Road bike advice

[TJC]

Hi all,

I’ve never had a road bike, only low-end mountain bikes. I’ve signed up to do a charity ride in June, which is over 150 miles split over two days.

Obviously my heavy mountain bike is not suitable for this, so I’m looking for suggestions of what would be good to look for. I’m on a limited budget (£200, maybe more if it worth it), so I’m looking at used bikes mainly.

I missed out on a Trek 1.2 for £150 today which seemed like a good deal. Are there any other specific models to look out for that are achievable with my budget?

Thanks.

[peetee]

Where is the event and how fit are you?

[simonhill]

At that price you'll just have to grab whatever comes up.

I'd be more concerned about condition, etc than actual make or model. You may be lucky, but you will have to very careful or you'll end up spending that++ to make it safe and serviceable. Unfortunately, I'm guessing you are a bit pressed for time

75 x2 is fair riding. Do you have any experience of doing those distances. A good bike will help, but you still need to be pretty fit and bike tuned.

When is the ride?

[TJC]

Where is the event and how fit are you?

Norfolk. I’m reasonably fit, though I haven’t been cycling regularly for a while so getting back into it.

[TJC]

At that price you'll just have to grab whatever comes up.

I'd be more concerned about condition, etc than actual make or model. You may be lucky, but you will have to very careful or you'll end up spending that++ to make it safe and serviceable. Unfortunately, I'm guessing you are a bit pressed for time

75 x2 is fair riding. Do you have any experience of doing those distances. A good bike will help, but you still need to be pretty fit and bike tuned.

When is the ride?

It is in June. Not particularly in a rush but I’d like to get something I can start practicing on sooner rather than later. I’m not too bothered what make/model, but likewise don’t want to end up buying something that is heavy for a road bike with poor components so just looking at brands I’ve heard off currently.

I did 30 miles recently which was quite hard going. But I’ve only got my 17-18kg low geared mountain bike currently. I think with something more suitable and regular practice it will become a lot easier.

[peetee]

I agree with Simonhill, condition is more important than high quality. That and comfort, if you are not used to the mileage.
Something like a Giant (brand) hybrid that has been used used only occasionally is a common offering in free ads.

[iandusud]

When you say your heavy mountain bike isn't suitable just how heavy is it? Can you tell us more about it. You might be surprised at what a difference just changing the tyres might make. 150 miles over two days is not a huge mileage if you have the appropriate fitness (not necessarily being a strong rider but one that is accustomed to riding for several hours at a time). Weight isn't a big an issue as many think. After all a touring bike with luggage would probably weigh a lot more than your mountain bike. More important is a bike that is comfortable, in good mechanical order, has suitably low gears (should be the case with a MTB), and the rider.

[TJC]

It’s just under 18kg. I hadn’t thought about changing the tyres. I can’t remember exactly what model it is. It’s a budget full suspension one that’s quite old.

[geomannie]

It’s just under 18kg. I hadn’t thought about changing the tyres. I can’t remember exactly what model it is. It’s a budget full suspension one that’s quite old.

If you have ridden 30 miles on a budget full suspension mountain bike & only found it "quite hard going", you have my respect. Almost anything without suspension will be a revelation. In respect of what kind of bike, most will do the job, but at your budget, I second the concerns about condition. Do you have a bike refurbishment charity near you? If so, that would be an excellent place to look.

Good luck

PS, maybe you are near https://bicyclelinks.org.uk/ on Norwich?

[Benz3ne]

I rode a BTwin Triban 500 prior to getting my 'Gravel' bike. It was fairly light and spritely and I'm pretty sure they come up fairly cheap.
My younger brother had it off me for £100 but I've seen them go only a little over that price on the marketplace.

[mumbojumbo]

Borrow a bike.

[cycleruk]

Something no one's mentioned yet is to get a bike that is the right size.
You need something that is reasonably comfortable as you are going to be sat on it for a good few hours.
On top of that you'll need something that is reliable and won't leave you stranded by the side of the road.
There are a lot of used bikes around and may be found on Ebay, Facebook and in the ad's on here etc.
Good luck with your search.

[Jamesh]

Spez allez,
Cannondale Caad8
Giant
Boardman etc

All good bikes.

Look for double butted tunes and carbon forks.
Sora / tiagra groupset.

Cheers James

[philvantwo]

The budget is £150 James.

[TrevA]

Best to go for 2nd hand for your budget. I bought a Specialized Allez Elite from Facebook Marketplace for £300 last year. Not had much use and about 4 years old. The owner had upgraded to an SWorks. My last 3 bikes have all been 2nd hand, 2 of them bought from the For Sale section of this forum, £175 Rockrider MTB and £325 Dawes Super Galaxy respectively.