Road bike advice

Jobe

Jobe

Jobe

Associate
Joined
26 Oct 2002
Posts
1,064
Location
Lincoln
Hi all

First off didn't want to mix this with the more serious talk in the bike essentials thread.

I am looking to get a road bike but have no idea what to get.

Budget is around £700 with a little more for spares, helmet, shoes etc.

I will also be looking to join a local club to help push myself and get fitter.

All advice appreciated and welcome.

Thanks for reading

Jobe
 
FrenchTart said:
Damn..normally someone asks for a hybrid recommendation and then we spend ages trying to convince them to get a road bike instead. Now you've ruined it :p
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Lol is that why no one replied for a bit......
"What's this post, is someone trying to catch us out. I'm keeping quiet". :D

Don't plan on commuting as we have no way of showering at work.

It would be purely for pleasure(or torture), Local bike club stuff etc. Pleasure rides with the Mrs would prob still be on the mtb as she isn't too adventurous.

Jobe
 
FrenchTart said:
Yeah, I was wondering :p

I presume when you're riding around with the Mrs on her MTB you won't be going down super technical MTB-style routes but just gentle trails and the like?
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Yep. Bit boring really but there you go.

Would a carbon bike make much difference really to me?
Was hoping to get something soon enough before the weather changes too much.
Will have a nosy at the '58.

J
 
Some nice suggestions there guys thanks.

Think I would prefer at least an ally bike. Understand I may be 'just' under the price point of carbon.

That Giant looks pretty nice but not really sure about that colour. Will have to have a think about it.

Atm there are 2 bikes linked to, the Giant and Planetx. Both £700. Are both about the same in terms of quality? I would prefer the Planetx purely on colour choice tbh.

Will have a look around to see if I can find any promotional codes. Can always shave a few more quid off that way

Jobe
 
right, quick update.

rang the store and going to go down tomorrow to try it out and if i like it will get it. This will be the Giant bike. can't really decide on colour choice.

decided to go to the store as i will need other things and like to see bits like that first hand.

i know about a spare tube, multi tool, little bag to put them in, shoes, helmet, gloves, pedals. Anything else i could do with to start off with? :)

jb
 
Vonhelmet said:
Shorts and jerseys for sure. Plenty more clothes beyond that, particularly when we get to winter. Lights, maybe? Toolkit for at home and a workstand wouldn't hurt, but they're not essential to begin with.

Oh, a track pump for sure if you've not already got one, and a mini pump to take out and about with you. No point taking a spare tube with you if you've not got one of those. Also some tyre levers if your multi tool doesn't have them. Hell, probably worth getting some even if it does as the ones on a multi tool aren't always great.
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lights, great.

already got a mini pump but not a spare tube? puncture repair kit instead?
 
:D:D:D:D

Went well today. So much so I am now the happy owner of the Giant.

Decided the red/black one looked better in the flesh.

Thanks for all the advice and links:)

Now it just needs to stop raining?

Jb
 
Pics will follow in a day or so.
Going to get some accessories Monday so will get them on first. Need a couple of handlebar mirrors and a lollipop stick for the back wheel......

As for changing the brakes........it's brand new. Can I at least ride it first:D
 
PermaBanned said:
On the off chance that you were being serious, handlebar mirrors are completely useless. Don't bother with them. At least helmet and glasses mirrors don't require you to move your head as much to see what you want and don't always vibrate so much that you won't be able to see anything anyway.

Reflectors should be fine for now, with days getting shorter you'll want lights and probably some sort of safety jacket/vest/sash if you're riding in the dark. I put some 3M reflective tape on my bike the other day but it's probably not necessary.
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Not being serious no. Just my sense of humour (or lack of) ;)

Jb
 
wondered if i could ask for a bit of help again.

was going to go to a local bike store but figured i would spend a lot more than t'internet prices.

not sure what products are good and what isn't really.

don't need top dollar stuff but don't want crap either.

looking for....

helmet
pedals is it worth starting straight onto cleats?
shoes see above
pump when out
spare tube(s)
padded undershorts(won't be wearing lycra for a while:eek:
multi tool
guess tyre levers are all the same?
saddle bag.

think thats it but may have missed something.

oh and a pic or two will be sorted soon enough.

thanks

jb
 
This measures rpm of the crank right?

Or putting it another way, how quick I'm peddling?

Would this be so important for a beginner?

Jb
 
Also did my first ride tonight

Set Strava going but it seems to have cut off after 4k

I did 15k in total which is fine for a start. Throat feels really tight, like i have a chesty cold.

Not sure on times but was around 40mins possibly.

Whilst it was working, Strava is telling me I did 4.3k in 10 mins which was all into the breeze though it felt like a bloody hurricane. It says I averaged 27-28km\h. Also the last 5k was into the same breeze though it did feel a fair bit slower.

Something I did notice is the bars seem really 'twitchy', like it's really easy to wobble them. Must be because my arms are bent and closer together.

Jb
 
Vonhelmet said:
Twitchy steering might just mean compared to other bikes. My wife's bike with swept back handlebars and a very upright head tube and minimal fork rake feels like turning a wheel barrow compared to my road bikes.
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This. Sorry fellas, should have made myself clearer. Everything is tight.

Frame size is Large. I'm 6' with 34" inside leg. M/L is where I come out on the chart but both me and the sales guy thought it should be slightly bigger.

Jb
 
https://imageshack.com/i/ipCyGyYLj

Firstly if I haven't added this pic correctly please delete Dons.

Added some of the bits I've bought for it.

Pedals have been changed to M342's. Like the idea of being able to hop on without cleated shoes.

For these i decided on MT34 SPD's. Whether MTB shoes are the ones for me I shall find out.

Got some other bits and bobs inc bib shorts. The missus thinks i look like a right berk in them. The witch even got a pic of me in just them.....:eek:

Spare tubes are continental quality T700*20 25 race 28 Presta 42mm. If someone could please confirm these are correct I would appreciate it.

Thanks for reading.

Jb
 
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