I’m on the lookout for a cheap road bike i.e. £350 max. I know 2nd hand would give me more options but I don’t know anything about road bikes. Also I’m self employed so I’ll be buying it through my non official cycle to work scheme i.e. my company will buy me what I want.
The bikes I’m considering are the following:
Claud Butler Criterium
Cheapest I’ve seen this is £263.99
Giant SCR 4.0
Cheapest I’ve seen for this is £319.99 for a 2008 (I think)
Carrera Virtuso
Halfords £325
Vitus Razor
CRC £325
I’ve never heard of Vitus before & CRC haven’t put the details up yet. Looks nice but I’m wary of this.
Some have steel forks whereas others have steel – is there any preference? I’ve seen some bikes have 2 chainrings whereas others have 3 – what are the pros & cons of 2 vs 3 on a roadie?
I’ve not ridden a drop bar bike for 20 years so I’m hoping to borrow a neighbours old bike to see how I get on with it. If I don’t like it then I’ll consider a flat bar bike such as the Giant FCR 3.
I’d welcome views on the above or any other bikes.