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04/01/2010 15:32:54
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Scarophion
Posts 64
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Hello,
I did an introductory ride back in the summer time, which was great but decided not to join until I had a lighter bike instead of my good old hybrid pack horse. So here we are and I’m ready to purchase but I’m not really sure where to start or what I’m looking for. My limit is £500. I realise this may seem quite restricting so I’ve put a selection of road bikes I found online below. I need a little advice as in “oh god not that brand!” or “Don’t buy from X” so I can narrow it down a bit. Any help is appreciated.
The cheap end
Evans - Claud Butler Criterium 2009 Road Bike - £329.99
Evans - Claud Butler San Remo 2009 Road Bike - £449.99
Evans - Raleigh Airlite 300 2009 Road Bike - £449.99
Evans - Specialized Langster 2010 Road Bike - £449.99
EBC - Giant Avail 4 '10 - £474.99
EBC - Giant Defy 4 '10 - £474.99
EBC - Genesis Day One Drop Bar '10 - £499.99
Harry Hall - Trek 1.1 Compact 2010 - £475.99
Harry Hall - Specialized Allez-D 2010 - £499.99
Halfords - Carrera Virtuoso Medium Road Bike 08 - £339.99
Halfords - Carrera Vanquish Medium Road Bike 08 - £479.99
Halfords - Boardman Road Bike Comp SC Medium - £499.99
Thanks 
Abbie
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Abbie
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04/01/2010 16:16:21
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TomF
Posts 1040
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I work on colour first, everything else second .
Well, not quite. Without knowing the specific details of each bike, all sound pretty good and the shops (save for Halfords, which can be rather more variable) will all give good service.
For me, the most important purchasing decision on a road bike is how well it fits. Best to buy a bike that is comfortable from the outset, than one which needs too much adjustment. After then, it's down to exactly what I want it for - if it is to be a "do everything" bike, I'd make sure I could fit full mudguards and a pannier rack, but if it's just for riding fast in the nice weather, I'd be less worried about those things.
Don't forget Eddie McGrath Cycles, which is owned and run by Phil Leigh, our erstwhile club President. You'll get great service there too.
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04/01/2010 17:10:42
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rothers
Posts 1017
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^^^^^^
what he said...all of thats good advice. tbh another option not raised yet is to buy a better spec road bike second hand for the same or less money. Quite a lot of the time these can prove much better value and get you a lot more bike. Whilst most of the listed cycles are good entry level bikes you may find that they cut corners on some components to keep the price down ( eg poor quality tyres or sponge brake blocks )
To give you an idea i picked up a decent steel winter frame, forks, front and rear mechs mudguards and carbon seatpost for £195
Places to look for such deals are sites like www.veloriders.co.uk and www.timetriallingforum.co.uk. ( you need to register for both sites! ) Ebay can also be handy too.
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04/01/2010 21:01:45
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Crazy Pete
Posts 258
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hello & Welcome..
I'd stay clear of the Claud Butler & Raleigh but the Giants & treks are ok.
+1 for Tom & Rothers comments.
I'd agree also with Rothers in that secondhand is a v.good way to go. Keep an eye on local bikeclub forums for people selling off unwanted / obselete kit. The nice thing about buying from a cycling enthusiast is that they will have more than likely looked after the kit & are only selling it on as they've just upgraded to the latest bling, so plenty of miles left in their old stuff. There's no shame in riding a 2-3yr old machine, but the pro's don't, so some monied cheshire folk won't either. Gotta keep up withthe Jones' and all.
Go to the shops for sizing & fit advice, then scour the small ads for something that fits you. When you've seen something you like, I'm sure that someone here who knows whats what will go with you to the seller & give you the nod if its ok & worth the money.
Good luck & see you on the road (or in the shops) soon.
P
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04/01/2010 22:43:26
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Scarophion
Posts 64
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Hmm, it’s a long way to Urmston!!
I’m not sure about a second hand one. If I had more of an idea what I was looking for I’d feel a bit more confident with second hand stuff. I want a bike just for what you guys do really. I wouldn’t use it for commuting as I have the pack horse (with a dying bottom bracket and a wonky front wheel :S).
Why should I steer clear of Claude Butler and Raleigh? I thought Raleigh were good at... y’know... bikes
Hmm, I should scout out these shops. Does anyone know if A6 Cycles on Stockport Road are any good? I work right near Will’s Wheels as well but they were quite expensive when I last looked.
Thanks for the help so far.
Abbie
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Abbie
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05/01/2010 10:07:21
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Si
Posts 1352
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Don't forget the BTwin range of bikes at Decathlon.
Quick nosey brings up this.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-51-63-69567479/#INFO-DETAIL
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05/01/2010 12:17:40
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Si Bridge
Posts 322
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Scarophion wrote:
I work right near Will’s Wheels as well but they were quite expensive when I last looked.
Abbie,
Go and talk to Will Wright (ask for him by name and mention that Si Bridge sent you......ignore the derogatory comments!!!). You will get THE best advice on fit and function and he can offer bikes that are not stocked in the shop, he may even be able to offer 2nd hand that has been serviced and fettled by him before sale (just pretend you didn't see the huge hammer used for "fettling"). The guy is a class act and is well worth supporting if you can.
