Recomendations for a budget road bike

[jr@]

just wondering what people can suggest, been using bmx's and hard tail MB'S and really wouldnt mind getting out and using a road bike

anyone got a suggestions of what brands are about at the budget end of the market that are well known and likley to be of a decent quality (im aware of quality at this end of the market is not going to be amazing)

basically any help would be excelent

cheers jr

[SystemParanoia]

mine is a raleigh airlite.

cost me £180 and TBH, it does what i need it to.

its not what i would call heavy, i can get upto 30mph and draft buses no problem.

it uses the traditional gear shifters on the lower crossbar, but that how ive always known them to be so.. no change there.

the only niggle i really have, are the wheels.. they buckle waaaay too easily, and after 4mths hard use.. im noticing some wear on the front gearset. the rear cassette and shifter are shimano and they remain unworn.


HTH

[mat205125]

About £500 is what I paid for my Bianchi. Between £400 and £600 will get you a nice bike from all the big brands ... Scott, Specialised, Bianchi, Trek etc. I've done over a thousand miles on mine so far this year, and nothing has broken or worn out (apart from a rear tyre)

[BadgerBenji]

You might want to have a look at the range of bikes from Giant, they do very good entry level machines all the way to some nice top end rides.

[anonymous-user]

all for around £600. specilaized allez or giant scr would be hte best bet, both are quite well specced, the giant slightly better but boht are light though and wont take potholes or roadside drains/gutters well. the boardman for around £600 has also had good reviews marred by the fact that its only availble through halfords and there are very few competant cycle mechanics employed by halfords.

[sjg]

Bought one of Edinburgh Bicycles' own-brand ones for about £300 in their sale (usually £400ish) and it's been fine. Alu frame, carbon fork, Shimano Sora bits. Wheels are a bit rubbish, but everything at this price is - I think one more DIY re-tensioning then I'll splurge £120 or so on some Mavic Askiums.

I see their current one is under £350 (wait for the sale and they'll be less), by dropping the carbon fork. At least now it'll take proper mudguards so better for commute/winter duties. Still a great buy at the price.

Up the budget to £500-£600 and there's loads to choose from with all the big manufacturers. Most important thing is fit though - find a decent bike shop who can help you get one that fits properly from the outset, it'll save a fortune in swapping stems, etc about later.