Recommend me my first road bike.

[dan_87]

I've been MTB'ing for years and quite fancy buying my first road bike- the urge to wear lycra is surprisingly high!

Current steeds include a Santa Cruz Nomad (for the fun stuff) and a Cannondale F2 (for xc).

I plan on using it to train throughout the winter. I have never riden a road bike, but drawn to the idea of covering more miles.

Budget is around 1-1.5k, and I'm keen for a used bike. I am currently toying with a Focus Izalco Carbon Disk. Is a semi aero bike suitable to a 'beginner'?

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[itlab]

if its winter training you are wanting to use it for id suggest looking for something with eyelets for full length mudguards. which that focus doesn't appear to have.

winter training on the road without guards is miserable (and pretty antisocial if your in a close group).

[Daveyraveygravey]

I have a Giant Propel, which is an aero bike and can't fit mudguards, so it isn't great as a winter bike. The muck gets everywhere and unless you spend hours cleaning it after every ride at this time of year, it costs more in maintenance. I also think it is partly responsible for the number of crashes I have had; it's a great bike and I love riding it 4 years on into ownership, but if the conditions aren't great/I'm having an off day/something goes wrong (or all three) it won't help out. Possibly like an old 911 in that respect...
I'd suggest an endurance or winter bike from one of the bigger name brands, such as Specialised/Giant/Trek, and one that can take mudguards. If you end up not liking it, then you will find it easier to sell than something less well known, and you'll take less of a hit too.
Lots of people are using cx/gravel/adventure bikes for winter riding now too. Trouble is these are fashionable so more in demand so more expensive.
If you go the Ebay/Gumtree route, meet the seller at his/her place, and insist on riding it. I've bought several secondhand bikes, and have been very pleased with them, but there are obvious pitfalls with this cheap route.

[bakerstreet]

I would not recommend a used bike. So much faff surrounding finding one and then servicing afterwards as well as replacing what ever is knackered. Also, there is a risk it could be stolen...

I would look at something from Giant (Giant TCR Disc). You shoudl eb able to get guards on that

Also, have a look at Ribble and Planet X. The Pro Carbon Disc does nothing for me, but will be in budget for you at least.

Your budget is decent, but don't forget to allow some money for shoes, pedals, computer etc etc. That can be a couple of hundred quid at least.

[dan_87]

itlab said:

if its winter training you are wanting to use it for id suggest looking for something with eyelets for full length mudguards. which that focus doesn't appear to have.

winter training on the road without guards is miserable (and pretty antisocial if your in a close group).

Fair point. Whilst i appreciate they serve their purpose, I'll probably get a set of clip on Raceblades.

Daveyraveygravey said:

I have a Giant Propel, which is an aero bike and can't fit mudguards, so it isn't great as a winter bike. The muck gets everywhere and unless you spend hours cleaning it after every ride at this time of year, it costs more in maintenance. I also think it is partly responsible for the number of crashes I have had; it's a great bike and I love riding it 4 years on into ownership, but if the conditions aren't great/I'm having an off day/something goes wrong (or all three) it won't help out. Possibly like an old 911 in that respect...
I'd suggest an endurance or winter bike from one of the bigger name brands, such as Specialised/Giant/Trek, and one that can take mudguards. If you end up not liking it, then you will find it easier to sell than something less well known, and you'll take less of a hit too.
Lots of people are using cx/gravel/adventure bikes for winter riding now too. Trouble is these are fashionable so more in demand so more expensive.
If you go the Ebay/Gumtree route, meet the seller at his/her place, and insist on riding it. I've bought several secondhand bikes, and have been very pleased with them, but there are obvious pitfalls with this cheap route.

I'll grab a set of mudguards for sure. I dabbled with the gravel bike, but cant get over the marketing hype. Rather sit on the fence, I'm comitted to a road bike. I can however see their use!

The bike in question is beling sold as new/ex demo from a 'bike fitting company'. Therefor hopeful their trust.

bakerstreet said:

I would not recommend a used bike. So much faff surrounding finding one and then servicing afterwards as well as replacing what ever is knackered. Also, there is a risk it could be stolen...

I would look at something from Giant (Giant TCR Disc). You shoudl eb able to get guards on that

Also, have a look at Ribble and Planet X. The Pro Carbon Disc does nothing for me, but will be in budget for you at least.

Your budget is decent, but don't forget to allow some money for shoes, pedals, computer etc etc. That can be a couple of hundred quid at least.

Thanks for the recommendation. Ill have a look at the Ribbles. Got all the kit, just waiting for the bike...

[anonymous-user]

I’d go for something like this at about a grand

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202794883955

And use the rest of the budget for lights, boots, gloves, tyres, pedals and the like to make winter as easy as possible