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First road bike advice.

by bigben
Sat, Oct 11, 2014 19:59
10

Hi all,

Recently I have been going out with friends cycling fairly often but they all have racing/ road bikes. I struggle to keep up when it comes to hills on my hybrid at the moment so I'm looking for a new bike. I'm looking to spend >£600 but £500 would be ideal. What sort of thing should I be looking for with that kind of money, or is there a bike people can recommend?

Cheers, ben.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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10 comments

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allgearnoidea | 10 years ago
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i got a defy5 from the LBS earlier this year as my first entry road bike - I'm already outgrowing it in terms of what I need from it - I had a budget of around £400 and got mine under that as it was an ex-display model. I didn't want to splash the cash at the time in-case I didn't take to road cycling, but I got the bug and looking back I wish I had opted for something with a better groupset, carbon fork etc as it would have lasted me a little bit longer as I'm now looking to upgrade (will keep the giant as a winter bike).

I don't think you can go far wrong with the Defy range to be honest - I wish I had stretched a little further and got one with at least a shimano105 set 10/11 speed.

I struggle on the hills but think it's lack of fitness and experience in climbing which is my downfall. I could be on a team sky pinnarello and i'd still be towards the back of the pack!

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cavalrystu | 10 years ago
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I can strongly recommend the Giant Defy, having got a Defy 1 for just £699... And they still have them in stock.

With 105 Group set... Its a good price!!

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gr3g0ree | 10 years ago
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Sounds like anything that is similar to the Defy range will suit you. Just ride another similar type of bike too, even if you like the Defy straight away. That way you will know if the Defy is perfect or if something else feels more natural.
Let us know what you get.

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bigben | 10 years ago
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It was the 2014 he was willing to do a deal on. I'm going to have a crack with one of those I think. I don't need anything majorly fancy, just a bike that will be reliable and fun and should I get really into it I can invest in something a bit better In time. Thanks to everybody who's commented with advice.

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Simon E | 10 years ago
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Did they say if the Defy 4 was a 2014 (white / blue) or 2015?

2015 models are already in stock so stores may sell the 2014 model Defy 4 for less. Ask the shop what they can do, make them work for the sale 3

You won't find a better bike for the money.

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bigben | 10 years ago
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http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/83-ds-2014-hybrid-bike-ec054491...

The only reason I'm adding another bike is because I can't keep up with my friends on proper road bikes, I like the bike a lot. I'll keep it for riding with my girlfriend and for national cycle network tracks etc. I believe that this my current bike. It was given to me by my grandad so I don't know masses about it. I looked at the giant defy 4 today at a shop which does finance but I don't really want to take that option. I quite liked the bike which had carbon forks and seemed a nice ride compared to others. Was £575 but they were willing to do a deal on one colour variant.

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gr3g0ree | 10 years ago
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What do you ride atm? Size 58 and what weight, what groupset? What do you like about it? What not, apart from slow climbing?

Might be worth saving up more for another month or2 and get something that will really fit even if its just outside of your budget. (do ask for finance options, and specifically for a 0% wherever you buy, one even if it is not advertised)

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bigben | 10 years ago
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Thanks, I think I'd need a bigger size for the genesis, I'm 6'2". I think my current bike is 58cm which was given to me. Seems about the right size but I don't know. I think I'll visit a shop to find out what size would be best.

With buying online will the bike be mostly assembled?

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goldeneye243 | 10 years ago
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This looks like a reasonable deal if it is available in your size

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/67607/Genesis_Volant_20_2014_Bike

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Simon E | 10 years ago
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http://road.cc/content/forum/132933-commuting-road-bike

Also:
http://road.cc/content/news/72001-best-entry-level-road-bikes-under-£500
http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/116764-10-best-£500-£750-road-bikes
http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/71216-2014s-hottest-£500-£900-road-bikes

What's most important is that 1) it fits you properly and 2) you really like it.

Visit some dealers, see what brands they stock. I'd look to buy from the one who treats all their customers properly.

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