Monsieur Remings
Guru
- Location
- Yatton UK
Go 2nd hand, from either this forum or another biking forum - you can't go wrong. I, too, was on a tightish budget but I wouldn't have spent the money I did have on anything new, not at your price level - no offence.
I'd look for bikes, 2nd hand, that were worth a bit more when they began their lives before being sold by someone who isn't passing on a ragged old wreck but has maybe got 2 or 3 other bikes and has simply moved on. What the hell for a few scratches? I mean buy new at that price and give a month or so and they'll be worn in too.
I have a Defy 3, recently changed the wheels for what have turned out to be a blinding pair - Ritchey Protocols. That, my own fitness levels improving, regular services and watching for potholes have turned into a good set-up. Okay, with the Sora you can't change gears when you have your hands low on the drops which is stupid, but from what I gather (?) one of the only differences between Sora and Tiagra.
It's all very well for people to harp on about what they'd do (usually with a lot more money and hence choice) but you gotta' do what will be best for the money and I'd say go 2nd hand at that price. Either that or wait like some other posters have suggested.
I'd look for bikes, 2nd hand, that were worth a bit more when they began their lives before being sold by someone who isn't passing on a ragged old wreck but has maybe got 2 or 3 other bikes and has simply moved on. What the hell for a few scratches? I mean buy new at that price and give a month or so and they'll be worn in too.
I have a Defy 3, recently changed the wheels for what have turned out to be a blinding pair - Ritchey Protocols. That, my own fitness levels improving, regular services and watching for potholes have turned into a good set-up. Okay, with the Sora you can't change gears when you have your hands low on the drops which is stupid, but from what I gather (?) one of the only differences between Sora and Tiagra.
It's all very well for people to harp on about what they'd do (usually with a lot more money and hence choice) but you gotta' do what will be best for the money and I'd say go 2nd hand at that price. Either that or wait like some other posters have suggested.
