Just bought my first road bike :o)

[AmiableChimp]

After using my Ridgeback hybrid for the past year for both commuting and weekend mileage I decided I would really like a road bike for dedicated weekend runs.

I had an idea of my budget and spent a long time reading up on what's available.

I finally decided on a Decathlon bike as they seem to get good feedback.

I just had to decide between a Triban 5 or 7. For once I was sensible and went for the cheaper option, which leaves me money for things like pump, tools, SPDs, etc.

I have heard the tyres and wheels are not up to much - i'll see how I get on and maybe stick some Mavics on at a later date.

Anyway I am totally chiffed with it, here is a poor quality phone photo for now...



Cheers guys.

[Rolls]

Welcome to the club! ( and bravo for sticking to your guys and budget! It can get very expensive far too quickly if you let it) just be carefull out there at the moment- rather slippy with the amount of ste on the roads at the moment!

[Gizmoish]

Good work. Definitely get the SPDs, but apart from that just ride

[yellowjack]

What Gizmoish said, basically. Don't worry too much about upgrading wheels right off the bat - ride the bejeezus out of it, and you'll end up wearing the originals out, thereby earning yourself the upgrade My first upgrade on the Merida I bought for my 40th birthday was going to be wheels - I'm still on the original set, and I'm 43 now

Concentrate your cash on things like SPD or SPD-SL pedals, a good saddle bag filled with essential tools and spares (puncture kit and a chain tool are a good start), pump, etc. Then look at new tyres if you don't get on well with the ones fitted (Continental Grand Prix 4Seasons in 25mm size for me) and brake pads (Swisstop are good).

Welcome to the road bike club, and get out and enjoy it, even in poorer weather it's still a hoot. I've covered nearly 2,000 miles this year and I hardly turned a pedal until May as I was off with illness. I've got a MTB too - if the weather's too wet to really enjoy the roads, I get out into the woods to enjoy the mud and let off steam.

[frag68]

I was in the same boat last year and like the OP went for a b'twin triban 5 for £500(last year's model). I know the chap in decathlon and got look pedals thrown in. I did about 1500 miles and changed the wheels to campag zondas and what a difference. I have done over 2000 miles this year on it and it has been brilliant. Just go out and enjoy it.

It's a good entry level bike though. As above watch the roads. Mine is hanging in the garage just now and am using a winter hack with more suitable tyres.

Have fun