Best place for a cheap Road Bike

[OllyK]

I want to have a crack at putting some miles in on the road, mainly for health/fitness benefits, but don't want to drop £300-500 right away on a beginners road bike without having given it a go first on something I can pick up dirt cheap.

I've done some homework on here looking at Bikes such as the Allez and Defy, but i'm stil none the wiser where to pick up a good second hand/cheap example of a road bike.

Normally my Bike of choice on the road is a Honda Hornet, and the last time I rode a push bike in anger it was a Pashley 26", so I really haven't a clue what to look for when it comes to road bikes...! Especially when it comes to things like sizing

Thanks for any hints

[anonymous-user]

your best bet is one of your local shops, just be honest about budget, use etc and see what they say. you are far better going very early or later on in the day where you will get better service. try to find the shop that your local club use, they are likely to be a Bob's Cycles rather than a bigger chain and their knowledge and help is normally of a better standard.

sizing is important but its not rocket science and if you are between two sizes, ask if they can shorten stems to get a better fit. Dont get obsessed by spec either, with all due respect, at £500 its not going to be high end but it will stay fnuctional if you maintain it.

the allez or defy are ideal at this price range though have a look at Raleigh, Claud Butler and Dawes who might offer slightly better value for money by virtue of not having a trendy brand name.

[VanBas]

You could try eBay. I was in the same position as you last week and managed to get a used trek 1000 alpha road bike with a few nice upgrades for £145. I did searches by distance and emailed a guy who had just put it up for auction asking if he would take an offer. Went to view the next day and bought it. Sorted.