which bike? want a road bike

[gary in derby]

This is where I need you guys, I'm 6'4" and 23 stone ( though losing weight rapidly) so hoping to be sub 20 by new year. So suggestions on makes and why would also be helpful.

Thanks Gary

 

[rockyraccoon]

what is your budget?

 

[rowan 46]

I am not an expert in road bikes but my guess is a touring bike rather than a straight racing bike would be best for you. My reasoning is they have stronger frames as they are designed for panniers, stronger wheels and sit you up a little more upright. As you are not up to full fitness yet you should find this a little easier. This of course may be rubbish advice but I'm sure someone will put you and me straight if I'm wrong.

 

[Paulus]

As above, depends on your budget, but whatever you buy, as you are a big lad, so to speak, get the wheels properly built so as the tension is correct for your weight. Most frames will accomodate large people, it is the wheels that need looking at.

 

[gary in derby]

Have a budget of around £1000 . Touring bike could be a good compromise .

Cheers

 

[jackthelad]

spa cycles good prices at the moment on touring bikes

 

[cyberknight]

I should not worry about max weight to much, cycling plus had 3 rugby player all in the 120 kg weight bracket riding carbon and a titanium bikes and they were fine .

As your in Derby i would take a ride up to Decathlon ( near ikea) off junction 26 i think of the M1 i think and have a look at their bikes as they are cracking value .

I personally ride a Boardman comp from Halfords bought on the cycle to work scheme and although some of the stores have some numpty staff i believe that they do not allow them to play with the higher spec machines.

 

[John the Monkey]

As your in Derby i would take a ride up to Decathlon ( near ikea) off junction 26 i think of the M1 i think and have a look at their bikes as they are cracking value .

They used to only do 3 sizes in the road bikes (not sure if they still do) - can be a problem if you don't like the fit.

I personally ride a Boardman comp from Halfords bought on the cycle to work scheme and although some of the stores have some numpty staff i believe that they do not allow them to play with the higher spec machines.

Lovely bikes with nice spec for the money. Consider Giant too (I love my SCR, equivalent range now is the "Defy" I think) and lots of people seem to rate the Specialized Secteur and Allez.

If you've an Edinburgh Bike Co-Op nearby, they do nice bikes too, including a decent tourer, iirc.

 

[gary in derby]

Cheers guys lots to think about.

 

[oliglynn]

If you want a racer, a specialized allez elite is a good bet. They ring in around the 800 quid mark, leaving you 200 quid to upgrade your wheels - these fulcrum 5's seem to be pretty much bomb proof, a good ride, and look the business. Have done over 2000 miles on them and they've stayed amazingly true. And that's coming from a fellow 6'4" not-so-light kinda guy.

 

[Mugshot]

Lovely bikes with nice spec for the money. Consider Giant too (I love my SCR, equivalent range now is the "Defy" I think) and lots of people seem to rate the Specialized Secteur and Allez.

I have the Defy 2, very happy with it all in all, was tossing up between that, the Allez and the Boardman road comp.
Went with the Defy as I got a good deal on the 2010 model from my LBS, was seriously seriously tempted by the Boardman but was a little reluctant to deal with you know who for that amount of cash as I was doubtful I'd get the after sales from them.
Had read that the spokes could be an issue on the Defy but was assured by the LBS that this had been sorted, however after having spokes loosen on two occasions to such a degree that a trip back to the LBS was called for and having had to tighten rogue spokes at least once a month myself for around 6 months I decided enough was enough and went back to the LBS, bike in hand. Wheels were swapped for Mavic Aksiums at no cost to myself and have had no problems since.

 

[gary in derby]

Again thanks, have till new year to decide, I have a giant mtb and its good for now and the winter, but want to go further a field come the spring. Plus got l2b in the summer. So want bike sorted well in advance.

 

[BrumJim]

All good advice here. Nothing more for me to add, really.

 

[Mugshot]

Again thanks, have till new year to decide,

Good idea to wait until the New Year as you'll probably get a deal on last years model just because it's a different colour. I believe it's the red ones which are the fastest BTW

 

[gary in derby]

Reds my favourite colour lol