Another 'help please with new cheap bike' thread......

[da_murphster]

I've started my 10 mile each way commute in my new job but on my ageing MTB with thin tyres I cannot keep up with my mate on his Boardman bike.

So I'm after a cheap road bike - I will not be competing/triathlon etc just cycling to work and back all weathers.

I know the default setting used to be the red Triban 3 but AFAIK they are all sold out so what do you reckon to these:

Triban 5 - £429 but possibly sold out:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-blac...

Moser Bikes Speed Sora 2013 - £488

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moser-bikes-speed-sora-201...

Felt F95 Sora 2013 - £453

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f95-sora-2013/

Although I can get 10% discount and an additional 10% through SELOC vouchers on Halfrauds bike I cannot get the same bike as my mate (I think he has the Boardman road sport) - people think we are 'special cycling buddies' as it is!

Would also consider second hand but have no idea where to start:

There are a few within 50 miles of me on fleabay (In in Trowbridge) but no idea if they are good/bad?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Bikes-/177831/i.html?_sa...

I've also considered 'winter' bikes that can easily take mud guards etc - eg ribble 7005 winter trainer (although a bit out of budget new - although there are some second hand) or even a cyclocross bike (although decent ones seem to be expensive)

BTW I'm 5'11". I struggle for decent local bike shops but tried a boardman in Halfrauds and reckon I need a Large frame - 55cm-ish

Any advice appreciated - but no 'you need to blow £1500 on an unobtainium framed XXX' - I'm looking for the best cheap bike I can get no more than £500 but would rather it was under £400!

Help appreciated!

[bingybongy]

'you need to blow £1500 on an unobtainium framed XXX'

[Fluffsri]

Cheap with Soda and good value for money is the Carrera TDF or Vituoso. I rode one for 6 years before upgrading to a carbon bike. Worth a look.

[TheLemming]

Boardman team carbons (SRAM force ten speed) seem to go for 500 - 600 secondhand. There are quite a few of them around.

I got a great deal on an upgraded pro... On the other hand that whole matching bike thing....

The carrera tdf is 250 for a few more days. Coming from a slicked MTB (I did that) it feels like a low flying aircraft :-)
For a first road bike its shockingly cheap. With some decent tyres and a lower ratio cassette its great.
Mine is still in the shed and I may end up keeping it as a winter bike.

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Can you use the cycle to scheme?

[WinstonWolf]

I could keep up with all but the fastest roadies on my old MTB when it was wearing slicks and road gearing. Have you thought about going fishing?

[R1gtr]

Have a look at Paul's cycles, they have a sale on, few nice road bikes for under £500, reduced from £7-800

[da_murphster]

jesusbuiltmycar said:

Can you use the cycle to scheme?

Unfortunately not.

[da_murphster]

Fluffsri said:

Cheap with Soda and good value for money is the Carrera TDF or Vituoso. I rode one for 6 years before upgrading to a carbon bike. Worth a look.

I sort of assumed that that bike was no good? 2300 mech etc.

I think its unlikely I will be 'upgrading' or having a separate winter/commuter and summer bike so was thinking of getting the best I can for sub £500 expecting to to last a few years.


Interesting though!

[da_murphster]

WinstonWolf said:

I could keep up with all but the fastest roadies on my old MTB when it was wearing slicks and road gearing. Have you thought about going fishing?

Its a 6 year old £350 beast of a bike - my only consolation with it is that it must be giving me a better workout on the way to work!

my current steed!!

GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc 2006 Mountain Bike



Frame: GT Triple triangle design 6061 butted aluminium with pressure formed downtube zero stack headtube and disc compatible – Forks: RST Omega T6 Hydraulic fork magnesium lowers preload adjust 80-120mm of travel with lock out and travel adjust – Gears: Shimano M-330 front derailleur and Deore rear – Shifters: Shimano ST-EF32 – Chainset: Truvativ 5-D with power spline – Brakes: Tektro Apulia forged disc brakes – Wheels: Alloy quick release disc hubs – Tyres: Tioga factory extreme front and factory XC rear – Bars: Aluminium riser bars – Stem: GT ATB threadless – Saddle: WTB speed V – Seat Post: GT aluminium

Edited by da_murphster on Sunday 22 September 11:47

[da_murphster]

Can anyone point me to a busy bike forum to check out the classifieds?

www.cyclechat.net seems OK but you need post before you can view the classifieds - before I 'invest' time in the forum is it worth it? Any better?

[TheLemming]

da_murphster said:

I sort of assumed that that bike was no good? 2300 mech etc.

I think its unlikely I will be 'upgrading' or having a separate winter/commuter and summer bike so was thinking of getting the best I can for sub £500 expecting to to last a few years.


Interesting though!

They are perfectly useable, just not amazing. I rode a tdf for a few months and as a first road bike it was brilliant.

PS the 2400 equipped tdfs are filtering through so at the moment 250 gets one and at that price they are untouchable.

[da_murphster]

Right I can get 20% off all Halfrauds stuff so have reserved a TDF and will get it if it turns up with the better shifters - was thinking it won't loose much money and I can put off more expenditure until later!

Edit: They have just called - the product number between bikes with te old & new shifters is the same so they cannot tell until they open the box which one I have ordered, but they say most are getting the newer version.

Pick up on Weds!

Plan is to use it until I think I need something better and know what type of bike / budget / I'm after

Edited by da_murphster on Sunday 22 September 13:59

[TheLemming]

da_murphster said:

Right I can get 20% off all Halfrauds stuff so have reserved a TDF and will get it if it turns up with the better shifters - was thinking it won't loose much money and I can put off more expenditure until later!

Edit: They have just called - the product number between bikes with te old & new shifters is the same so they cannot tell until they open the box which one I have ordered, but they say most are getting the newer version.

Pick up on Weds!

Plan is to use it until I think I need something better and know what type of bike / budget / I'm after

Edited by da_murphster on Sunday 22 September 13:59

Based on my experience with one, the tyres are utter ste. Heavy, puncture prone, low grip and poor ride. Drop some decent rubber on (gp4 seasons get a fairly universal nod) and its transformed. Rolls faster, grips better and a much more composed ride.

Depending on what the hills are like near you, may want to think about a lower ratio cassette once you're used to it (or mtfu and push the big ring as I've been told repeatedly)

You will probably get your money back (or the vast majority) when you sell it too :-)

[BerksJack]

TheLemming said:

Based on my experience with one, the tyres are utter ste. Heavy, puncture prone, low grip and poor ride. Drop some decent rubber on (gp4 seasons get a fairly universal nod) and its transformed. Rolls faster, grips better and a much more composed ride.

A mate bought one and had it a week, he racked up 8 punctures in that time.

[TheLemming]

BerksJack said:

A mate bought one and had it a week, he racked up 8 punctures in that time.

I was averaging two a week for the first month. Fitted a set of conti gp four seasons and none since :-)

[da_murphster]

These ones?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/...

at £33 a pop - blimey!? two of those is a significant proportion of the cost of the bike!!

If I was to order some would I need 700 x 25c or 28c??

Edited by da_murphster on Sunday 22 September 20:56

[Gizmoish]

da_murphster said:

Two of those is a significant proportion of the cost of the bike!!

...which may give you an inkling of just how much the bike is built down to a price...

[da_murphster]

Gizmoish said:

...which may give you an inkling of just how much the bike is built down to a price...

hmmm....I am going to be chasing the 'weakest link' on this bike!?!

Assume tyres would be good for any replacement bike I bought?

[BerksJack]

TheLemming said:

I was averaging two a week for the first month. Fitted a set of conti gp four seasons and none since :-)

Jesus, I think id have give up with it before then. What tyres are on it as standard?