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Which beginner road bike to buy?!

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  • March 6, 2019 at 5:51 pm #29420
    dougmacdonald96

    Hi all,

    I’m not what you’d call a keen cyclist (yet) but I do cycle intermittently, but recently I have committed to doing a Paris – London (weekend) charity bike ride in memory of a close friend of mine who passed late last year due to cancer.

    I’ve started my training, but I need to buy a new road bike! As the hybrid that I currently own just won’t do the job for this ride.

    I am 6ft2, 22 years old and weigh around 90kgs – can anyone guide me what I should look for in a Road bike? I have about £350 to spend – I know this won’t get me a great bike but I understand for this price I can get a decent entry level for the time being. I understand the Decathlon bikes are good specs for the price?

    I’m happy to buy pre-owned off gumtree etc but I need advice on what to look for in a bike, as my knowledge is fairly limited.

    For example – I’ve seen differing info online about frame size – some say 54cm is fine for my height, others say I need at least 58-60cm, can anyone clarify?

    Any other advice/information about what to look for would be really appreciated, thank you all!

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  • March 6, 2019 at 8:44 pm #936945
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    huntswheelers

    sizing is key…. I get asked

    sizing is key…. I get asked all the time about it and often have to try and fit bikes to riders as they have brought one which their mate has told them is the correct size….

    It’s a conundrum as some like B’twin (decalthlon) size on the seat tube from the centre of the crank to the top of the seat tube….other brands size by the top tube from the centre of the seat tube to centre of the top tube….. I always say to folks, ignore the brand on the bottom tube and get a frame which fits……… I always look at the size the manufacturer suggests and also consider Inside leg mesurements….. as a guide…I’m 5ft 10 and have a 29.5″ inside leg….. my B’twin is a 54cm….. I have 2 Bianchi bikes too…. and Bianchi say I should be a 55cm in their frames but with my inside leg I have 53cm and they are perfect…. the 53 is 535mm on the top tube measurement…and 50cm on the seat post….   Worth doing your homework to get a bike which “fits” from the start and just needs the odd tweak like saddle height etc….

    March 6, 2019 at 8:28 pm #936943
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    Simon E

    Sizing varies because brands

    Sizing varies because brands use the seat tube and that can vary depending on the slope of the top tube (and other factors). Also, the distance from the seat to the handlebars matters, though that’s more easily adjusted by moving the saddle and swapping the stem (a 5 minute job). 54cm sounds a bit small for your height, even with a steeply angled top tube, I’d expect 56-58cm to be a better starting point.

    Decathlon is a very good place to start. If you’re lucky you might find a reduction on one of the better Carrera bikes at Halfords but spring is not a good time for deals and they’re not great value at full RRP. It may be worth stretching your budget a little to get something that won’t need parts upgrading.

    You may find something secondhand locally, I’d try ebay  and sort by Nearest First. Click this link to go to the bikes section. Filter for price and under Item location select 25 miles from your postcode.  A surprising number of people buy a bike, ride it a handful of times then sell it.

    If you use Facebook you could see if there is a local Buy & Sell group. Ask in local bike shops in case they have anything.

    You may want SPD pedals and shoes if you’re going down the clipless route, though this is not strictly necessary, while decent padded shorts are a must. Again, start with Decathlon and Road.cc’s buyer’s guide:

    https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/213693-11-best-cheap-cycling-shorts-will-keep-you-comfortable-bike-without

    I’d nominate Lusso waist shorts as excellent value.

    Here is a general bike buying guide:

    https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/207806-beginners-guide-how-choose-and-buy-your-next-bike

    and a 2018 guide to bikes under £500:

    https://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/217632-10-best-2018-road-bike-bargains-under-ps500

    In the meantime riding your hybrid will be good training; a heavier bike with sluggish tyres will not do your fitness any harm, quite the opposite.

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