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05/01/2010 12:23:17
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Ed
Posts 1084
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Abbie,
To expand a bit on NickWs comment regarding womens bikes (I've just bought a new one for the mrs so I did a fair bit of thinking and research)
Assuming that you're a regular sort of woman then I would seriously look at a ladies bike. You will otherwise be lumbered with a bike with, at best, an uncomfy saddle, massive wide bars and too long a stem, or at worst has, a too long top tube and no standover height and all of the at best bits! This will significantly reduce the comfort of your cycling experience.
Most manufacturers do a ladies specific range
Specialised Dolce
Giant Avail (??)
Off the top of my head I can't think of any more, sorry - I note you've included a few.
Best to go into a shop (EBC have by far the best range of bikes to sit on IME although I wouldn't necessarily buy it from there) and try some out. A smaller bike shop, e.g. Eddie McGs will be prepared to get you in pretty much any bike so don't think you can't get hold of a bike that isn't listed by the major shops.
If you actually look a bit like an ogre then please ignore my lady fit advice and buy a blokes bike!  If this is the case also look at Ribble bikes which will provide you with considerably more bang for your buck than anything else.
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Ed Rollason Photography I Twitter I Facebook
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05/01/2010 12:41:48
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viv
Posts 2546
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Ed wrote:
If you actually look a bit like an ogre then please ignore my lady fit advice and buy a blokes bike!
Oi, watch it Ed! Ive never found the need to spend extra on a womens specific bike and i dont think i look like an ogre though maybe im fooling myself! And i have a ribble winter bike, oh dear.
If you have particularly long legs and a short body it can be worth it, depends on what fits you best. They can be a good thing just make sure you dont pay extra just for a pink stripe down the side.
I went for a specialised allez road bike for my first bike - i ended up replacing or upgrading a lot of it, was no good for fitting mud guards and wasnt too upset when it got stolen. I dont think i know what i wanted at that stage so my only advice would be dont spend a fortune and be prepared to upgrade in a year or two if you get into it and want something better.
Go into wills wheels or another good local bike shop, see what they can offer you for your budget and if you find some second hand deals and want an opinion post them up and we can try and advise.
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05/01/2010 14:06:43
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Ed
Posts 1084
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NickW wrote:
hehe subtle as ever Ed
They don't call me the charmer for nothing.
I think essentially all of this advice could be distilled down to :
- Take some expert advice - Will Wright, Paul Cheetham (manager of EBC Manchester), Phil Leigh (Owner of Eddie McGs)
- Sit on a variety of bikes - mens, ladies, other
- Find one that fits and looks ace - the ability to look like you could ride off and join the tour is essential, technical proficiency is not
- Find a good deal
- Buy
- Ride
Admittedly if you're me the last one should actually be
- Take to pieces, fettle endlessly, polish, fit random new parts
- Forget proper bike and ride cargo bike instead as its more fun...
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Ed Rollason Photography I Twitter I Facebook
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05/01/2010 14:09:29
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viv
Posts 2546
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Then overtake Ed on a club run and give him a hard shove from me.
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05/01/2010 14:19:12
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Ben_S
Posts 327
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viv wrote:
Then overtake Ed on a club run and give him a hard shove from me.
Im sure i have sufficiently superior mass to give him a nudge into a ditch next time i seem him on a run, for a small fee of course 
edit* oh and i can't really say more than anyone else has said, however i do suggest you give a little consideration to second hand, a friend got a lovely Giant TCR2 alloy frame, carbon forks and shimano 105 groupset was a couple or three years old but had been looked after and at £150 a bargin. Most people are happy enough to let you come along have a look at a bike they are selling, I went with her to have a look at it before she bought it just to check it was as advertised and that was that.
edited by Ben_S on 05/01/2010
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05/01/2010 15:50:43
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Ian
Posts 158
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At 500 i would carefully but something second hand and get someone who knows what they are buying to go with you just remember that you may then have to buy a new chain and block etc. which should cost about £45.
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05/01/2010 22:54:04
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Crazy Pete
Posts 258
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Scarophion wrote:
I’m not sure about a second hand one. If I had more of an idea what I was looking for I’d feel a bit more confident with second hand stuff. Thats what we're here for, use our knowledge to keep you away from the lemons. I want a bike just for what you guys do really. - Cafe racing doesn't have to break the bank, but you do need a roadbike which doesn't weigh a tonne & has reliable components that you can feel confident in using. Why should I steer clear of Claude Butler and Raleigh? I thought Raleigh were good at... y’know... bikes Used to be but their goodstuff nowdays is v.expensive & the cheaper models aren't really worth it. To NickW - The raleigh isn't that bad at all but compared to the others on the shortlist its not the best. Trek frames are much, much better quality & stronger in a crash. Hmm, I should scout out these shops. Does anyone know if A6 Cycles on Stockport Road are any good? I work right near Will’s Wheels as well but they were quite expensive when I last looked. A6 cycles don't really have what you want for clubriding, more suited to commuters & family leisure riders, good shop for spares for the 'workhorse' but never going to be competitive for price on higher end stuff. Wills is a good shop & the workers know their stuff, but they do tend to cater for people with a higher budget. Having said that, they have a 'winter' range which doesn't dissapoint and might be a better choice than some of the branded frames at a higher price. As Si B says talk to the boss, don't just have a quick look in the window. I know hes keen to see new starters take up the sport so he'll be more helpful & willing to do a deal on a bike than the box shifters at some of the larger stores. Hope this helps. Keep up posted.
