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new bike

by spk
Sat, Jun 29, 2013 20:05
9

Hi there
just started recently taking the bike out for a run 2 or 3 nights a week and have caught the bug. My current bike is a least 20 years old, so wouldn't mind changing to a new bike. From looking at a few websites and shops the prices differ greatly. Seen one in decathlon for £300. All i want is to get out of the house and get fit. Don't want to buy a cheap bike and then regret it later. Need some advice please.

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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9 comments

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ilovemytinbred | 11 years ago
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If you have friends who are cyclists that can advise you on the size/fit/good deals, then I would go 2nd hand. It is amazing how much good stuff there is out there.
If you are 'on your own' then buy from a shop.
I do agree that the sweet spot for value is higher than £300, but you can get something for that money that will do the trick. Even the Halfords Tdf bike is ok if you find a store with decent staff who can put you on the right size/adjust it. I don't think it is a bad idea to go cheap to start with. I found it was only after riding for a while that I really knew what I wanted both in terms of fit and style of bike.

I sold my car when I got a bike, which meant I could get a nice one. Best decision I ever made, I guess not practical for most people though.

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700c | 11 years ago
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Re number of gears - you're unlikely to get much choice at this budget, and if you're looking at only spending 300 then it seems Btwin is the way forward..

If you can choose, however, a double (2 rings at the front) is better than a triple (3 rings) - weighs less, changes gear more smoothly, and you won't use the smallest ring anyway

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lc1981 | 11 years ago
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The actual number of gears per se makes little difference - it's the ratios available that you should focus on (that said a triple chainset will give you more ratios). This is quite good at explaining it all: http://philsroadbikingblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/beginners-guide-to-roa....

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arfa | 11 years ago
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Depends on whether you plan on going up lots of hills or not. To be honest with you, most set ups are fine for typical uk riding and 3 big rings are only really necessary for big hills (all in my opinion anyway). What's more important is the quality of the gears as slippy gears are a right pain, especially if you are going uphill!

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arfa | 11 years ago
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I don't know much about btwin but there are some reviews here

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/bikes/129441/2/bike-test-do-you-get-...

if it were me and I was getting hooked on the sport I'd try and find a little extra. If that is not an option then the btwin looks like it'll do what you want.
Good luck and happy riding !

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spk replied to arfa | 11 years ago
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Thanks for the advice guys, need to look at the finances again. I see the amount of gears from bike to bike differ, for a hobby cyclist like myself what would you recommend, or does it not really matter.

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dave atkinson | 11 years ago
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the B'twin Triban 3 is undoubtedly the best new road bike you can get for £300. worth looking at secondhand too; you can get a pretty decent spec bike for £300 if you shop around.

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700c | 11 years ago
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+1 on what arfa said,

You do need to spend a bit more, if indeed you do have the bug

After all, you've had the same bike for 20 years, it's worth waiting a bit longer and saving up for something with a bit of quality. £300 just won't cut it, I'm afraid.

I'd suggest a budget of around £700 for a first decent road bike, or a bit less if you want to go second hand..

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arfa | 11 years ago
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If the bug is catching then you might want to think about seeing if the budget can be stretched a little further. What you are really paying for is better quality components and it really will enhance your enjoyment if your gears are not slipping/you're more comfortable etc. Evans and others do monthly payment schemes if that helps ?
Wiggle have some good sale bikes available at around the 500 pound level eg http://www.wiggle.co.uk/battaglin-s11-sora-2013/

Also if you have a bike to work scheme that can be a way of accessing good value ?
Good luck !

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