road racer

steve said:

hello everyone

I am looking to purchase a road racing bike for general fitness and
recreation, i have 400 quid to spend, up to now i have seen the giant
ocr models 2 and 3. wondered if anyone could come up with something of
suitable quality or reliability for this price even though i realise
that this is the lower end of the price range this is all that funds
will allow myself at the mo. would appreciate any comments or advice
thanks!

Giant tends to be good value, especially at this low end of the quality
market price point.
The key thing is to buy one that fits. Beyond that, all else is
upgradeable.

...d

steve said:

hello everyone

I am looking to purchase a road racing bike for general fitness and
recreation, i have 400 quid to spend, up to now i have seen the giant
ocr models 2 and 3. wondered if anyone could come up with something of
suitable quality or reliability for this price even though i realise
that this is the lower end of the price range this is all that funds
will allow myself at the mo. would appreciate any comments or advice
thanks!

I've had a Giant OCR2 for nearly 3 years now - they've changed the spec
and frame design since then, but it has been a good reliable race bike
that I've used for commuting, training, charity rides (including the
Norwich 100 miler last year) and triathlon (including the Vitruvian middle
distance (twice) and IronMan UK (once)). I'll be racing triathlons on it
again this year (first one is Eton tomorrow !)

I quickly replaced the tyres that came with it as I got two punctures
in the first 200 miles (I went for Conti UltraGator skins, I know get
a puncture about every 2000 miles), the chain (twice - just wear and tear),
and I bought some race wheels (something lighter and more aero for
triathlon - American Classic CR420) although I still commute and train
on the original wheels (bearings needed regreased after ~4000miles).
It doesn't see much use over the winter as then I switch to my trusty
old Marin Larkspur hybrid for commuting.

My wife has a Specialized Allez and that is also a good bike, she's only
had it a year and while it hasn't seen as much use as mine, it so far has
been solid and reliable.

I'm surethe vast majority of the bikes aroiund that proce range will
be suitable, just make sure it fits you !

Douglas

steve said:

hello everyone

I am looking to purchase a road racing bike for general fitness and
recreation, i have 400 quid to spend, up to now i have seen the giant
ocr models 2 and 3. wondered if anyone could come up with something of
suitable quality or reliability for this price even though i realise
that this is the lower end of the price range this is all that funds
will allow myself at the mo. would appreciate any comments or advice
thanks!

Does it have to be a new bike? Consider the 2nd hand market, too, where
£400 could get you a really good bike for the money (or alternatively,
going for S/H could land you a nice entry-level machine for rather less
than 400 quid).

David Belcher