Spec me a beginner setup please.

RoboCod

RoboCod

RoboCod

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Right, I can't see a dedicated thread so excuse me making a new one but can someone essentially spec me a starter kit? Bike, clothes, gear, etc. Not sure on a reasonable budget for a beginner, but I simply want to move away from running and start cycling.

Around my area there are a lot of cycle paths but then there are also many tracks. Are cyclo-cross bikes better than hybrids? (I used to have a hybrid, wasn't too good).
 
Mainly tarmac paths and disused railway paths, most of which are in good order. Some of the tracks are composed of just compacted earth though so it would be nice if I could negotiate them but not a priority. There are plenty of country lanes to fly down and the main roads into town all have dedicated cycle lanes.
 
Thank you for the great replies. I'm 6'3 and my inside leg is 34". I suspected that going off the size guides alone would be foolish so as per your advice, I'll exercise restraint on just ordering a bike and will get myself down to a shop to try a few out first.
 
Ah, good advice thank you! I'll look up those bikes and see if they fit the bill.

I'm going to need some prescription cycling Sunglasses. Google throws up many options! Anybody with any experience?

E: I don't think a fat bike is what I'm looking for :)
 
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I've just come from the bike shop. The guy in there was pushing me towards the ridley aluminium frames. With 105 and hydraulic brakes it was £1350 though.

I was tempted, but it's a lot of money to drop on a first bike!
 
UTmaniac said:
What happened to the £1000 budget? ;)
Click to expand...

Soon coming to the realisation that I might not get what I want in that budget lol :p

NoNameNoNumber said:
My Specialized Allez has been a very good introduction into the road cycling/tri world... Bought in 2013 I think, now has 105 groupset with Ultegra brakes, front mech and wheels, conti GP4000s tyres and carbon seatpost... I'm thinking of selling it now that I'm looking at buying a tri specific setup ;)

Shimano SPD-SL shoes have been fine, nothing fancy there. the only thing I would suggest buying decent branded stuff is bib shorts... Cheap jerseys are fine.
Click to expand...

Pm me pics if you like. What's the frame size?
 
I've chatted at length with a work mate who is well into his Road and cyclo-cross and he thinks for the budget if considering this bike is excellent value. His point was the gearset is a compromise to Ultegra and that some people don't like how positive the gear changes are on the SRAM (but he likes that personally). However, the bike offers carbon frame, hydraulic brakes and decent wheels.


Thoughts?
 
I went for the boardman cx from Halfords. Opted out of them building it though and have dropped it off at a bike shop down the road. I'd rather pay a little extra and have them look at it for me.
 
I bought the shimano Pedals I linked above in the end.

Understood on the warranty but I believe I'm covered in either respect (with boardman at least). I even discussed the point with halfords. They also said that despite me building it myself, I still get a free 6 week service with them. So if there are any issues arise, I'd raise it with them then. I think bottom line I concluded I'd rather take it away in a box to be built by someone I know for sure is competent, rather than run the risk of having to undo someone's incompetence.
 
First trip out today and impressions are generally good. It was comfortable and I managed some good speed. Nipping through a field was handy (Road closed) and the gear changes weren't as bad as I expected.

The gear shifter (long swipe jobby) took a little getting used to. I'm still not sold on the mechanics of it, but I'm sure I'll like it in time.

VqVo2Njb


I got matching Jersey, helmet and gloves too... How cute :p

I need some other bits of gear now; toolkit, saddle bag, bottle, etc. Thanks for your advice.
 
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