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New to Road cycling…

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  • March 22, 2014 at 2:35 pm #21003
    HamishB

    Hi All,

    Just signed up to the forum as looking for bit more info, guidance and help on road cycling.

    I’ve never owned a road bike, up until now its been mountain bike, but still not a huge amount of experience on that either.

    I’m looking to start road cycling, mainly for fitness, but dont know much about it.

    Ideally looking at a decent but not hugely expensive bike which would suit a beginner and also suit me as I begin to improve get used to it.

    I’ve got a Giant Trance mountain bike, which has been really good so was looking at the Giant road bikes, but someone also suggested Merida. My friends just got into road cycling and he got a good deal on a second hand specialized tarmac.

    Does anyone have any tips, thoughts or opinions as to what I should be looking for and also anything to watch out or consider?

    I’m 5ft8, so not even sure what size of bike I’d be looking at.

    Other than the obvious helmet and padded shorts is there much else I’d need to factor in on starting out costs?

    Thanks in advance,

    Hamish

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  • March 22, 2014 at 3:28 pm #782233
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    Gkam84

    Hello and welcome.
    At 5ft8
    Hello and welcome.

    At 5ft8 you’d be look at anything from 51cm right up to 55cm, depending on the brand. The best thing to do is go and try bikes at a shop, get the fit right.

    Are you using clipless shoes and pedals for mountain biking or just flat pedals?

    If you are using flat, that is ok on the road for a while, but you might want to look at going clipless, it is much more efficient.

    The three brands you name, Giant, Specialized and Merida all make good bikes. Giant do make particularly good starter bikes because the have decent specification at a good price.

    Helmet, you can still wear your MTB helmet, unless its a full face job. Padded shorts or bibs are always a good idea, need some sort of padding down there.

    March 22, 2014 at 3:26 pm #782231
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    arfa

    Welcome and prepare to
    Welcome and prepare to lighten the load in your wallet.
    For what it’s worth, giant make fine road bikes but I don’t know much about merida.
    The key factors are fit and geometry – I would not advise buying a first road bike over the internet and I would get yourself down to your local bike shop (LBS) and ask their advice. If it is a Halfords look a little harder – nothing wrong with Boardman bikes (also fine bikes) but you are very unlikely to find enough experience on the shop floor….
    So before you go there, have a think about what kind of riding you will want to do e.g. punchy sprinting or long rides touring the back and beyond. This is where geometry matters as out and out racers will have you flatter on the bike, whereas long distance routers will be a little more upright and comfortable. E.g.
    your mate who bought the tarmac has got a punchy racing frame whereas I ride a Roubaix which is more relaxed etc.
    You don’t give a budget which is key in determining what is realistic.
    In my opinion, if you want a carbon frame, you probably need to spend £1,500 to get a decent groupset on it – no point putting a skoda engine on a Ferrari chassis. I am a fan of carbon frames as I think they are lighter and absorb a lot of the vibration from our oh so wonderful roads. However, have a prang on one and you probably have to write off the frame , whereas the same is not necessarily true of aluminium.
    I also ride aluminium, a felt f series as my winter/commuter bike and can recommend them too.
    So in terms of groupset, I wouldn’t buy a bike with a lesser groupset then tiagra on it and you will them pay more for 105 (highly recommended as value for money), ultegra then Dura ace (if you have money to burn). I’m afraid I can’t offer much up on FSA & campagnola groupsets.
    So what to do ? if you have a local giant dealer, have a look there and see if you can test ride bikes. I think Evans do this for some models and I know specialized stores do this as well.
    What others to look at. Well if you are considering aluminium then cannondale make some very light quality frames so give them a butchers.
    Also I’d consider trek, canyon (but I think they’re mostly online sales) specialized, felt, focus as well as other brands mentioned before.
    One factor to think about is after sales. You will undoubtedly need some skilled work done on your bike as miles rack up and parts need replacing. I’d make sure that you can get this done locally as a priority or else it can be a right pain.
    I learnt this the hard way last year, even after buying my Roubaix from a large retailer, after I had a prang, I took it back to them and they failed to get a new frame in 6 weeks. I then went to a specialized store and I was back on the road two days later as they had stock to replace the frame.
    As for kit, I am a believer in wear what you like. However, if you’re a fan of baggy mtb style clothing you will find yourself slowed down by it….
    You will also find that wearing team kit (especially sky) divides opinions somewhat….
    If you need kit, have a look here http://www.cycle-clothes.co.uk
    I would recommend the tenn bib shorts as you will make friends in a new cycling club more readily if everyone doesn’t have to stare at a brickie’s crack when you are taking your turn at the front 😉
    I would also recommend a pair of fingerless gloves (help absorb vibration/protect hands if you come off) and a gilet and packable rain coat.
    Anyway, that’s enough for starters from me, good luck and I am sure others will be along to share their thoughts.

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