First Road Bike

[wannabearacer]

Hey fellow hubbers,

Ive been doing mtb for a few years but i am keen to get into the road scene...call me crazy i know. Im in need of advice before i go bike hunting. My limit is R10k and i need to know which the best road bike in your opinion is. Thanks will appreciate the advice and comments.

[wisecrack]

For 2k more I would go for the new Scott speedster S20. Full 105 components and the alloy frame is light and stiff for the price range. 

[wannabearacer]

Ok thanks, can you tell me the use of compact and normal gear ratios etc, heard them being spoken about but have no idea wot its about

[Racer X]

Correct me if I am wrong but a compact drivetrain uses a crankset with smaller rings, the exact sizes escape me. Normal ratio drivetrains use a standard 39 - 53 set up at the front.

[wannabearacer]

ok cool thanks

[Iwan Kemp]

Std: 53/39

Compact: 50/34

 

A compact will make climbing easier. Teamed up wit the right cassette (12-25) you'll have a great combo of high speed and climbing gears. But if you're strong and fit a standard crank will do.

[wannabearacer]

ok im pretty fit but i still have a long way to go, will ask the lbs if i can test both set ups

[Nunsie]

Hi There,

 

Just a thought?

Look around for something pre owned as your value for money is much greater.Dont be in a hurry to buy there are good deals out there but you need to be patient. Try to find out exactly what size frame you need by getting an expert opinion at a bike shop. 3 things to remember which are probably the most important in road riding. Frame,Wheel set and seat!

 

Good luck

Clyde

[wannabearacer]

thank you very much that is great advice, still need to get to the lbs but wanted some info/advice before i went in.

[Iwan Kemp]

There are a couple of brands to look at and consider in that preice range that reprsent good value for money and good brand value.

 

Felt  (And my personal favourite!)

Merida

Silverback

 

There are other great bikes out there, but the three mentioned usually have the best parts pick for the money. All three have great local back up and service. Of the three Felt and Merida has the best brand value and should be fairly easy to sell come upgrade time.

 

Or buy the Parlee I have advertised on here!

 

[wannabearacer]

what about the scott bikes i see they have been suggested and they have a new agency providing them

[Minion]

 

Teamed up wit the right cassette (12-25)

Shouldn't that be an 11-23 cassette with a compact crank?

 

In the 10k price range, the Merida 904 is a good bike.

You could also look at the Silverback range of bikes. Being a local brand means that they can offer slightly better components at similar pricepoint to other brands.

 

[Speedi]

go for a second hand bike! you can get much more for less

[Iwan Kemp]

Scott make great bikes but the lower end ones are over-priced compared to Merida, Silverback and Felt

[racman]

For an extra 3k you could buy my BMC SL01 with Campag Centaur etc also advertised a while ago but still available.

[wannabearacer]

Hi this is just to get it back on the recently active list