[TobyD]

opinions on £4-500 road bikes; Btwins fom Decathlon? Specialized Allez 16 (Edinburgh Cycle coop)? One of the Boardman bikes from Halfords?

what are the main things i should look for?  - weight seems to vary quite a bit - as do the groupsets - and are features like carbon fork legs a significant thing, or just fluff really?

All education gratefully recieved!     

[gingerninja]

would it not be better to get a second hand bike? you would get much more for your money.

[Palomides]

If you go second hand then go over the frame with a magnifying glass.

If there are any cracks then you are stuffed as manufacturers only warranty their frames to the original owner.

That was the voice of bitter experience.

[TobyD]

would it not be better to get a second hand bike? you would get much more for your money.

aye possibly, but i know squat about quality, sizing set up for road bikes, which is where new from shop has the edge, but i agree....

[gingerninja]

i know what you mean, im looking to get one but wasnt sure about sizing. im going to find a bike i think looks ok then pop down to the loacl shop and see if size would be ok.
i missed a spech allez for £165 on the bay as wasnt sure on sizing.