first road bike?

[lihp]

Fancy a road bike, but have no clue what anything is.

here's a list some bikes I have looked at.

Carrera Zelos (cheap)
https://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_888017_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Claud Butler Criterium (I like the wheels)
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/criterium-2013-road-bike-ec049013

Norco Valence (I like the frame)
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/norco/valence-a4-2013-road-bike-ec041247

Claud Butler Echelon (What makes this worth more than the Criterium?)
https://www.evanscycles.com/products/claud-butler/echelon-2013-road-bike-ec049015

Triban3 (Seems to be well liked, but I really don't like the inhouse branding of everything)
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

It seems a bit of a minefield, I assume with better performance comes a ride that is more difficult? If so, I am looking for a balance, usable, but decent quality.

Is there a set list of reputable brands that is ok to buy anything from? Or do all brands make something that's a bit garbage?
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[JonB]

The B-Twin is best value.

The Claud Butler Echelon is the best of the rest.

Basically what comes into valuing a road bike at that level are the following: -

"Groupset" - Your gears, brakes and finishing kit basically. STI levers make shifting much more enjoyable and natural where you don't need to take your hands off the hoods to change gear. The B-Twin and Echolon both have Shimano 2300 8 speed running gear which is basic, but sufficient.

"Fork Material" - The BTwin and Echelon have a carbon fibre fork, which will absorb road buzz and make the ride more comfortable. Also is a lot lighter than alloy so a small weight benefit.

All of the frames bar one are made of alloy, though a steel frame is more comfortable.

Other than that go for whichever is prettiest the wheels will be heavy regardless of the bike at that price point.

As for brands when it comes to alloy they are probably all made in the same factory and then shipped out with a different name so it makes no difference and at that price point it doesn't matter.

Oh and the Halfords link wasn't working so I couldn't look at that one.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[JonB]

Quick look on Wiggle finds this: -

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f95-sora-wiggle-exclusive/

£399 for an alloy frame that looks good, full monocoque carbon fork and you are upgraded to Shimano Sora 9spd groupset throughout. Felt are a very well known brand in cycling circles.
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[lihp]

Nice find, definitely a good looking bike, and seems similar to other things that cost more I have looked at.
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[haroman666]

If it was me, i'd be going for a 2nd hander with decent groupset and decent wheels.

Look on Ebay. Loads of decent bikes going for less than they're worth.

I'd personally be looking at Trek, Scott, Giant, Charge, Specialized, Ibis, Lapierre to name a few.

And i'd be avoiding Dawes, Raleigh, Probike, Saracen, and most bikes in Halfords...

The only thing to consider I guess is that if you buy 2nd hand and you need to buy Chain/Cassette or anything else and you want to match what's already on the bike; it's going to cost more.
____________________
The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[lihp]

How is this?

Also, this?



https://wiggle.britishcycling.org.uk/mekk-pinerolo-al-zr-2013/



The mekk, if I buy the british cycling membership gives a 12% discount so only £361 + £28 membership, so essentially, £390 for the bike and british cycling membership, with which the discounts would be useful as I will be buying quite a bit to start with, and the 3rd party insurance.
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[Frost]

Evans cycles are total shit, buy nothing from them.

[Drew]

[lihp]

In that case I prefer the felt, and it may be on order when I get paid on Thursday as a reward for buying all the Christmas gifts early
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[Drew]

If you use quidco you can get an extra 2% cashback.

Plus if you know someone who uses wiggle (if it is your first time using wiggle) get them to recommend you and you get some free sunglasses (and they get some money too)
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/refermyfriends/ReferralForm

[lihp]

anybody use wiggle want to refer?
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[Drew]

I can if you wish, if you pm email address sometime, but if somebody else wants to, I don't mind

[lihp]

Sent, you'll be getting a £40+ voucher in the next few weeks then
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[Drew]

I'll not complain, there is always something to buy at Wiggle

ps, I too have a Felt, but the Z95 rather than the F95.

[lihp]

Today, this arrived

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1477725_10153499951860324_1844332192_n.jpg

Enjoy your voucher
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[Drew]

Bloody hell, that was quick. Thought they usually took around 7 - 10 days.

Just logged in to Wiggle, and have £39.98 to spend

Did the glasses come with it too?

btw, this is just the start of the spending, as most in here would agree. There are so many things you 'need' when you don't really

[lihp]

Yes, glasses came too, which are suprisingly decent.
____________________
covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[JonB]

I found the bike!!!

I declare stolen referral!!!
____________________
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[D O G]

I did think that too, Jon, you've been had.

That'll teach you to have a life outside of BCF!