Anyone know anything about road bikes?

[Drago1986]

Been talked into doing a charity bike ride from the most northernly point in ireland to the most southernly point in Ireland.

Minor detail is the fact that I don't have a bike! So been looking around for a decent bike that is cheap!
I found this one on Tesco Direct:

http://www.tesco.com...lyoutlink_slot3

Don't know much about bikes so not sure, any input would be welcome!

Drago

 

[retired_member34]

The link has been shortened and doesn't work. Try it again, I'll have a look.

Been talked into doing a charity bike ride from the most northernly point in ireland to the most southernly point in Ireland.

Minor detail is the fact that I don't have a bike! So been looking around for a decent bike that is cheap!
I found this one on Tesco Direct:

http://www.tesco.com...lyoutlink_slot3

Don't know much about bikes so not sure, any input would be welcome!

Drago

 

[tifosi]

Make sure you get the right size. I'd visit a local bike shop and get advice from them first.

What you buy in the end depends very much on your budget. Once you have your size sorted I'd have a browse on ebay as well. Lots of bargains there from people buying bikes with the intention of 'getting fit', never riding them then flogging them on the cheap.

And decent bike shorts are a must!! For good but cheap ones try lusso / giordina / santini.

 

[Drago1986]

new link:
http://www.tesco.com/direct/vertigo-piccadilly-21-road-bike-unisex/211-7006.prd

 

[Alien]

Ratboy is your man for this I think.

 

[retired_member34]

new link:
http://www.tesco.com/direct/vertigo-piccadilly-21-road-bike-unisex/211-7006.prd

That doesn't really qualify as a bike, it's just a bicycle shaped object and will the components will fail rapidly. I wouldn't expect it to last for your ride.

Try to find a local bike shop that sells second hand bikes, they'll give you good advice on sizing and tell you straight if what you need is possible on your budget.

 

[tifosi]

Ratboy is your man for this I think.

I'm an older version of Ratboy... taught him all he knows!

 

[ratboy]

Hey Drago

I'll try and help.

That Tesco bike has 21 inch wheels (kids bike) hence why it is cheap - you need 26 inch / 700c sized wheels if you are an adult. I also presume you don't know your size as well - this is the most important part.

As has been said, you need to visit a bike shop - but don't go just to get their advice and shop online - they really are the best place to buy from, they do discounts too - just ask.

Halfords and the Boardman Bikes range is a good place to start. Halford's cheapest road bike isn't worth bothering with, but this looks ok:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_810691_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Try not to spend less than £350, and if you are actually keen on riding on a regular basis spend over £500.

Johnny

 

[tifosi]

Some bike shops will also rent out bikes branded with their business for charity/expeditions etc. Hit and miss finding one though.. might have to ring around.

 

[Drago1986]

Ah well thought it was too good to be true.

Going to the bike shop this weekend then it would seem!

 

[ratboy]

Going to the bike shop this weekend then it would seem!

Comfort is everything. Buy cheap and the wrong size and it'll just get thrown in the shed to rot!

 

[Drago1986]

yes I've been told my arse will thank me for spending a bit more cash!

 

[Drago1986]

http://www.all-about-the-bike.co.uk...ke---fully-assembled--free-delivery-507-p.asp

Was looking at this one at the weekend, like that its a racer but with standard handle bars so I won't be hunched over all the time.

Tried it out too its very fast, and light, seems more comfortable than the standard racers I tried too.

What you think?

Is a little more expensive than I intended to pay but they let you pay up for it and they did take a decent chunk off as I said it was for charity.

Drago