Forum menu
boardman, decathlon, carrera?
2nd hand.
2nd hand.
+1
That's really bottom end on new stuff and will discount many of the 'mainstream' manufacturers.
I was just about to ask the same question....albeit knowing 2nd hand is probably the best route.
I thought you already had one? 😉
Gaz, if you want new then this is "the one". Sora shifters are much better than they used to be in that now they're actually good. 9 speed too now and the brakes are good. Wheels are surprisingly good too (same wheels as were on Lizzy's bike and they've done a few thousand miles including a few hundred in flood conditions and they're happy).
We do Giant and Trek and Raleigh and we get in a lot of bikes under £500 to fix (Dawes, Carrera etc.) and this is the only one I've seen that's worth considering. Weight is nice and low too (think it's 23lbs, which is light for a bike this price).
http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/1_series/11/
(e-mail me if it interests you and we'll see what we can do)
Sora shifters are much better than they used to be in that now they're actually good
Epic
I just got a 08 Giant SCR 1 for £250, 105 parts, carbon forks, pretty light! I'd hold out for something like that as even at 500 new it's not close to matching it.. more like 800!
Miller- it's all relative!
Try your LBS, mine often has cheaper road bikes with a better spec than the likes of Halfords, sometimes built up as shop specials, other times last years bottom end bikes etc.
If you're buying new, Decathlon beat all comers at £500 but as above, £500 in the 2nd hand market will get you something in [b]very[/b] good condition, carbon forked and probably seat post as well, 105 if not Ultegra components, nothing shabby at all.
[img] 
[/img]
Ribble basic 7005 Bike - £499 New (if you require new) - 9 speed triple Sora groupset.
Forme? They have one at £499.