what bike?

BTW, i have just noticed the 'Under $700 Roadbike Thread'. I would love any of the bikes shown there but would I get them for that price in the UK? If not, how much would shipping cost?
cheers again
paul

thanks for your help!

I had high hopes for some advice here!

pmat said:

I had high hopes for some advice here!

I'm no expert, but I'm about to buy my first road bike, a Trek 1000 for £499 from a LBS. It came recommended, along with the Specialized Allez in last month's review of budget bikes in cyclingplus magazine. If that is out of your price range, they gave a big thumbs up for the money to the Decathlon 7.2 at £270 which would be well in the budget you specified. Only problem is that not everyone lives close to a Decathlon store as there aren't that many nationwide. I had a long look at one and they seem pretty good. Hope that helps 🙂

cacbyname said:

I'm no expert, but I'm about to buy my first road bike, a Trek 1000 for £499 from a LBS. It came recommended, along with the Specialized Allez in last month's review of budget bikes in cyclingplus magazine. If that is out of your price range, they gave a big thumbs up for the money to the Decathlon 7.2 at £270 which would be well in the budget you specified. Only problem is that not everyone lives close to a Decathlon store as there aren't that many nationwide. I had a long look at one and they seem pretty good. Hope that helps 🙂

Thanks for the reply cac, I didn't think anyone would respond!

Actually I have been looking at second hand Trek 1000s and Specialized Allez'. I've seen a month old Allez for £350 delivered which seems a decent buy.
I've heard a lot about the Decathlons....don't they deliver?
cheers
Paul

Ever consider a recumbent. They are the ultimate in comfort speed and carrying capacity.

wazabike said:

Ever consider a recumbent. They are the ultimate in comfort speed and carrying capacity.

I think the price would be too much for me. Of what i've seen of recumbents i'd need to remortgage the house!

pmat said:

Thanks for the reply cac, I didn't think anyone would respond!

Actually I have been looking at second hand Trek 1000s and Specialized Allez'. I've seen a month old Allez for £350 delivered which seems a decent buy.
I've heard a lot about the Decathlons....don't they deliver?
cheers
Paul

Where did you find an Allez at that price? Sounds lke a bargain.

I didn't think Decathlon delivered buy I may be wrong - there's one only 5 miles away from so I've never had to.

How about Giant OCRs? They are cheap and can be a good touring/commuting bike.

cacbyname said:

Where did you find an Allez at that price? Sounds lke a bargain.

I didn't think Decathlon delivered buy I may be wrong - there's one only 5 miles away from so I've never had to.

you'll find the Allez here: Specialized Allez XL
the bike comes with racing blades for £350 delivered (or without blades for £330). You'd better be quick tho'.

Paul

tanggoman said:

How about Giant OCRs? They are cheap and can be a good touring/commuting bike.

I'm going to go to my local bikeshop today and try the following 3 bikes:

[font=Verdana][font=Verdana]Schwinn 04, Fastback £400
Giant OCR 05 £400
[/font][/font][font=Verdana][font=Verdana]Scott Roadster S2 04 £440

Whichever I like, i'm gonna just buy it, otherwise i'll be going round in circles for weeks,
Thanks for your help
Paul
[/font][/font]

pmat said:

you'll find the Allez here: Specialized Allez XL
the bike comes with racing blades for £350 delivered (or without blades for £330). You'd better be quick tho'.

Paul

Found the link myself - we're clearly looking in the same places 🙂
Didn't go for it as it is a 58cm and I'm told I'd be better off with a 60 but of course the next biggest Allez is 62cm. So instead just ordered a new Trek 1000 😄

Good luck with your purchase.

cacbyname said:

Found the link myself - we're clearly looking in the same places 🙂
Didn't go for it as it is a 58cm and I'm told I'd be better off with a 60 but of course the next biggest Allez is 62cm. So instead just ordered a new Trek 1000 😄

Good luck with your purchase.

thanks cac,
i really wish i could have a cog on it first just to see if it fits ok. maybe i should just go for it! I have read that someone of my height (5'11''😉 should be looking at a 57cm frame, so it ain't that far off. For the first time in my adult life I can honestly say that I don't care if it's 1cm too big!
cheers
Paul

pmat said:

thanks cac,
i really wish i could have a cog on it first just to see if it fits ok. maybe i should just go for it! I have read that someone of my height (5'11''😉 should be looking at a 57cm frame, so it ain't that far off. For the first time in my adult life I can honestly say that I don't care if it's 1cm too big!
cheers
Paul

Pmat, there's usually a chorus of guys around to caution against jumping at a particular frame size without a fitting, particularly if the buyer is a relative newcomer--and it's usually good advice. It's a tired mantra, but fit, fit, fit is everything, and a cm or two too big or too small can really have an effect on your enjoyment in the long run.

Be advised, for instance, that there are few worthwhile rules when it comes to fit; tips like "a 5'11" male should ride a 57cm frame" are bunk. Why? Road bike fitting is pretty precise, and neither frame size nor the rider's height contains enough information to satsify the demands. There are body proportion questions (torso/inseam), as well as questions about how the manufacturer measures and sizes their output.

At the very least, no matter where or how you make your final purchase, try to find a similar model from the same manufacturer and have a seat on it. Find a friendly shop, and play around with sizing. Take as few risks as you can when it comes to fit.

Best of luck!

lokstah said:

Pmat, there's usually a chorus of guys around to caution against jumping at a particular frame size without a fitting, particularly if the buyer is a relative newcomer--and it's usually good advice. It's a tired mantra, but fit, fit, fit is everything, and a cm or two too big or too small can really have an effect on your enjoyment in the long run.

Be advised, for instance, that there are few worthwhile rules when it comes to fit; tips like "a 5'11" male should ride a 57cm frame" are bunk. Why? Road bike fitting is pretty precise, and neither frame size nor the rider's height contains enough information to satsify the demands. There are body proportion questions (torso/inseam), as well as questions about how the manufacturer measures and sizes their output.

At the very least, no matter where or how you make your final purchase, try to find a similar model from the same manufacturer and have a seat on it. Find a friendly shop, and play around with sizing. Take as few risks as you can when it comes to fit.

Best of luck!

Thanks for the advice.