Road Bike

[Charles M]

Hi

 

I currently own a Giam Antem X3 2010 and want to purchase a second hand road bike of similar spec - unfortunately my knowledge of road bikes is limited. Does anyone have any advice for me on the following:

 

1. Is it worth buying a second hand road bike for arround R6000

2. What should I be looking out for - to avoid and also what is worthwhile?

3. How much faster is a road bike on road? I used my friends 3yr old Trek and it flew - I recon I can go 30% faster. Is this normal or was I having a good day. I can average 33km/h on my Giant X3 on a flat tar road but seem to go way faster on the road bike.

 

If anyone has a good condition road bike for sale that you think will suit me please let me know.

 

Thanks

[Starvin' Marvin]

First off how tall are you? Road bikes are much much faster than mtbs.

[Cyclewizz]

I'm a roadie so won't be able to give you real life experience but I can tell you that a road bike on the road is MUCH faster than a MTB on a road.

 

Why do you want a road bike ?

Cross training or you just want to go faster ?

 

First thing you'll need to figure out is what size bike you need.

Then you can decide if you want 9 or 10 or 11 speed, for R6000 you should be able to pick up a 10 speed bike.

[Charles M]

I'm 1.83m - from Durban so would like to buy where I can view the bike

[fandacious]

I'm 1.83m - from Durban so would like to buy where I can view the bike

 

1.83m from durban? thats pretty close to durban then

[Charles M]

I have set a goal to do the Ama-Shova, 94.7 and the Cape Argus and want to thrash my buddies so need any extra speed over what my Giant Anthem X3 will give. It seem from your comments that a road bike is the way faster so I just need advice on what to buy for arround R6000

[Charles M]

1.83m from durban? thats pretty close to durban then

Ha Ha.... I was obviously replying on my height. At least you made me laugh.

[fandacious]

Ha Ha.... I was obviously replying on my height. At least you made me laugh.

 

yeah dont pay me too much mind - its a slow afternoon

[Charles M]

I'm coming to durban for the Shova. Will bring it with if you're keen.

Thanks - I would like to get a bike sooner so I can get use to it before the race. I'll let you know if I dont find something locally.

[Dicky DQ]

1.83m So a medium I presume, but the roadies will let you know, just remember there are many other factors - Stem length, crank length, top tube length etc. but medium should do. Or a large if you want to stretch.

[David Marshall]

R6000 won't get you a new bike but should get you a great second hand one - choice is yours but I would not go less than a bike with 10 speed 105 groupset and not more than 5 years old and obviously in good nick. You look like a medium should suit you but (to me) fit is important so I would get measured first - and then stick to your guns! No matter how good a too large or small frame looks - walk away. Good luck.

 

There was a link posted to a spreadsheet for estimating bike size and fit which was great but I can't find it now. Will PM it if I do.

[MyGT]

firstly, if your friends are riding mtb's for the amashove etc, and you want to race them with a road bike, thats not fair.

 

road bikes, then are more commonly sized as 54cm, 56cm etc. very rarely as small,medium or large. i think you would need a 56cm. i am 1.8 and i ride a 56cm gt road bike and a large gt mountain bike. but i suggest that you get yourself to a shop and get the sales guys to assist in determining the right size bike for you.

 

there is a thread on the hub that started recently discussing bike sizes etc. and there was a link to a website that assists with bikes sizes etc. see MTB Frame Size under Rant and Rave.

 

for your budget your can get a fairly decent bike on the hub, but dont go lower than shimano 105 spec.

 

just my 2c

[MaxUmis]

There is a Merida 906 in the for sale section.

I have one. Very lekker bikes. If I bought the one in the for sale I would upgrade the wheels to something like Easton ea70 or Mavic Ksyrium elites.

That setup can easily carry you into the early starting bunches.

 

At 1.83m I would say you need at least a 56cm or "large" frame. I'm 1.8m tall and on a large (57cm - 59cm center to top)

[SL7]

Yes agree you could ride a 56cm bike top tube, but depends on your legs to torso ratio - solution: get measured at a bike shop.

 

10 speed, 105 shimano at least.

 

Enjoy road biking, watch out for taxis and cars that drive like taxis.