[Paul B]

Right Lycra Clad Lovelies  I was hoping someone might be able to point me in the direction of a good beginner road bike as more time spent away from climbing will probably lead to being less injured (and oddly probably more actual climbing). I know with my limited experience of buying bikes it is far too easy to spend a shed load of cash that isn't really necessary, hopefully this thread might stop me doing this.

(Sorry Fatdoc)

[Jaspersharpe]

I'd recommend.....





or perhaps....

[Oli]

Sod that Jasper, I reckon Paul ought to scrap the bike idea and get one of these badboys for transport round Shef:

[Palomides]

I think that's an italian-made suit of armour?

Some people prefer this stuff:


Seriously, as a fairly recent (but occasional) convert to the ways of lycra I would recommend something with an alloy frame, carbon front forks and a triple chainring. A double chainring will make getting up Sheffield hills no fun, and compacts are fine for people who have strong legs - a triple chainring will give you a couple of extra gears to play with and by the time it's worn out you'll be strong enough to move to a compact.

For the choice between Shimano/Campagnolo/SRAM, then there's a lot of pish talked. They are all good, so I suggest having a look at the levers, and see what you like the feel of in your hands. Shimano tend to be fatter, campag are slimmer with a thumb lever and SRAM seem to be between the two.

For geometry, there's sloping and the more tradition shape. Don't get hung up on what's best/better, just go for something you like the look of. The same goes for colour - if you have a bike you look at and think "hey, that looks great" you'll be more likely to get out and use it.

If you've got mountain bike shoes/clipless pedals then use then to start with - pedals are fortunately about the easiest thing to upgrade on a road bike.

I've no idea about where you'd go for a good new or second hand bike, but I'm sure someone will be able to give you some local help.

[Paul B]

I'd recommend.....





or perhaps....

Ha, Strangely I have everything bar the suit of armour. Bought the helmet after following a nasty red streak through the snow in Val D'isere. It stopped at an unfortunate ladies head.

Maybe I should purchase a Dainese Airbag? (She won't let me buy the bike I want that would match that!)`

[Paul B]

Sod that Jasper, I reckon Paul ought to scrap the bike idea and get one of these badboys for transport round Shef:

I was also bought a roll down a hill in one of those for Christmas. I shit you not.

[BB]

Back on topic...what's your budget Paul?

[Duma]

these are good bikes, and the 105 is reliable gear, but you pay a bit more now the £/E rate has plummeted.
I'd have got this, but it seems to have dissappeared off the Planet x site at the mo, might be worth checking with them if there's any plans to do another complete bike based on this frame in the near future.

EDIT: though perhaps it's not very likely given that Brant has left the company and the frame is no longer available either!

[Paul B]

Back on topic...what's your budget Paul?

I don't really know as I don't really know how much would be a reasonable amount. Duma's suggestions look a little pricey for me though!

[Yossarian]

i'm trying to sort out one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Wilier_La_Triestina-Lampre_Road_Bike/5360040042/ for my sister at the moment.

i think last year's version was called the lavaredo.

the mortirolo is also ace, if a little more expensive...

[Duma]

Paul, you might struggle to get much for less than 600 notes.
This looks a good deal, with 105 for under £640, but they've only got small available - how tall are you?

[Paul B]

Paul, you might struggle to get much for less than 600 notes.
This looks a good deal, with 105 for under £640, but they've only got small available - how tall are you?

600 ish notes is fine (gulp) but the first one you posted was nearly a grand 

I'm 5ft 6 ish. 52cm frame?

A guy in my office pointed out this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f95-team-issue-2009-road-bike-ec017090
which I've found elsewhere for £619, comments?

[fatkid2000]

Have a look at this little lot.

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957

Or if you can stretch a bit further the Wilier above is a nice machine (but I ride a Wilier) so am biased. - If you go for Wilier and live near Sheffield think about going to Stanley Fearne's at Matlock - will worth the trip to a good old fashioned bike shop with sound advice and mechanics.

http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html

Or if you can stretch a bit further a Cannondale - which you can buy from La Bicletta.

http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html

 

[Paul B]

thanks for that, the buyers guide has two bikes I've already been pointed at in it!

[SteveM]

I love my Trek 1.2. Got it for less than £500 in Sheffield last year.

[webbo]

it might be worth looking at evans cycles.is there one in the sheffield area.they've got a sale on of last years models.they were doing a bianchi with front and rear carbon forks with mainly ultegra for £700 reduced from a grand.

[Paul B]

Seems that Leeds is the closest (22.9 mi)

[fatdoc]

Have a look at this little lot.

http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/news/article/mps/uan/3957

Or if you can stretch a bit further the Wilier above is a nice machine (but I ride a Wilier) so am biased. - If you go for Wilier and live near Sheffield think about going to Stanley Fearne's at Matlock - will worth the trip to a good old fashioned bike shop with sound advice and mechanics.

http://www.stanleyfearns.co.uk/road.html

Fatkid speaks, I second.

Wilier, break your budget.

You'll never need to upgrade unless you stop climbing and hit the race circuit.


Stanley Fearn's is the best shop in the world.

Btw, they do £600 Bianchi bikes

If you buy from James I'll kill you, slowly


Or if you can stretch a bit further a Cannondale - which you can buy from La Bicletta.

http://www.labicicleta.co.uk/cannondale-caad-9-tiagra-i232.html

 

[hairich]

hey paul.hope you and nat are good.i have a bianchi .alu frame carbon forks with campag rings.cost 500 notes from james cycles.you should be able to get it ont btw scheme.which means you can pay monthly int free.quite happily do 60 mile in a day in total comfort.plus it has great italian styling.

have a good trip trip to albarracin

[SA Chris]

Need to do some shopping here too http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/cycle/7/Locks/

[soapy]

best bang for the buck, in your size too

[Paul B]

a little too much buck I'm afraid...

[cowboyhat]

Get on ebay.

Decide what sort of thing you want, what size, buget etc first and then get watching. There are some great bargins to be had especially in more unusual sizes - 52 for example.

My flatmate just bought a 52cm Bianchi 1885 hydro carbon with Record/chorus mix, mavic kysium wheels, loads of bling like a record seatpost etc for £650. It is mint. the bloke who sold it was gutted.

I have had good bike experiences on ebay myself.

[Dolly]

I've got a :-

Dolan Prefissio frame, ITM carbon/ alu bars
Ritchey adjustable stem
Carbon forks and seat post
Campag xenon 9 speed
Hand built wheels on Italian rims
Look pedals
If you want it for commuting then its got full 'guards on as well

for sale

All black - looks great. 30 months old. 
I'll post up some pics later if I get chance. You're welcome to take it for a test ride if you want.
I reckon its worth about £350, but I guess one of the good things about posting on here is that I'll get plenty of opinions as to the reasonableness of the price.

[BB]

To be perfectly honest, all the big names do a bike in the £400-£600 price bracket and the only thing that's significatly different is the frame. So pick a colour you like!

Base your choice on the quality of the frame and not the componentry as you can always upgrade that. I'd also recommend buying a last seasons model if buying new. There are some awesome deals on ebay though.

My own perference would be to steer clear of the mainstream brands and root through ebay to get something a bit more individual...colnago, principia, condor, tifosi, de rosa, cinelli, orbea perhaps.

I've got wood now.

Alternatively, how about somwhere like Ribble where you can build your own bike.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/BikeBuilder.asp