I was joking with Mrs SaxonRider this morning about getting a road bike (as I often do), saying that I had ordered one from the LBS, and I was now obligated to pay for it. (I'm a real barrel of laughs!)
Much to my surprise, she said I could probably get one if I was willing to start with a cheap second-hand one before committing to an expensive one, so that I could first prove to her and myself that I was going to use it.
So, let's say by 'cheap' she meant somewhere around £300: what would you get?
There seems to be numerous new-but-cheap bikes out there by the likes of Viking and other brands I've never heard of, but harder to find, if more appealing, is the idea of finding and old Trek or something.
I would be looking for a 56cm frame.
Any suggestions/ideas/advice?
P.S. I'm in a very good mood right now.
Merlin PR7 at £350
pr7 from merlin or triban from decathlon hard to beat at that money, or a secondhand Giant defy or specialized allez, possibly even get a cannondale caad8
I'd be looking for alloy frame, carbion fork and Sora if I was going second hand at that price
I have a nice (virtually unridden) Focus Culebro in 56cm form if that interests you? Very light alloy frame, full carbon fork (including steerer!!) full Tiagra 20 speed group set. Only covered 113 miles since buying new last August. Wanting £375 for it collected.
Drop me an email (or check out my post in the for sale section)
burglarboycie AT aol DOT com
James
You'll get a good sh road bike for that no problem, gumtree, here or ebay.
What about a vintage bike (1998) like this one?
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I expect you will find the gearing a bit high. If you are looking for a retro bike then ok, but you will lose the advantages that a newer bike is going to have. I also expect that it will not have as comfortable geometry as a more modern bike. You 'do be buying that with the heart, not the head.
I have found a B'Twin Triban that I may go for, but what about [url= http://www.ks-cycling.fr/velo-de-course-alu-28-forward-rouge-ks-cycling.308.html ]this one[/url] as far as cheap bikes are concerned?
Does it look alright? (Link in German, French, or Italian only.)
I would go for the B'Twin over that one you have posted the link for.
Are you near Leicestershire SaxonRider?
Decathlon Triban 500 now £330...
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/btwin-triban-5-57cm-200 ]This Btwin the For Sale seems perfect for you.[/url]
I ride a BTwin myself - they are very sound bikes for the money.
likes of Specialized Allez second hand - get a v decent one for that sort of cash surely?
What are those carerra road bikes at halfords like - seem to be on offer?
At you budget, used every time. I bought an almost unused alloy Giant Defy off here for that. I'd look here or Ebay.
I'd get this or something like it...
I ride, shock horror, old style horizontal retro bikes, and so did Eddie Mercx etc for 100s of miles.
You'll get lots of admiring glances, take your time it's not a race.... see how you take to it, then splash out on something more modern if that is your want. 😀
A little over budget - Ribble Prime £370
I was about to break my winter bike for parts, but if you're interested I'd take £300 for it.
Kinesis TK frame in 56cm, dark metallic brown (looks better than it sounds!) with Kinesis 12k carbon forks (uncut steerer too!)
105 mechs and shifters, Shimano 105-level cranks and deep brakes (to cater for mudguards, included)
Easton EA50 post, stem, bars
Mavic Aksium wheels with Schwalbe marathon tyres.
Cost about £1200 when it was new.
It's about 9 years old but only done a couple of thousand miles. Obviously not cosmetically perfect, but mechanically it's spot on. I don't ride road in the winter anymore and have replaced it with a CX bike and running. I'm in Solihull near Birmingham, and email is in the profile if you're interested. Cheers.
What do you want it for, group rides,maybe a little touring,commute,?