Looking to get my first Road Bike, any advice much appreciated!

[ryryryan]

So after realising that beers and food is finally starting to impact me, I've decided to take up cycling. I enjoy going out on my dads bike currently but it's a bog standard heavy thing and I want to take it a bit more seriously, so I think I'll get my own road bike. Doing it for fun and fitness, as I don't actually follow cycling as a sport!

Initially I gave myself a budget of around £200 - £300, but when I looked about and realised the prices of entry level stuff I have now raised that to £500 - £600, depending on if it's worth it.

My primary contenders seem to be either the Giant Defy 5 ( http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-5-2013-Road-Bike_56261.htm )or the Specialized Allez Compact 2013( http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Allez-Compact-2013-Road-Bike_54927.htm ).

Though pushing my budget, I realise there is the Allez 2014, which apparantly has much better gears/shifter ( http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Allez-2014-Road-Bike_64997.htm ).

I'm all very new to this though, so not really sure what some of it means! Also, I read that a carbon fork would make for a more comfortable ride, but that seems just out of my price bracket which is a shame as some roads around me aren't in the best of condition.

And on a small note, I'd quite like a white bike (just preference), but it's obviously not essential. I just think they look cool

So any advice on this? Would these bikes be okay all year round? Would love to hear what some of you experienced cyclists think.

 

[ryryryan]

Little bump to see if anyone has anything to say

 

[ryryryan]

Thanks for the responses guys, some great info here.

That ribble bike looks fantastic, though certainly on the higher end of my budget! Especially when I add pedals.

Also that second Triban 5 you posted looks excellent arknor. Unfortuanatly I live in Wales, so no stores nearby! I went to Halfords yesterday and tried a 54cm carrera which was a touch large, and a 53cm boardman which seemed bang on. My only worry with the triban is it jumps from 51 to 54 cm, and I can't get to a shop to try it. Also it's currently out of stock

Still, that's easily the best value for money I've seen so far. Going to try to pop in to cardiff tomorrow to go to a proper bike shop (evans cycles or tredz) and see what they have on offer.

I also though a compact instead of triple gears would be more ideal, though considering around me can be quite hilly I guess it doesn't matter actually.

 

[ryryryan]

Everyone says good things about the Allez and every year you can pick up the previous year model for a really good price. If you want to stick to the £500 budget then you can't go wrong. Just my opinion, but there's no need to pay the premium for the 2014 model. They do a flat bar version as well if you don't want drops.

The main reason I'm looking at the new model is for the better gear shifters. After having a little mess around in halfords with sora ones where you use your fingers, and 2300 where you use the thumb I much prefer the former.

Also some really great advice here guys. That Moser looked almost perfect if there was a size 53 or 54!! When I tried 54 in halfords it seemed alright, though 53 seemed a touch better. Hard to say though as i didn't get long on them, and was only around the store's tiny area upstairs.

 

[ryryryan]

Haha, I'm a noob yes, because I've never got on a road bike till yesterday!! Though indeed not because I'm 24.

I really want to just get it over and order a bike now, but I need to go to cardiff tomorrow to try sizes. Hope they have what I want in stock, otherwise more waiting!

 

[ryryryan]

OP here in case anyone didn't realise xD

Interesting conversations here! Which will apply to my next question too.

SO... my budget has increased as my folks want to put £100 towards it as my xmas prezzie (they still do this and every year I ask for money as I'm not a big present kinda guy), so with that in mind I am now looking at the Ribble Sportive 7005 (good link dunker). It looks awesome, has the sora shifters and gears I want, a carbon fork and is now in my price range. The only debate to come is size.

I am 5' 10" with a leg size of 32 inches, dead on with both. I have tried a 54cm frame (the seat tube obv), and that seemed ideal. However, the bike only comes in 55cm or 52cm. I rang them up, and the guy suggested 55 in my situation as it will be more comfortable, seeing as I'm not looking to be competitive (other than with myself). He also said go for a 100mm stem, which will balance the fit more.

Do you agree? 55 for the more comfortable, or 52 for the speedier more aggressive stance, but slightly more uncomfortable?

I'm ordering within the next few hours, as I've waited far too long as it is. Any late advice is always appreciated.