Road bikes - help

[krishen 2]

I've managed to sign up to the London to Cambridge bike ride BUT don't have a bike.

 

Really am clueless about bikes. Just after some basic info really. What type of bike should i be looking at and any particular brands? It will be on normal roads so guessing mountain bikes are ott for me?

 

Popped into Evans cycles yesterday but didn't get a chance to speak to the staff. Did see a few bikes that i really like but they were over £1k and hand funky suspension lol.

 

Will probably go second hand for now and if i do get serious about biking then can always look at upgrading later. Budget wise would £150 be ok?

 

Any help/suggestions would be great.

 

Cheers

[KIPVW 0]

You'll need £500 minimum to get anything remotely usable mate, best thing to do is visit an independent store rather than a chain like Evans, you'll have real enthusiasts rather than a bundle of not so knowledgeable students telling you whats sick :(

 

However not all big chain stores have idiots and some can be very good indeed but your local bike shop will be much more appreciative of your custom and therefore offer excellent advise.

 

Any questions feel free to ask.

 

20 years in a local bike shop, Mechanic on the Kellogg's tour of Britain, and Workshop Manager at Langsett Cycles :) http://www.langsettcycles.co.uk/

[Jim 2]

You need to get a bike and get training really as that's a fair distance.

 

£150 isn't much.. but buying second hand is definitely a good idea and will help you get some decent for a bit less. I'd check out the Classifieds section of bikeradar.com - I sold two road bikes there over the years whilst on my way up to the nice one I own now and always had to sell at at least 50% less what they cost despite them having seen much action and being in mint condition - no reason why you shouldn't find similar deals.

 

I'd suggest you up your budget to about £250-£300 and you should find a decent, pre-owned bike. Something well known like a Specialised Allez or a Trek 1.2 or something would be a good starting point! :)

[krishen 2]

Right been looking around for second hand bikes and they seem to start from £250 - £300 for the ones mentioned above.

 

So thinking about it im going to get a new one through the cycle to work scheme at work. Works out only marginally more expensive than the second hand prices but i get a brand spanking new bike :-)

 

But i can't decide between a hybrid or a road bike. It will mainly be used for casual riding on the road, along the river etc. I noticed with road bikes your leaning low down whereas with the hybrid your a bit more upright.

 

And also i've heard that with road bikes im more prone to damaging the wheel/getting a puncture.

 

Taking everything into account i think a hybrid is going to be better suited for me BUT i for some reason im drawn to the road bikes. Also had some folk mention that hybrids are a waste of time. So confused :-(

 

Oh and i've narrowed it down to these 2. The Specialized Sirrus 2012 (Hybrid) or Specialized Allez (road bike).

 

So from what i've mentioned do you think road bike or hybrid would be better? Am i really going to notice any difference?

 

Thanks

[16VG60 1]

The guys have given you some sound advise on here. My recommendation would be for you to go with a road bike, not a compromise hybrid option. You really do need to get some training in for this event, otherwise you are going to be head banging your last miles all the way home. Are you looking to raise money for charity? I am currently training to take part in the London to Edinburgh 37 hour challenge, in aid of "Orchid" men's cancer awareness and research. Have raised £1000 so far. Good luck with your training and your event. But do make sure you buy the right bike.

 

 

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[DriverVR6 11]

Krishen, sent you a PM.