The Cycling Thread

[Dipper]

Now this is cool.... Strava Athlete Heatmap

O.k so without reading 319 pages of thread, I am after a bit of advice.

Seriously looking to take the plunge and get a road bike. I've been told that i'll need to spend around £600 and no less if I want something decent (new). Looked at a few makes, Jamis and Trek and also Pinnacle.

I understand i'll need a helmet and some padded shorts as well. And also possibly some kind of attitude adjustment Does anyone have any pointers for a newbie buying his first roadbike?

Much appreciated

Si

[fizzwheel]

Is the £600 budget to include helmet, shorts et all ?

My advice would be, to go into your local bike shop and see what they have on offer and see what you like the look of. Talk to one of the sales people and start from there.

Dont rush into it, take your time. Have you ridden a road bike before ? Are you coming from a MTB onto a road bike, if so the road bike is going to feel very strange for the first time you sit on it.

First thing is fit, is the bike the right size for you, get this bit wrong and it'll never ever feel right, hence why I suggested you go to a local bike shop, a proper shop not a Halfords, they'll give you some options an also advise you on what size frame you need.

At the price point you are looking at everything is going to be roughly the same in terms of spec etc etc.

You wont go wrong with a trek or specialised, Giant would be the other manufacturer's bikes I'd recommend you look at to.

This fits your buget and leaves you a bit left over to spend on helmet and shorts

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/giant...FVMPtAodvgoARA

[maviczap]

As all the above

Although I'd go for something like this, as its 10 speed, and one groupset above Shimano 2300. Nothing wrong with 2300 mind

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/ro...&sub=conf_SERA

But its coming to the end of the season, so the dealers will be looking to offload 2013 bikes fairly soon, so it may pay to wait.

Once you know your frame size, then you can pick up some bloomin bargains on Bike Radar classifieds , but you need to know what you're buying, and there's no after sales service or returns.

That ribble is a hell of a lot bike for the money, Tiagra doesn't generally come in until around the £800 marker.
Or that's certainly what I found at least when I shopped about earlier this year so it may well have changed a little by now.

Si are you still living up Gomersal? If so there is a bike shop on Bradford Road just before you get into Dewsbury (about half mile after Padgets) on your right called Bill Hargreaves, get in there and have a chat. You cant go far wrong in there pal...

Take a print out of that ribble though, present that and ask if they can better it.

[Luckypants]

Found this on Youtube, some footage of the Wild Wales Challenge a couple of weeks ago where I crashed. It gives an idea of the stunning scenery and hideous climbs of this ride. Highly recommended to you all!

[Luckypants]

Originally Posted by maviczap

As all the above

Although I'd go for something like this, as its 10 speed, and one groupset above Shimano 2300. Nothing wrong with 2300 mind

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/ro...&sub=conf_SERA

Just a heads up, I got an email from Ribble this morning that this week is the 'last chance' to buy at these prices.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just my two cents - never buy a bike online unless you have sat on it first!
All bikes have differing geometry, it makes a vast difference in road bikes.
Try as many as you can, ones in shops - go for a test ride.
Try any friends who'll let you too.
Make sure you get sized correctly too, as a bike too big is a barge and one too small is wrong.
I'm 6'2" and I ride a 58cm.

Quick Sizing Guide
Sit on bike, heal of foot on lowest pedal, your leg should be comfortable straight not stretched. Your seat is now at the correct height.
Get someone to hold the bike, put both feet on the pedals, hold the "hoods" of the shifter, not the drops.
Look for the hub of the front wheel, it should be obscured by the handle bar. If it is behind, bike too long, infront too short. Hidden perfect.

Unfortunately bikes are like everything in life, you do indeed get what you pay for.
But don't waste your money on all the bells and whistles, if it's your first road bike, an entry level will do. Find out if you like it first!!!
But yes £600 odd quid would be realistic.
Remember the big brands have more buying power from the likes of Shimano etc so tend to have a better all round package.
Trek, Specialized etc etc.
Once you've found one then look for it cheaper Last years model etc, now is a great time as the bike year is SEPTEMBER to September (want to make sure new years stock is all in for Christmas). Grab a last years bargin.
(Spent 8 1/2 years of my life in the cycle trade - including being a store manager)

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Found this on Youtube,

Is that you parked up having a breather at 39 seconds Mike?

[Luckypants]

No it is not you cheeky ****! That was a stinging climb but short, I nearly stalled out when the rear spun up on sheep-poo just before that bend. I didn't stop on any climb but was forced to walk the last 50 meters of the climb to Cwm Ystradlyn - that was better than my last attempt where I walked most of the first 500 meters!