where should i start from.

[bainy16]

Try looking at specialized allez

 

[biggs682]

star84 if unsure why spend a lot pick up a good 2nd hand bike and see how you get on and go from ther , now is the time to buy as loads of good machines for sale at silly £'s . have a look in classifieds here .

me and others on this site always have a spare bike or 2 that we sell

 

[star84]

Do you come Colchester way? If so there is cycle revolution and they are very good, they listen to what you want to get from riding and then pick bikes for you to try that will suit you and your budget. The triban 3 is a great bike, almost bought it myself as only just getting into cycling, but I got offered a wilier at a great price so took that otherwise I would of got the triban.

I'm always happy to meet up for a ride anytime as I'm in Colchester, not to far away.

yea i do drive pass ones in a while.

 

[star84]

jimmy i get your point i will go to a LBS and try one might like it when i see it in real btw where is the best place to shop for accessories are they more expensive at the LBS or better to shop online??

 

[star84]

star84 if unsure why spend a lot pick up a good 2nd hand bike and see how you get on and go from ther , now is the time to buy as loads of good machines for sale at silly £'s . have a look in classifieds here .

me and others on this site always have a spare bike or 2 that we sell

bigg i thought of that too i wouldnt mind a clean second hand high spec for a reasonable price some bike shop do sell second hand bike will have a look when i visit one today btw if u have any for sale could u send me a link or pic

 

[vickster]

Accessories are typically cheaper online - but if you buy a bike from an LBS, they'll usually give some discount on accessories and fit them for you. Clothes and especially shoes and helmets, better to look in shops - Decathlon good for budget clothing, Wiggle's own brand, dhb, is very good vfm.

The triban is often recommended to newbie roadies as it costs £300, and is far better than every new other bike at that price range - google for the Cycling Active review. Also, unlike Halfords, the staff usually know how to put a bike together and tweak it / fix if it's not quite right

If you are happy to spend £600-1000 you will have far more choice and that's where the LBS comes into its own as opposed to the chains / sheds

Buy a bike that fits you, that is at a price you are comfortable with (if you don't get on with cycling are you prepared to lose 30-50% in depreciation when you sell it next winter) and that you like the look of - you are much more likely to ride it.

I would budget another £100-200 for accessories - lock, helmet, lights, clothing, mudguards etc etc

 

[star84]

i think i will go for the T3 as alot of folks has recommend it but my only problem is if my LBS would have them cos LBS seems to sell more expensive bikes

 

[Cycleops]

I think you are right to go for buying from a bike shop as it is your first purchace and they can advise correctly regarding fit etc, although you might find a secondhand bargain. First time around best to go for good advise.

 

[nickg]

There is a decatholon shop at lakeside retail park, near currys and sports direct. It's Defo worth a look, plus you could get other kit at the same time and maybe strike a deal.

 

[vickster]

i think i will go for the T3 as alot of folks has recommend it but my only problem is if my LBS would have them cos LBS seems to sell more expensive bikes

Only decathlon sell the Triban 3. Btwin is the decathlon exclusive brand. Your lbs won't have an issue servicing one however. Make sure you try one for size as they seem to come up smaller. How tall are you and what is inside leg measurement etc

 

[Leescfc79]

Grips in Rayleigh seemed good when I went there but I ended up going for the Triban 3 from lakeside decathlon, they were really helpful and let me ride a few different sizes around the shop, I've spent a small fortune in there since!

 

[star84]

you are right nick i jus called 2 LBS they said they dont do Triban 3 i can only get it at decatholon lakeside...one of the LBS doesnt sell secound hand and the other does i ask which brand they have in stock and he said 2009 GAINT SCR UNLIMITED which is going for 300gbp and also his offering me a claud butler 2012 for 342gbp which was 550gbp...both LBS did confirm that the Triban 3 r good bikes but they dont sell them and cant order them... i asked one of the LBS if they can couple the T3 from the box if i go get it or order it online and he said yes for 25/35quid or so...what do you guys reckon is claud butler a better brand than the T3 or the old 2009 gaint? now the price isnt the issue as they all fall withing my budget will wait to hear from you guys before i hit the road...thanks to ya all

 

[star84]

Grips in Rayleigh seemed good when I went there but I ended up going for the Triban 3 from lakeside decathlon, they were really helpful and let me ride a few different sizes around the shop, I've spent a small fortune in there since!

did they size u and also how did u get the bike home lol did u ride all the way home from lakeside jus wondering as i might be going there for one as soon as i hear from members...

 

[Leescfc79]

They helped with sizing and what kit I needed etc, I was in a similar boat to you and hadn't really ridden a bike for years and they were really helpful.

I put mine in my car, if that's not an option you could get the c2c train from Grays to Southend I think, it's a bit of a ride back to Southend for your first time.

 

[star84]

did u get urs in box or did they help put it up together also i use a toyota avensis do u think it would fit in my car