban 3 has got the best name for VfM, the Hellfrauds Caderra Tdf bike has a good name too, the set up/ aftercare etc of the latter might not be the best though.

 

[Cycleops]

Hello and welcome. You do like a challenge don't you? The Pyrenees! As HLaB says the Triban 3 from Decathlon has a very good name on here. You will need something with a good gear range if you are tackling hills so a triple chainset would be favorite, essential in the Pyrenees! You can also try Halfords as they have some good entry level bikes but some on here have experienced variable expertise and service from them. They are the largest retailer of bikes in the UK though. Don't forget a helmet and a good lock.

 

[DCLane]

Road.cc did a recent update of their sub-£500 bike review: http://road.cc/content/news/72001-best-entry-level-road-bikes-under-£500

 

[Peteaud]

Road.cc did a recent update of their sub-£500 bike review: http://road.cc/content/news/72001-best-entry-level-road-bikes-under-£500

Good info and any of the top 4 bikes are well worth it imho


Might be above your budget, but you might strike lucky used, Specialized Dolce.

My wife has one and apart from the standard wheels (changed to pro lites) it has performed very well.

 

[cyberknight]

Only problem with the triban seems to be the wheels which are basic but good enough to wear out , i bought some and sold them after less than 150 miles so it might be wise to budget for a better set of wheels, r501`s can be had for £70 a set.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

This in your size (48 I presume) :
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html
Whatever the comments about the wheels note they are 650B
and a replacement set will not be easy or that cheap to find.

rgds, sreten.

FWIW my very cheapTesco road bike was £125 and near identical
to a basic Viking at £250 in a LBS. Neither get anywhere close to a
Triban 3 for £250, and neither does anything else at that price.

 

[Cycleops]

Hi,

This in your size (48 I presume) :
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html
Whatever the comments about the wheels note they are 650B
and a replacement set will not be easy or that cheap to find.

Could she not just replace with 700c wheels? I think it's a bit soon anyway to talking wheel replacement. The stock wheels would certainly remain serviceable for some time.

 

[Old Plodder]

Outings on the Triban 3 should be up to 45 miles

Why on earth would they say that (?!); some people have ridden old clunkers further!

Of the 10 budget road bikes, I'd go for this, if you can afford it.
(I have a Felt S/Speed & it handles very well; also they offer correct sized cranks for the frame sizes.)
Felt F95 Sora Wiggle Exclusive £399.78

This Felt F95 Sora is available through Wiggle for £399.78. It's made with Felt's own 'Superlite' 6061 alloy tubing, butted and shaped in key places, and is finished in a custom matte gun metal grey with subtle green details. The fork is carbon fibre, including the steerer tube, which ensures this bike stands out in this roundup as the only bike with a carbon fork.

A Shimano Sora 9-speed transmission is a highlight with an FSA Tempo compact chainset and Alex R500 rims on Felt branded hubs.