what size bike and £400 budget.

[a boardman]

been thinking of getting a road bike and have seen this on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/EX-DISPLAY-FORME-REVE-51CM-R...

would this size suit me I am 5ft 8" with a 30" leg

does it look a good deal seem like it is £200 off rrp.

any other recommendations around the £400 mark.

thanks.

[anonymous-user]

to be honest i would be very wary of buying a bike off ebay without sitting on it first, its most likely going to be ok in terms of fit, form and function but you never know and it could be a complete dog.

when bike shops are already starting to sell 2010 stock at sale prices, it seems silly to risk it all on a bike that may or may not be crap. try a giant defy, something from the raleigh airlite range or a trek....

size wise it would probably be ok but surely its better to get it fitted and be sure...

Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 4th September 19:44

[Gnarlybluesurf]

It's from rutland cylcing which seem to get regularly good reviews... have to agree you should hunt out a decent bike in the sales and accept you get what you pay for and you don't need full carbon... better to get something that fits so you can figure out what you really need after a years cycling!

[Rich S]

best to sit on it etc

but I am your size and ride a 54cm frame road bike

[Roman]

I'd go for this from the instead, better equipped & well worth the small premium:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RALEIGH-300-MENS-ALUMINIUM-R...

51cm for a frame with compact geometry (like the Raleigh) sounds about right but for the more traditional geometry of the Forme you would possibly need a larger size.

[Moobs]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/senti...

Just say/look for a promotional code 15% discount *SKYRIDE*

I am not sure whether they allow the promotion voucher to apply to already discounted items.

[a boardman]

going looking bikes over weekend after my holiday, leisure lakes and evens and local bike shop.

I could go to around 450 on a bike and another 150 on extras. (be better if shop throws in some extras)

options been

raleigh 300
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RALEIGH-300-MENS-ALUMINIUM-R...

specialized allez-16
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/al...

Trek 1.1 C Road Bike 2010
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/trek11cro...

Giant_Defy_4_
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_Defy_4_201...

these seem to be the best spec bikes in that price range,
I will try and use it to go to work but that would be over not a very safe road (Grane road Blackburn to Rawtenstall)

Any thoughts on any of these.

[MikeTiger]

Trek 1.1 C Road Bike 2010
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/trek11cro...

I brought one of these a few weeks ago from Evans Cycles at £419.99 including a pair of mudguards. Does me fine as a "born again" cyclist !

[Roman]

a boardman said:

going looking bikes over weekend after my holiday, leisure lakes and evens and local bike shop.

I could go to around 450 on a bike and another 150 on extras. (be better if shop throws in some extras)

options been

raleigh 300
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RALEIGH-300-MENS-ALUMINIUM-R...

specialized allez-16
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/al...

Trek 1.1 C Road Bike 2010
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/trek11cro...

Giant_Defy_4_
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Giant_Defy_4_201...

these seem to be the best spec bikes in that price range,
I will try and use it to go to work but that would be over not a very safe road (Grane road Blackburn to Rawtenstall)

Any thoughts on any of these.

Raleigh better specced than the rest with Shimano Tiagra - 2 levels up from Shimano 2300 and usually seen on £700+ bikes, best value.

Trek & Specialized both have excellent frame & forks.

Giant heavy with a cheap fork.