Advice on two bikes

[Output Flange]

I currently have a hybrid bike I use when I go out for a ride with the other half, and it's fine for rattling down the tow path along the canal.

I'm thinking about getting a road bike for rides out on my own, to go a bit further and build up some fitness.

There's one I've found that looks half-decent (I think) that's in the price bracket I'd like to pay:



So, is this any good? I suspect I really don't need top-of-the-line stuff, so it seems a decent spec for the price.

Thoughts?

ETA - ignore the title - the other one I was interested in isn't available in the right size.

[itsnotarace]

Well assuming you're sure you take a 52cm size frame - then this offers more, for less

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Allez-Shiman...

or

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-RALEIGH-AIRLITE-100...

This will take you over your budget but the spec warrants mentioning it

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Specialized-Allez-Elite-...

[Output Flange]

Sorry, that's the wrong link, as that's the wrong frame size.

Should be this:

::clicky::

[MadDad]

For around the £500 mark you will get a reasonable entry level bike, so many options out there from Specialized, Giant etc - best value on the market at the moment are the 2011 bikes.

I ride with a friend who has a 2009 Specialized Allez, it started life as the entry level bike but as his capability progressed he replaced the groupset/wheels etc. It's now a reasonable specc'd bike that would cost a lot to replace with a like for like 2012 bike.

You should probably give some consideration to what frame type suits your build, traditional v compact can make a huge difference to your comfort in the saddle. I have a Felt F75 road bike which has a standard geo, I tried a Bianchi compact (along with many others) before buying the Felt and didn't get on with the position at all.

Take a look at Shimano and SRAM's web sites to familiarise yourself with the levels of groupset, then you will get an idea of what grade/level of kit you are getting for your money. I would also suggest getting along to your local bike shop and sitting on a few bikes before settling on one from the interweb!

Oh, and you probably don't need a triple living in Herts - a double will get you up most hills!!

[Output Flange]

Ta.

No idea what a triple set is, but I do live at the top of a 1 in 3 hill if it makes a difference?!

[MadDad]

Output Flange said:

Ta.

No idea what a triple set is, but I do live at the top of a 1 in 3 hill if it makes a difference?!

Sorry - didn't mean to sound like a tt (hate bike snobbery)!

Triple/double refers to the front mechanism, triple is 3 rings, double is 2. You would probably need a triple living in the highlands or if you were on a touring bike loaded down with camping gear etc - tbh if you were on the small ring of a triple in the home counties it would be quicker to crawl!

You should probably be looking for a compact double on the front (which would have 34/50T) and a 12-28 cassette on the back, that combo will get you up most hills, then when you get stronger dump the cassette in favour of a 11-23!

[Antony Moxey]

Output Flange said:

I currently have a hybrid bike I use when I go out for a ride with the other half, and it's fine for rattling down the tow path along the canal.

I'm thinking about getting a road bike for rides out on my own, to go a bit further and build up some fitness.

There's one I've found that looks half-decent (I think) that's in the price bracket I'd like to pay:



So, is this any good? I suspect I really don't need top-of-the-line stuff, so it seems a decent spec for the price.

Thoughts?

ETA - ignore the title - the other one I was interested in isn't available in the right size.

My boy has one of those, but in a triple rather than a double (as in it has three chainrings at the front instead of the more conventional two). I wasn't much into roadies meself, always preferring mountain bikes until I took his bike for a spin round the lanes one evening. Have now got myself an Allez Sport (the next one up) also in a triple.

It's an excellent bike, pretty light, pretty quick, comfortable and easy to work - roadie shifters and brakes take a little getting used to if you're normally an offroader - plus they're pretty affordable too, especially 2011 models, although I think Spesh are doing decent discounts on 2012 stuff at the moment with their red label promotion or whatever it's called.

[Rocksteadyeddie]

You'll be much better off used at £500 Dan. There's so many bikes kicking about that cost a grand and have literally gone round the block twice for sale. I'll have a look for you.

N.B. When you get round to spannering most bike jobs need fingers and finesse, rather than six foot levers and a lump hammer that you're used to on that old bit of Jag tat you've got

ETA This with a haggle cos it's not worth what he wants, although it is in Bratford

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40...

Again a bit over budget but way more bike.

http://road.cc/content/forum/45959-fs-planet-x-sl-...

Edited by Rocksteadyeddie on Friday 24th February 12:22

[chorus]

Fit, fit and fit.

You won't go too far wrong with the Specialized as long as it fits you properly. Fit is by far the most important parameter. Do not buy a first bike of any sort without trying it.

Most of the weight will be you (nothing personal) as will most of the aerodynamic drag. Component choice and other factors are secondary compared with your comfort, aerodynamics and so on. £500 is enough to buy a road bike with no real compromises (£350 would be a different story.) Comfort has a significant effect on performance too- this will give a flavour of why.

http://www.bikeradar.com/fitness/article/aero-posi...