This a good first Road bike

[RabbitFood]

I was looking at a small budget but as I want to take cycling seriosly I have managed to up my budget to around £400 maybe a bit more as I still nee to get all the other equipent.

Anyway I found this

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Sale/14/Focus_Summit_2008/5360032372/

thoughts for my first road bike that I will do a Duathlon on in September then use for riding after that?

Rabbit

 

[jayce]

looks like a fine bike to start off with fella

 

[Chrisz]

Slippery slope dude - first it's budget for the bike + kit, then you'll want other kit, then you'll want to start up-grading and from there it all gets rather expensive & addictive (but so much fun!!!)

 

[gbb]

That does look a good value starter....i'd buy that if i were in your position.

It doesnt say its Sora 9 speed...i assume its not old 8 speed...thats the only thing i'd want to clear up.

Looks good tho.

 

[RabbitFood]

I know what you mean but my budget started at £250 then reliased that I not get all the much for that and im sure that ill be happy with this littel one or something simalar untill im very serious about riding, i keep coming across other bikes that I like, i might have to out a big list and listern to you pro guys

Rabbit

 

[jimboalee]

Its an excellent "Entry level race bike". You would not be sneered at in a Cat 3 race.
I wouldn't sneer at a guy riding this in a Cat3.

The spec' says 21.5 lb. That's not much metal for the money, but that's how cycling goes .

 

[alecstilleyedye]

this is not bad for the money, but be wary of halford's mechanics and budget an extra few quid to have a proper bike shop look at it if it doesn't ride well (brakes/gears not working perfectly, wheels out of true etc).

 

[Fab Foodie]

Welcome
That's a good bike for the money, it's increasingly hard to find anything decent under £400 as far as drop-bars go, (It's the levers that are so expensive). There is one bargain still left and that is from Decathlon with 10speed Campagnolo Mirage Triple. My pal has just bought one and it is immensly good value at £300.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-48-51-63-52393781/

Remember Pedals are extra and if you're going clipless (which you should) then you'll need shoes as well.

 

[RabbitFood]

Welcome
That's a good bike for the money, it's increasingly hard to find anything decent under £400 as far as drop-bars go, (It's the levers that are so expensive). There is one bargain still left and that is from Decathlon with 10speed Campagnolo Mirage Triple. My pal has just bought one and it is immensly good value at £300.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-48-51-63-52393781/

Remember Pedals are extra and if you're going clipless (which you should) then you'll need shoes as well.

By clipless do you mean useing or not useing the correct cycling shoes and just trainers, or do you mean use propper cycling shoes.

can you tell im very new lol

 

[roadiewill]

Clipless means proper cycling shoes and pedals. You clip your feet to the pedals so they dont move.

 

[RabbitFood]

i thought so was just the clipless part that threw me

 

[roadiewill]

yeah the name doesnt really make sense

 

[Fab Foodie]

yeah the name doesnt really make sense

Ahhh, dear boy, a bit of history and all is revealed...

Back in the good old days we used to use 'Toeclips', a metal frame over the front of the pedal that your feet went into, they could be used with or without special shoes. A single leather strap tightened the toeclip against the foot/pedal. Look at old cycle photos. The best were made by Christophe IIRC. My fixie still has them. Cycle shoes could be worn with a rudimentary cleat attached to the sole, this had a widthways groove which engaged the back edge of the pedal.

The first 'Clipless pedals' were derived from ski-bindings and simply attached to a cleat under the shoe without the 'Toeclip' part... hence "Clipless"

 

[jimboalee]

With clips and straps, the shoes had hard leather soles with an aluminium plate inside. The shoeplates were nailed to the sole, or in some cases, held on the alum plate with small screws. The shoe manufacturer positioned the plate, so there was NO adjustment.

I was in a fortunate position because I have a pair of 3STELL with plates. All I neded to do was copy the position of the plates to my clipless shoes.

I bought a pair of Spesh BG road shoes ( cus they're wide fitting ) to use with my SWorks. Unbelievably, the 3STELL are lighter

Incidentally, in the old days when clips and straps were the only thing, bikes were weighed WITH pedals.
The Pug PX10Y was weighed at 21 and a tad lb WITH pedals. Whip the pedals off and the bike WITHOUT pedals is 20lb. (9kg).

How much loot for a 9kg Sports racer ( sorry ) ?
The Pug was £580 THIRTY FIVE years ago.

Scott Speedster S30... £1000....

Not even doubled.

My Spesh SWorks second-hander is 7.4kg and cost me less than a grand.

How efficient are bikes.... I luv em.

 

[4F]

this is not bad for the money, but be wary of halford's mechanics and budget an extra few quid to have a proper bike shop look at it if it doesn't ride well (brakes/gears not working perfectly, wheels out of true etc).

Go and wash your mouth out, honestly suggesting halfrauds in the beginners section B)