Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

forum
road.cc bike forum

first road bike - what should I go for?

by princessfi
Thu, Apr 30, 2015 06:55
11

Hi!
I have always risen mountain bikes but looking to get myself a road bike after borrowinf one for a sportiv last year and being amazed at the difference!

I have been looking at the love avail 3, defy 4 (there does not appear to be an avail 4), then the equivalent pinnacle bikes. To be honest I am now confused - they all seem to be pretty much the same, I don't really notice a difference when I am riding them and the prices are also very similar...

So help - any views on which one I should get or perhaps there is something even better out there in my price range (around £500, no more than £650).

Thanks

PrincessFi

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

11 comments

Avatar
whizzkid | 9 years ago
0 likes

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUAPEX/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-sram-a...

Got to be worth a look

Avatar
DaveE128 | 9 years ago
0 likes

It's far more important that you get the right size bike than which model you buy.

If you're buying from Decathlon (the Tribans are great value) which isn't a specialist bike shop, try to drag along a knowledgeable friend to work out which size fits you best. If you can't arrange this, a quick and dirty guide to sizing is that if you sit on the bike in a riding position with your hands on the hoods (http://lovelybike.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/drop-bar-hand-positions-introdu...) then the hub of the front wheel should be directly behind the handlebar from where you eyes are so you can't see it. It's not foolproof but it's a good place to start.

Also, don't worry about whether it's a specific women's bike or not - many ladies fit the unisex/mens models just as well or better. Just go with whatever you're comfortable on.

Oh, and just to second the recommendation for a triple chainset. Unless you will be only riding in non-hilly areas, it will save you having to stop on occasional hills unless you're already pretty quick on a bike. I still occasionally wish I had a triple, but when starting out on road biking after years of mountain biking, it was an issue for me only having a "compact" on long hills or anything over 10%. As you get faster you'll need it less but it will still be useful on very steep hills.

Avatar
Simon E | 9 years ago
0 likes

Reviews by CW & road.cc here - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=b%27twin+triban+500+review

Avatar
leelang229 | 9 years ago
0 likes

I have the triban 5 sora triple (the predecessor of the 500) as my first road bike, and it has done me really well. Having a triple at the front means it isn't too far from MTB gearing, which is handy when you're getting used to long, steep hills (esp in Yorkshire!).
Good luck with the search.

Avatar
princessfi | 9 years ago
0 likes

Thanks - thinking about the b'twin triban 500 - any views on that one? Seems a really good deal with sora group set for only £429!

Avatar
vonhelmet replied to princessfi | 9 years ago
0 likes
princessfi wrote:

Thanks - thinking about the b'twin triban 500 - any views on that one? Seems a really good deal with sora group set for only £429!

Yep, the Triban bikes at Decathlon are great value. Well worth a look.

Avatar
whizzkid replied to princessfi | 9 years ago
0 likes
princessfi wrote:

Thanks - thinking about the b'twin triban 500 - any views on that one? Seems a really good deal with sora group set for only £429!

http://road.cc/content/review/116333-btwin-triban-500-se-road-bike

Assuming this is the one (and if it isnt its probably nearly the same) looks good value, a lot of bike for a little money!!

Avatar
bikebot replied to princessfi | 9 years ago
0 likes
princessfi wrote:

Thanks - thinking about the b'twin triban 500 - any views on that one? Seems a really good deal with sora group set for only £429!

Decathlon also have the Alur 700, reduced down to £599 to clear. That comes with the old 10spd 105 groupset, which is worth considering. Apart from generally being better and hiding the cables away under the bar tape, you should try the brake shifters and see how they feel compared to the Sora which is quite chunky.

Avatar
Simon E | 9 years ago
0 likes

"they all seem to be pretty much the same"

That's because they are.

Giant is a safe bet, but they are all superb value - you're usually getting the same frame etc as the £900/£1000 model, just with 8 speed gearing instead of 10.

After trying a few go with your gut feeling - pick the one you end up liking the most. TBH it's what most of us do, if we're honest.

Avatar
AJ101 | 9 years ago
0 likes

Definitely get fitted at a local reputable cycle store, during the week if possible rather than on a Saturday so they have got more time to spend with you and so that you don't get the Saturday Boy doing it (spoken as an ex-saturday boy 3 )

There some good bargainss out there like a Felt ZW95 that comes in just under your budget at £499 - keep your eye on the bikes showing up there and it will give you an idea of what you can probably find locally if your local bike shop is cleaning out last years bikes (which is probably a good way to get a lot of bike with great after sales care)

Avatar
DamienB | 9 years ago
0 likes

Have a good read of these http://road.cc/buyers-guide then make sure you pick the one that you fit on best (try before you buy)

Latest Comments