Author	Topic:   Entry level road bike?
James	posted 9/29/08 6:24 PM       Any suggestions for an entry level road bike?I'm 16 and 5'9'' if that's any help.I've been looking at the Specialized Allez 18 and a couple of Dawes.Alternatively, has anybody got any for sale? ^^
Steve	posted 9/29/08 9:26 PM     James - Bike really depends on what budget your working to. There are some good bikes available without spending a fortune. Maybe take a look at www.ribblecycles.co.uk. A reasonable alumminium frame with mid range groupset should last you a good while.
FatBob	posted 9/30/08 11:00 AM       Anything like that will be good - if you buy off the internet then you have to have a good idea of what size you want though.
Steve	posted 9/30/08 7:45 PM     James, if ordering on line, you'll need to know what size seat tube you want. Ie the measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube, and also the top tube measurement, centre of the head tube, to centre of the seat tube.
James	posted 9/30/08 8:36 PM       Thanks for the info, I think I'm going to buy locally so I can make sure it fits, and I can also trade in my old mtb if I go to samways. Do any other bike shops in Derby deal in second hand bikes?
Tom	posted 9/30/08 8:50 PM       I would recommend sticking your current bike on ebay - it's not as much of a pain as you may think and get the bike box from your new bike when you buy it for posting the old one - you arrange a courier to pick it up on line it's dead easy. I wouldn't trust some of the staff in local bike shops to get you the right sized bike either but it's better than guessing I suppose. The other thing James you'll get 5% off your new bike at Samways if you are in the Derby Mercury - which costs £8 if you aren't a member already - membership now will last all of 2009 how's that for a bargain !
Clive	posted 9/30/08 9:22 PM     They probably don't deal in second hand stuff but it's worth checking out Sheffield Cycles in Burton-on-Trent (don't ask me why they're called that) have got, they tend to be a fair bit cheaper than most other local shops, they often beat even internet prices!
James	posted 9/30/08 10:45 PM       Am I right in thinking that as I'm 16 the subscription fee is £4 (+ the £1 joining fee) ? How often are subscription fees paid?Also, are mountain bikes welcome on your rides? I know you do a mountain bike ride on one day (I forget which). I don't think I'll be able to keep up with the road rides on it, although I can average about 12-14 mph I think.
James	posted 9/30/08 10:47 PM       Sorry for double posting, but where do I send the form to?
Tom	posted 10/1/08 8:56 AM       Ideally Avis Sleath as she deals with the membership - but anyone would do - my address is 5 Ruskin Rd, Derby if you stick it through my door I'll forward it on - otherwise bring it down the club room.
Steve	posted 10/1/08 5:36 PM     James, i'm the same height as you, i have a couple of road bikes you can try for size to give you a good idea what size it best for you. One's a 50cm, the other a 51cm. My inside leg is 30" if that helps. You welcome to come round and sit on a my bikes, adjust the saddle height to see what fits best. If this helps you can contact me on 07949 584142.
James	posted 10/1/08 8:01 PM       Think I'm just going to join the club and turn up to one of the rides on my mtb. Would this be ok as long as I can keep up, or would I be turned away without a road bike?
Harvey	posted 10/1/08 9:05 PM       Sheffield cycles is so called because the owner is Mark Sheffield. Agree with Clive, they are worth a look. Got a really good deal on my first road bike there a few years back when they were selling of GTs at silly prices.
James	posted 10/1/08 9:09 PM       Thanks for reminding me about that, I think I'll ride down some day after college. It's near the train station apparently, so I should be able to find my way there by following the national cycle routes I guess.
Tom	posted 10/2/08 8:44 AM       You can turn up on anything you like if you can keep up - some rides are steadier than others. How tall are you - I might be able to lend you a (very old and tatty) road bike if it fits.
Steve	posted 10/2/08 9:18 AM       James - i know it sounds like an unlikely source but Hawk Cycles on London Road in Derby have entry level road bikes starting just over £150

Post New Topic