best spec racer for £450-500 ?

RadoX · 16 Jun 2010 at 21:32

Ive started doing some mileage now every other day with my dad who has a bianchi and Ive been going on a relatively lite mountain bike but on the flat i really need a racer since i want to start doing more than 30 or 40 mile and a lot faster (currently averaging 15 - 16 mph)

whats the best spec racer i can get for £450 - £500 ? i need a 60cm frame.

i was thinking of buying second hand but the amount of idiots is just unbelievable.

Lakeland · 16 Jun 2010 at 21:37

I'd go for second hand personally, in my experience a 500 second hand racer will last longer than a 500 new one, and when you come to replace components you're left with a better frame/wheelset

RadoX · 16 Jun 2010 at 21:47

Lakeland said:
I'd go for second hand personally, in my experience a 500 second hand racer will last longer than a 500 new one, and when you come to replace components you're left with a better frame/wheelset

yes but ive been looking for 2 weeks and theres nothing within 50 miles of notts.

looked on:

ebay
pinkbike
gumtree
admag

Clum · 16 Jun 2010 at 21:56

Try Bikeradar. If you can be reasonably sure of your sizing then most are happy to sort out postage. you're going to get an infinitely better bike second hand for that money so is worth the extra effort, even to travel if need be. Seen Focus Cayos with Ultegra SL groups go for that sort of money before.

[DOD]Asprilla · 16 Jun 2010 at 22:04

If you want to get new then the best one in that price range is the Specialized Allez 16 at £499. The components are pretty basic, but it's a very good frame for the money.

You can get a Ribble 7005 for the same money (I ride one as a summer commuter but with a 105 groupset instead of Sora) and it's a good bike.

Lakeland · 16 Jun 2010 at 22:06

RadoX said:
yes but ive been looking for 2 weeks and theres nothing within 50 miles of notts.

looked on:

ebay
pinkbike
gumtree
admag

Try these two

http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=40049

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/forum/classifieds (mainly mtb but often road bikes/gear comes up)

SDK^ · 16 Jun 2010 at 22:27

I was also going to suggest the Specialized Allez 16 - for £499 it's a steal.

milgo · 17 Jun 2010 at 10:19

I think if you are looking for a second hand bike, a shop that takes trades might be what you want. This shop isn't near you but it might be worth a trip to get something you want.

http://www.ciclosuno.com

They are meant to be really good and would build something to suit your budget. Friend got a bianchi from them some years ago for £400.