Road Bike Suggestions £500 ish

[rojones]

I've been getting in to cycling recently. I have a cheap Halfords Hybrid bike and now I'm looking to get a road bike. One of my concerns is that while I'm building up my fitness I'm still useless on hills. So from what i have read a 3 crank would perhaps be preferable.

Basically after some suggestions and advice. doesn't have to be bang on £500 can be a bit more for the right one.

 

[rojones]

nice but only in XS size

Yeh should have said sorry. I'm about 6ft3 and 33 Inside leg. One thing i keep reading everywhere (and excuse my terminology) is Sportive being a more relaxed ride? Now perhaps at my price point there is no such thing to consider, but being tall and a bit stiff it was something i was wondering about?

 

[rojones]

Triban 520 from Decathlon. Sora groupset with the exception of the brakes (which are just Shimano long drop calipers) and the cassette (Sunrace, which is fine, it's a consumable anyway), triple chainset, mudguard mounts, £450. Bargain.

Cheers looks very nice. My only concern with getting brands that i cant buy in a brick and mortar outlet is that I'm a complete noob with anything mechanical (i know i will need to learn as i go along). So how much knowledge and complexity is involved in mail order bikes being setup?

 

[rojones]

Not masses. Put the handlebars straight and that should be about it. If you need more doing, take it to a local bike shop and pay them to set it up for you - whatever that costs will almost certainly still leave you ahead of paying in store.

Although if there are any big name chains near you (Evans?) that you'd rather use then maybe we can have a look there.

The closest chain to me is a Tredz store. Thanks for the info about mail order. Like you say doesn't seem to be an issue then really.

 

[rojones]

Thanks for all the advice. Ended up getting a Giant Defy 3 for £519 seemed like a good deal from looking and reading around. Should have it by Thursday.