thinking of a road bike

[cyclenic]

At the moment i do most of my riding on the roads. i have a mountain bike, which i suspect is quite heavy and combersom compared to a road bike.

so i've been thinking about getting a road bike too. I'll more than likely (as i dont want to waste money if i dont like it) buy one second hand in the local paper, or wondered if it's worth looking out for one at the local recycling centre (please dont think i'm tight, just want to try it really)

thing is what do i look for, where do i start?

 

[country joe]

I'm no expert, theres lots of roadies on the Forum that will be more qualified to help,
Regarding best gears etc,
I have a Specialized Allez that i use as my Winter bike, this bike had good right ups,
and it would be a good machine to start with,
I then purchased a Hinde L,Tape Sport, this bike is very light for aluminum,
has carbon seat post and front forks,
Shimano 105 gear system which again gets good right ups,
And has Mavic Equipe Wheels.
This comes in at just under £800,
All the bikers that have seen me with this Bike have all said its a nice bike,
And this includes a mechanic from my local shop.
The only down side, is Mr Hinde gets a lot of bad press on the web,
For poor service and workers being nasty on the phone, when you have a complaint.
But i had no bother, he told me the bike would take a month,
And it did no problems.
I suggest you just look on Cycle shops site for the best deals.

 

[swee'pea99]

thing is what do i look for, where do i start?

Ebay + homework (google) + patience.

 

[HJ]

I would recommend trying a few LBSs, try out a few different bikes to find out the type of bike (and geometry) which suits you best and take it from there. The only way to find out if a bike is right for you is to ride it.

 

[new-fish]

I tried my old (15 year old) mountain bike last year, and decided this year to buy at least a lighter bike with thinner wheels, made a big difference. Go to your lbs and try a few, wether a road bike or hybryd, the difference will be there to see/feel, straight away, and if you buy a new bike and decide its not for you, selling it second hand for a reasonable price should be fairly easy, and you'll get a lot of the money back

 

[Dayvo]

I think the first thing to consider is what kind of terrain you'll be cycling through/over!

That'll determine whether you need a double, triple or compact chainset.

Unless you want to compete, then possibly a carbon frame wouldn't really be necessary, so aluminium would probably be more suitable.

Here's a lot of bikes to drool over for price and component comparisons:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/road-bikes

 

[country joe]

I think the first thing to consider is what kind of terrain you'll be cycling through/over!

That'll determine whether you need a double, triple or compact chainset.

Unless you want to compete, then possibly a carbon frame wouldn't really be necessary, so aluminium would probably be more suitable.

Here's a lot of bikes to drool over for price and component comparisons:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/road-bikes

Interesting, my point being,
If you are only using a Road bike to keep fit,
Is it worth paying exta for Carbon over Aluminium?

 

[Dayvo]

Interesting, my point being,
If you are only using a Road bike to keep fit,
Is it worth paying exta for Carbon over Aluminium?

That's the point I was making, too.

It is becoming more popular to buy carbon bikes these days, although most owners would probably be better if they lost a few kg, instead of worrying about a few grams!

There are plenty of very good aluminium bikes (with the adequate/suitable components, of course).

 

[Ivan Ardon]

No. If it's fitness you're seeking then you'll get a better workout from a heavier frame (not that a decent alloy frame is much heavier than carbon in the real world).

 

[cyclenic]

Cheers peeps, i'm not sure what i'm after or why really, but i just wonderd

I'll keep thinking, mostly i ride on quiet back roads, out in the coutryside. few hills, which i seem to really struggle with, i'm not that unfit, and blame it on my office job and wondered if a change of bike, and riding possition would help.

??


p.s i like the pig, he's cute!!

 

[montage]

Go for a road bike - you won't look back

 

[Dayvo]

??


p.s i like the pig, he's cute!!

Yeah, but not Mr, though!

 

[HJ]

Here's a lot of bikes to drool over for price and component comparisons:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/complete-bikes/road-bikes

And there was me think you only drool over this thread, Dayvo

 

[cyclenic]

Yeah, but not Mr, though!

it's clearly a boy pig!

 

[col]

Cheers peeps, i'm not sure what i'm after or why really, but i just wonderd

I'll keep thinking, mostly i ride on quiet back roads, out in the coutryside. few hills, which i seem to really struggle with, i'm not that unfit, and blame it on my office job and wondered if a change of bike, and riding possition would help.

??


p.s i like the pig, he's cute!!

Iv done about 50 miles on my new road /tourer bike and can say with confidence the different position and thinner tyres and larger diameter wheels make a real difference, I havnt moved this fast or as comfortable in a long time, and Iv used a mountain bike everyday for the last year.
Now only having done a handfull of miles on my virtuoso, I cant really comment much except to say its very quick and light, but the ride is harsh when your used to fat tyres, but I cant wait to get out and give it a real go, and no doubt will get used to the harsher ride. Now there is an idea for a tryer, a carrera virtuoso, they are £329 new now and would give you a good idea if you like this type of bike or not, but give it some time, it will take a little getting used to the really skinny tyres.