New Road Bike

gaybeer

I am looking to buy a new and my first road bike. I have between €1000 and €1400 to spend. I have been looking around but have found it difficult to tell the difference between brands. My question is what should I be looking at for the money I am spending regarding brands, frame, groupsets and wheels?

Thanks a million

kenmc

should be aiming for either an aluminum frame and carbon forks, shimano 105 groupset if buying in a bike shop, or full carbon same groupset from an online store

thehamo

Im no expert on the matter but.....

Depends what you want from the bike I suppose. Are you intending to race or looking to long cycles?

As has been mentioned you would prob get alu frame and carbon fork with a v good groupset wheels etc for that price in a shop. Second hand you will get a very good carbon frame and groupset for that budget, just a matter of looking around.

If buying new, personally I would be going for this with a budget like yours

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SERIBBSPORTBIANSHIM&sub=conf_SERC&bike=1

With a 105 groupset and carbon seat post, ITM wheels you'd be looking at about 1200.

Some on here might say go for high end alu frame with carbon fork, but all the cool kids are riding carbon fiber frames these days :P

gaybeer

Thanks, that is similiar to what I had been looking at. Does the frame make a difference? I have been looking at Giant, Felt, Specialised and Corratec. As far a s wheels going is there any brands I should be looking for or looking to avoid? Im 6'1 and 14 1/2 stone if that makes any difference.

gaybeer

thehamo wrote: »

Im no expert on the matter but.....

Depends what you want from the bike I suppose. Are you intending to race or looking to long cycles?

As has been mentioned you would prob get alu frame and carbon fork with a v good groupset wheels etc for that price in a shop. Second hand you will get a very good carbon frame and groupset for that budget, just a matter of looking around.

If buying new, personally I would be going for this with a budget like yours

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialedition.asp?action=GenerateConstructor&part=SERIBBSPORTBIANSHIM&sub=conf_SERC&bike=1

With a 105 groupset and carbon seat post, ITM wheels you'd be looking at about 1200.

Some on here might say go for high end alu frame with carbon fork, but all the cool kids are riding carbon fiber frames these days :P

Any advice on where to look for second hand bikes?

thehamo

gaybeer wrote: »

Thanks, that is similiar to what I had been looking at. Does the frame make a difference? I have been looking at Giant, Felt, Specialised and Corratec. As far a s wheels going is there any brands I should be looking for or looking to avoid? Im 6'1 and 14 1/2 stone if that makes any difference.

The frame makes a good bit of a difference. Some say that alu frames have a lot of vibration on them when riding on the road, can get tiresome and the carbon absorbs the vibration a lot more. Carbon would be a lot lighter and good for getting up the hills. Again, im no expert but thats my take on it anyway. If your 6'1 your probably looking at about a 58cm Frame but your prob best of getting fitted in a bike shop first. Geometry can differ too, some frames have a more aggressive racing postition while others are more relaxed, more suited to long sportives, long cycles.

Wheels, you can spend more on the wheels than most complete bikes. Mavic are a good make, Askium race or Krisium are ones that spring to mind, my knowledge on wheels doesnt really stretch that far im afraid.

Have a look on the Cycling adverts here, adverts.ie, donedeal.ie, gumtree.ie would be the main sites for second hand bikes really. There are a few nice bikes floating about in your price range. Ive seen a few Trek madones which are a very good bike.

thehamo

Something like this http://dublin.gumtree.ie/c-Stuff-for-Sale-sports-leisure-travel-Trek-Madone-5-5-For-Sale-W0QQAdIdZ309342712

or this http://www.donedeal.ie/for-sale/gentsbicycles/2437718