Best Road Bike for beginners.

[Umar]

I am looking at buying a new road bike to start off with. The guy at the bike shop I visited advised me that in terms of value for money, nothing will beat the Silverback Strela (the 2016 model looks spectacular I must say). Not even Giant or Merida will be as good according to him. Does anyone have experience with this bike and is it worth getting? It come with full Shimano equip, but just an 8-speed. Is this good enough to start off with?

[Cippo]

What is your maximum budget? Lots of good 2nd hand bikes here that are 10 spd. Upgrading from 8 to 10/11 spd later is an expensive exercise.

[Lurch the stalker]

Sounds like they're trying to shift old stock to me.

Silverback makes good bikes, I don't dispute that, but, pretty much the whole world has moved on to 2x11 on road bikes now...

[Longbarn Killer]

8 speed? If it is 8 speed, then it must be Shimano Claris, this is the bottom of Shimano's range.

 

What is the price that you have been quoted? I am going to get shot for this by the rest of the Hub fraternity, but I really think that this is good value.

 

Shoprite( yes you heard Right) is selling a bike called a Cyclone. It has a full aluminium frame and with the exception of the brakes, had full 9speed Shimano Sora. Sora is one model up from Claris. They only want R5 999 for it.

 

The only problem buying at a Supermarket is that you are not going to get any expert advice, the bike may not have been built properly and they won't know anything of bike fit (the most important thing of any bike purchase)

 

Otherwise, Silverback make excellent products and are always well priced.

[Umar]

Thank you for your responses. Budget is around 8-10k. I don't think they are shifting old stock because it is a 2016 range (strela sport). Yes it is the Claris, which I see the Giant SCR's come with too. Now is there a major difference between the 8 and 10 speeds? I'm just starting out and don't see myself doing anything majorly competitive for at least the next year.

[Umar]

Oh and the reason I would prefer not buying second is because of the fit, don't want to splash out 10k and not be able to use it.

[GaryvdM]

According to the Silverback website, the lowest spec Strela (Strela 3) comes with Sora 9sp groups set.

 

http://www.silverbacklab.com/bike/road/silverback-strela-3/

 

I wonder why your lbs has an even lower spec bike.

[Lurch the stalker]

Oh and the reason I would prefer not buying second is because of the fit, don't want to splash out 10k and not be able to use it.

You could get fitted so you know what size frame you need, that doesn't mean you're obligated to buy a bike from the same place.

 

Having said that, being new to the sport I think buying new gives good peace of mind.

[T-Bob]

I wouldn't worry too much about the fit of a 2nd hand bike do your research and you'll be fine. You can just ask here and go an see it first.

 

If you've got R10K to spend then it's a no brainer... for that money second hand you'll get a bike that you're not going to try to sell in 8 months. Remember about resale value, that Silverback will get you virtually nothing after months. Cycling is addictive and you'll want to upgrade asap if the bug bites. 

 

As an example, I sold this bike last week. R13K. Killer ride and yes it's above your budget but you get the idea of what value you'll get for your cash in the second hand market. 

I'm sure you're worried that you might not know what to look out for being new to it and it's daunting but just ask here and you'll get a lot of advice and some guys might even come and check a bike or two with you if you're keen. 

[Allrounder]

I will say get a good used bike, for your budget that should not be a problem. I like my 9 gears, and my wife likes her 8 gears. But for 10k I would rather by second hand. Much better value for money.

[s14phoenix]

I bought a (older yes) full carbon full 105 kitted (10speed) Giant with carbon bars and seatpost (bling factor)

 

just needed some better tyres and bit of love with new cables and outers etc - ALL for under R10k and now have a 8.2kg bike that puts a smile on my face everytime I ride it.

Did not miss a beat on the 94.7 or any of my training rides leading up to it.

 

what a bargain... the same would cost closer to R20k new...

 

REALLY goto consider second hand and just take a buddy with that can help check out everything if you have no idea yourself or for even just a second set of eyes.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

_{I got an old Scott Speedster 2005 model with thousands of miles on it, fitted with 8spd. Bike is still great but now that I ride a 10spd I hardly jump on the 8spd. But I think the old 8 spd made me stronger, it is also heavy}

[New Landy new life]

I am also looking for a road bike for the first time in 25 years having ditched my Peter Alan in 1989 for my first Mountainbike.

 

I have a few second hand options I need advise in order which I should look at maybe just the top 3 contenders.

 

1.  Orbia R7,000 - Shimano Tiagra Parts

2   Swinn Fastback Pro   R5,500   Ultegra Parts

3.  Merida Scultura EVO 907 Carbon  R7,500  Ultegra Parts

4.  Pinarello Valerro R5,500

5.  Canondale R3000 CAAD4  R5,200

 

Thanks Guys

[Lurch the stalker]

I am also looking for a road bike for the first time in 25 years having ditched my Peter Alan in 1989 for my first Mountainbike.

 

I have a few second hand options I need advise in order which I should look at maybe just the top 3 contenders.

 

1.  Orbia R7,000 - Shimano Tiagra Parts

2   Swinn Fastback Pro   R5,500   Ultegra Parts

3.  Merida Scultura EVO 907 Carbon  R7,500  Ultegra Parts

4.  Pinarello Valerro R5,500

5.  Canondale R3000 CAAD4  R5,200

 

Thanks Guys

 

Personally, I'd rule out the Orbea because of the Tiagra components.

The Merida sounds like a pretty good option.

What's on the Pinarello (or how old is it) that it is so cheap?

[New Landy new life]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/144411-pinarello-road-bike-for-sale/

[MEYER1]

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