Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

opinions on a few bikes for newbie

by elefantman
Sat, Jul 26, 2014 08:50
5

Morning all,
I'm just getting back into cycling following a fairly long break... My current ride is an old 501 framed pro sport... So I'm now looking to upgrade/update. I know the bike you pick should be personal fit/preference but I'd value any thoughts people have on the bikes I've currently got on my shortlist...
I've tried the following for size/fit and tbh they all feel good to me:
Orbea aqua ts23 - local shop £499
Giant defy 5 - local shop £499
Merida ride 90 - local shop £540
Others on my list that I can't try due to a lack of local deler but look work
Felt f95 sora - on offer currently for £399
Triban 5/500 sora - on offer for 450

Personally the orbea is currently topping my list.. Mainly due to the deal and the test ride felt good.. But I know very little about the make and don't know anyone who has one...

Thoughts please.. Cheers Jim

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.

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
gr3g0ree | 10 years ago
0 likes

Went to get a bike for my sis a few months ago, looking at deals just under your 'budget' 1
Tried a few at some shops and as soon as I saw her sitting on THAT bike going for a test ride, I knew its the right geometry/frame/shifters/size/all. She liked it too.

Good decision.
Buy what you like and fits, budget is secondary guide - will use the same argument when I'm going to get my new one 10 [insert evil laugh]

Avatar
giff77 | 10 years ago
0 likes

Lovely bike. You'll always have a smile on your face now 4 Well done on striking a deal as well.

Avatar
elefantman | 10 years ago
0 likes

Little update.. Went into a lbs today for a browse and came out with a cannondale caad 8 Claris. I know.. It was not even on my list of potentials as until today I'd not seen one under 550 and that was without the pedals I wanted etc... I somehow managed to secure one with a set of SDL SL pedels and a few other bits for 450 brand spanking new...Basically by saying I'd take it there and then and pay cash.... Odd in this day and age that cash actually worked.
Anyway.. Home and out for a ride almost straight away.. Ten miles down and I can honestly say I love it.. So much smoother and faster than my old 501 framed bike... Having the gear changes straight to hand makes a huge difference.
Only niggling thing is I don't think the shop set the derraileurs up properlly.. So I'll be tinkering with them tomorrow.
Odd how these things go...

Avatar
Nick T | 10 years ago
0 likes

Orbea are a prestigious enough brand, they supplied frames to fellow Basque based Euskatel before they were wrapped up last year.

Avatar
matthewn5 | 10 years ago
0 likes

Buy the one you want, it will make you happiest. It's the no. 1 rule.

Latest Comments