Looking for a comfortable road bike

[shindha]

Hi, I want to return to cycling may be not to work every day as I have to go out to sites and that would be difficult on a bike, but some days may be one or two days a week. The journey is 3.5 miles each way and well catered for by bike routes.
I have an old mountain bike which I find uncomfortable to ride - getting on a bit. It needs to be comfortable to ride suspension not necessary - the seating and posture need to keep my back upright and not bend my knees too much as they hurt as well. I am not very tall (5’ 3”) so what size will I need, any recommendations to type of bike, what to look out for, it would be nice if it’s not too heavy any recommendations from experience.
I have a very low budget, up to approximately £500.00 would be what I could afford, I don’t mind getting something second hand.
Thanks for looking.

[anonymous-user]

You could do a lot worse than one of these three, all good spec for the money.
Boardman Sport which is £499
Giant Defy 4 £550
Raleigh Revnio and £550

[MadDad]

Sounds like you need a Hybrid to me...........

Edited by MadDad on Sunday 27th January 12:36

[Steve vRS]

I have a Defy 1 - my first road bike since I was a teenager. I find it very comfy over distance. I believe the Defy frames are similar in geometry and stiffness so the 4 should be great.

Steve

[Jayfish]

If you are looking for comfortable over a short distance, is a drop bar road bike really what you need?
All of you chosen options, whilst not as racey as some, go against you other requirements of upright position and comfort. A flat handle-bar hybrid might fit the bill more?

[richardxjr]

Steve vRS said:

I have a Defy 1 - my first road bike since I was a teenager. I find it very comfy over distance. I believe the Defy frames are similar in geometry and stiffness so the 4 should be great.

Steve

Similarly, I have a Rapid 4 - flat bar version of the Defy, just a slightly longer top tube to make up the reach of the defy's drops. Mate has a Rapid 1, it is the same frame. Fast but comfortable. I found mine on Ebay, 2010 model used just once or twice for £275. Other mates have Defys - great bikes.

Remember you'll need to budget for gear too as you'll want to be out doing longer rides straight away

My son's thinking of getting a road bike now. I cheekily took him into Evans to get measured up. OK I won't be buying a bike there but I had just spent about £300 on gear, so it wasn't that cheeky really.

[80sMatchbox]

Jayfish said:

If you are looking for comfortable over a short distance, is a drop bar road bike really what you need?
All of you chosen options, whilst not as racey as some, go against you other requirements of upright position and comfort. A flat handle-bar hybrid might fit the bill more?

My thoughts exactly. Everyhing the OP said screamed hybrid..

I would suggest getting down to a local bike store and getting advice regards sizing etc, and look at a few flat bar bikes.

[bakerstreet]

I have a 2010 Giant Defy 2 and its been very good.

Full on road bikes with drop bars can be more comfortable than flat bar hybrids. The reason being is you have more options on where you can rest your hands.

[Gizmoish]

bakerstreet said:

I have a 2010 Giant Defy 2 and its been very good.

Full on road bikes with drop bars can be more comfortable than flat bar hybrids. The reason being is you have more options on where you can rest your hands.

Completely agree, but for people with limited back flexibility the choice of hand position isn't exactly key.