Road Bike and Accessories

[Dismount]

Hello my first ever thread

I am going to purchase a road bike I have some questions any assistance will greatly be appreciated

1. Budget around £800** (Yorkshire man I am tight) any recommendations on road bikes for this price, tall 6'4 not sure what size frame I will need.
2. Speed for me its not a key factor, endurance is key, I want to cover miles, need something comfortable
3. Pedals - clip pedals, yes or no (I know user preferences will differ)
4. Do I need anything else, with the exception of the obvious i.e. trip computer, helmet etc...
5. I will need to carry some items - I have stem mount for panniers is this the best method for road bike
6. Is the transition from a mountain bike to a road bike easy

**will be first road bike don't want to spend to much might not like it, a big might though...

Many thanks

 

[Dave 123]

Shimno M520 pedals are a friendly clip pedal.
A good track pump.
Carrying bits and bobs- I have a little zipped pouch purchased from Alpkit for tyre levers, tubes etc...

Bike- Look around for any 2013 models left in shops, they should be discounted.

 

[biggs682]

well at least a n other bike to act as a spare / back up bike

and a shed full of other bike related stuff should get you started

 

[Dismount]

well at least a n other bike to act as a spare / back up bike

and a shed full of other bike related stuff should get you started

I have a huge shed

 

[biggs682]

I have a huge shed

easy filled up then

 

[Dismount]

Unfortunate the thieves are also quite good at emptying them

 

[Kevin Alexander]

For that money I would look at a cannondale, but I have a bit of thing for cannondale

With regards to pedals, regardless of if your just starting or have been riding for years clipless pedals are a must and Shimano do good ones, I have different models on my road bike and my cyclocross.

I would also buy

Bottle cages, bottles, if your cycling long distances a hydration bag, helmet, gloves and a good range of clothing depending on the time of year your cycling

Tool bag with some essentials

 

[steveindenmark]

Unfortunate the thieves are also quite good at emptying them

Go on..go on. Just advertise the 2017 City of Culture, i would ;0)

Someone told me Hull had gone posh and got cycle paths. Is that right?

Steve

 

[Kies]

1. Budget around £800** (Yorkshire man I am tight) any recommendations on road bikes for this price, tall 6'4 not sure what size frame I will need.
go try as many bikes as you can, some like the Giant Defy's have a relaxed geometry
2. Speed for me its not a key factor, endurance is key, I want to cover miles, need something comfortable
same as above
3. Pedals - clip pedals, yes or no (I know user preferences will differ)
SPD is what mountain bikers use - great for walking , SPD-SL are what racers use - horrible to walk in
4. Do I need anything else, with the exception of the obvious i.e. trip computer, helmet etc...
lights front and rear, always a good idea on cloudy dark days.bottle holder and bottle (maybe 2)
5. I will need to carry some items - I have stem mount for panniers is this the best method for road bike
saddle bag - with mini high pressure pump, 1 inner tube, tyre levers, enough room for a £20 note,credit card and phone
6. Is the transition from a mountain bike to a road bike easy
NO - you will man up over the coming months and grow testicles in the process :-)

 

[Dismount]

6. Is the transition from a mountain bike to a road bike easy
NO - you will man up over the coming months and grow testicles in the process :-)

lol on my ride on Sunday whatever testicles I had were reduced to peanuts it was that cold nothing worry to about here

 

[steveindenmark]

. Get to a bike shop and sit on some bikes. That way at least you will find out what frame size you need.

Getting comfortable is a personal thing that can take a long time to sort out. Especially the saddle.

You do not NEED a trip computer but you may WANT one.


Carrying stuff depends on how much stuff. I have a handlebar bag with Klickfix bracket. Stem Mount pannier racks work ok.

With regards to transition. I have a shed full of different bikes. A bike is a bike, you get the hang of them or fall off.

You need a bloody good lock.

Steve

 

[Dismount]

Go on..go on. Just advertise the 2017 City of Culture, i would ;0)

Someone told me Hull had gone posh and got cycle paths. Is that right?

Steve

Same with any city always thieves crime figures though vastly reduced city development going in the right direction for a change.

Yes we do have lots of cycle paths throughout the city, for some of them it makes me wonder who designed them, on the other hand some are very good. I for example, can cycle from my house all the way to the city centre on a cycle path (about 6 miles). We have a disused railway line, you can cycle all the way to the coast without encountering a single road.

 

[Dismount]

In reference to what I will need to carry, on daily rides a saddle bag will suffice... But I am planning on a mini-tour over several days travelling light meaning I will stay in B&Bs.

 

[steveindenmark]

Being an ex Humberside policeman, i am glad to see the boys in blue are performing :0)

On some road bikes you can often fit a rear rack to hold panniers. I have a TREK Lexa SL. With a rear rack for light touring. I would ask at the bike shop if they can fit one for you. Jets be a bit careful though because you dont want your heels clipping the panniers.

Steve

 

[Dismount]

Being an ex Humberside policeman, i am glad to see the boys in blue are performing :0)

On some road bikes you can often fit a rear rack to hold panniers. I have a TREK Lexa SL. With a rear rack for light touring. I would ask at the bike shop if they can fit one for you. Jets be a bit careful though because you dont want your heels clipping the panniers.

Steve

My stem bar rack/pannier should do fine, my heels won't hit it to high up.. I just need to remember it is there, last time I used it when getting off the bike kept getting leg caught and falling with bike on top of me, looking an ass... always had to be in front of a crowd, sods law.