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06/01/2010 21:28:43
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Scarophion
Posts 64
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This is very useful thank you I’ll get myself down to some of these shops over the next few weekends. I think a better frame and cheaper components may be the way to go because at least I can replace bits if I want to.
Hmm, where would I look for second hand bikes anyway? Are there forums for this sort of thing? I don’t trust eBay as far as I can throw it.
NickW wrote:
I think the Langster and Boardman comp SC are both single speed
Whoops!
Of course I’ve got to wait until the weather clears up. Hyde Road was bloody scary this evening and I’m opting for the bus tomorrow :S
Crazy Pete wrote:
Trek frames are much, much better quality & stronger in a crash.
This does not fill me with confidence :S
Abbie
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Abbie
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08/01/2010 09:26:47
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Crazy Pete
Posts 258
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Scarophion wrote:
Crazy Pete wrote: Trek frames are much, much better quality & stronger in a crash. This does not fill me with confidence :S Abbie
Hi, I wasn't meaning to freak you out by mentioning the 'C' word, but they can happen & can sometimes be costly, even if you come out of it with only minor scratching / dented pride.
A lot of expensive 'race' type kit can be very fragile & not very robust in knocks & bumps. I destroyed an aluminium Planet X wheelrim this summer by riding into a kerb at 12mph..Doh!. As Bontrager says 'Lightness, Strength, Economical - Pick any two'. Better to get something that will bounce off the road & be able to be ridden home rather than something that will shatter on impact.
I think you've got it right when you say a better frame and cheaper components may be the way to go. Chains, gear cogs & brakepads do wear out & need periodic replacement anyway, bearings & wheel hubs require servicing & tweaking from time to time to get the best lifespan out of them, but in general frames don't need anything doing to them as long as they have been well made & finished in the first place.
I think you're right about ebay too - stolen goods heaven there in the main. Most cycling clubs have a website & forum with a for sale section, so potentially less risky as the sellers are more likely to be vetted. Also the ones NickW mentioned too, although BC tends to be more racing bling.
For best results I'd recommend that you see the items in person as you don't want to find that you've bought the wrong size or setup, then have to try to return it or sell it on, etc.
Many bike shops here in Mcr have some 2ndhand stuff in too. The Bicycle Doctor in Rusholme has a few trade in bikes & a saleboard in the shop where customers advertise their unwanted steeds. Likewise Ken Fosters in Chorlton. If you leave your phone number with any shop they'll give you a ring if anything suitable comes in. They might even put you in touch with a mate of theirs who can set you up with something if you're lucky in the timing.
Again, hope this helps, keep us posted.
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15/01/2010 09:21:04
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Crazy Pete
Posts 258
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So, Scarophion, have you bought a bike yet or are you still mulling it over. I hope we've not put you off.
Cheers, P.
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02/02/2010 19:30:10
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Scarophion
Posts 64
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Hello. Didn't notice there was a seconde page of posts!
Today began the tour of Manchester’s bicycle shops.
So far, everyone is insisting on a women’s frame (except for Halfords because they really don’t care) and at 5' 3'', they may be on to something.
Halfords – Had their Carreras but no women’s models.
Evans – Had bugger all in my price range.
Harry Hall - Really helpful bunch. Were tempting me with a Specialized Dolce 24, which is shiiinyyyy!
EBC – Don’t have half the stock they should have but will get it “In the next couple of months,” (great business model guys. It's been 2010 for some time now). I really wanted a look at the Giant bikes as well 
Bicycle Doctor – Always come across as patronising. Tried to sell me a Trek 1.2 which was over budget but £150. Said they only stock Trek and Bianchi and hardly have any stock for Bianchi “Because their warehouse burnt down.” Unlucky.
Saturday’s mission includes Will’s Wheels, that-one-in-Urmston and a trip (where I used to live) to Morrey’s of Holmes Chapel (They like Giants).
I'm tired and I haven't even ridden anywhere yet!
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Abbie
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02/02/2010 20:19:06
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Dave S
Posts 489
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To add another shop to your list you could try Rick Green Cycles in Handforth (nr Wilmslow). they stock bianchi, specialized and some giants. The guy who runs it is active in time trials so knows a thing or two about road cycling and gives fair honest information and is not patronising in any way.
Always worth a phonecall if nothing else http://www.rickgreencycles.co.uk/
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02/02/2010 20:26:07
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Scarophion
Posts 64
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Thank you, I'll give them a buzz.
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Abbie
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