Road Bike - Small Budget

[AyBee]

A friend of mine has just requested my help regarding buying a road bike. I don't think this will be serious road riding, just commuting and the occasional fitness ride. He was asking for my opinion on this:

clicky

He has a budget of £300. Any information on whether the above is a good buy, and if not, where would your £300 be going?

Thanks in advance.

[Matthew_Eames]

£300 is the very bottom of the ladder, but you can pick up something half decent for that money

Only issue is that you need another £100 minimum on Helmet, SPD's + Shoes, Bibs, Jersey, Bottle + Cage .etc

My tip is to take advantage of the people who buy a bike and never use it, buy 2nd hand....from a lesser brand that slips under the radar.

Carrera Vanquish (Mostly Tiagra) will be a great 1st bike
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Carrera-Vanquish-Road-Bike_W...

or a valour avaliable for less (roughly same frame, less components)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Carrera-Valour-Roadbike_W0QQ...

Edited by Matthew_Eames on Wednesday 5th August 23:57

[AyBee]

Thanks for those, I'm not sure the whole shoes, bibs, tops, helmets etc are going to get involved here though. I know the costs involved, I've been there and done it I've spent a third of his budget on my helmet alone I will have to get his reason for wanting a road bike over a commuter or mtb though I guess. But yes, I agree, second hand is probably the way to go, it's just a bit of a mine field...