The best everyday today bike for £750?

JoShY,.<>

So, I'm looking for a road bike to use everyday (50 KM). I d'ont want to pay anymore than £750 as my total budget is just over £1000 - £about £250 for accessories.

You suggestion on the best road bike and accessories would be very helpful and are welcomed.

Many thanks,
- JoShY,,.

Answer
You can get a good bike for that amount, 250 quid sounds like a lot for accessories. You want a bike from a bike shop fit is everything. Get a basic cyclocomputer, water bottles, under saddle bag for a tool kit with patches and tire levers. Spare tube and frame pump. Get a good HIGH pressure ( 160 psi ) floor pump for home. Toe clips are fine to start out with. Get a decent helmet, even the cheaper cycling shorts and jerseys are great. I would buy the accessories on line to save money.

http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductlist?gfpagetype=subcategory&gfid=892

Entry Level Road Bike?

footlongto

I am looking at trying to get an entry level road bike that I can grow into the sport with. I am trying to find a bike around the $500 range that I am not going to have to replace in the near future. Additionally, I live near lots of hills and been told to look for a bike with Shimano shifters. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bike?

Answer
1 - Understand the most important things on a new road bike are
-1 Fit - 2 Frame material - 3 components - in that order.
For $500 bucks you can get an entry level bike that can take you many miles.
Don't forget to budget or plan for things that may not come with the bike - Water bottles and cages, helmet, cycling clithes, cyclo computer & pedal/shoes.

1 -Check out the following sites for info
http://www.rei.com/learn/Cycling?cm_re=toc*toc*expert_advice&vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clfitf.jsp
& this article specifically
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-15079-1,00.html

2 - Check out some bikes online
www.bikesdirect.com - online only some shops in TX.
www.performancebike.com -they have local shops in some cities
www.rei.com - local and online shop.

3- Then go to a couple local bike only shops - pick one you like the best (and who can really fit you to the bike) and take their reccomendation if they have a bike you like. If all they do when fittign you to the bike is have you stand over it, then go to a different shop. THey should put it on a trainer and have you pedal....and spend some time with you.
Or buy online if you feel comfortable putting it together....and fitting yourself.

For Frame material - Aluminum or steel will be your choice. Maybe a CF fork - but Carbon Fiber frame or CF seat stays will be more than $500. Steell will feel smoother....MErcier from www.bikesdirect are steel & Jamis makes steel bikes too & I think performance bike has some steel ones too. Aluminum just feels rough but this can be a personal choice.
Frame geometries will be different....aggresive for racing...or compact frame for a more relaxed riding (sloped top tube) - this will come down to personal preference too.
Components - Look for Tiagra at a minimum (not SORA), 105 if you can get them. Don;t be afraid to spend just a buit more....the difference in a 500 and 600 bike can be big.
Or you can consider used - call bike shops in your area to see who sells used. Or take a chance on ebay - study fit first. An 5-8 yr old bike for 300-400 bucks one EBAY would be a good starting place and would be better than a 500 bke now. That;s what I did I got a $900 bike for just over 300 used still riding it 2yrs later - no plans to change. BUt you have to study up on fit to fit yourself - not that hard.

When you get your bike - here's some basic info in Skills for a beginner.
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clskillsf.jsp
ANd join a local bike club to ride with too they will keep you in the sport.

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The best everyday today bike for £750?

JoShY,.<>

So, I'm looking for a road bike to use everyday (50 KM). I d'ont want to pay anymore than £750 as my total budget is just over £1000 - £about £250 for accessories.

You suggestion on the best road bike and accessories would be very helpful and are welcomed.

Many thanks,
- JoShY,,.

Answer
You can get a good bike for that amount, 250 quid sounds like a lot for accessories. You want a bike from a bike shop fit is everything. Get a basic cyclocomputer, water bottles, under saddle bag for a tool kit with patches and tire levers. Spare tube and frame pump. Get a good HIGH pressure ( 160 psi ) floor pump for home. Toe clips are fine to start out with. Get a decent helmet, even the cheaper cycling shorts and jerseys are great. I would buy the accessories on line to save money.

http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductlist?gfpagetype=subcategory&gfid=892

Entry Level Road Bike?

footlongto

I am looking at trying to get an entry level road bike that I can grow into the sport with. I am trying to find a bike around the $500 range that I am not going to have to replace in the near future. Additionally, I live near lots of hills and been told to look for a bike with Shimano shifters. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good bike?

Answer
1 - Understand the most important things on a new road bike are
-1 Fit - 2 Frame material - 3 components - in that order.
For $500 bucks you can get an entry level bike that can take you many miles.
Don't forget to budget or plan for things that may not come with the bike - Water bottles and cages, helmet, cycling clithes, cyclo computer & pedal/shoes.

1 -Check out the following sites for info
http://www.rei.com/learn/Cycling?cm_re=toc*toc*expert_advice&vcat=REI_SSHP_CYCLING_TOC
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clfitf.jsp
& this article specifically
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,s1-3-12-15079-1,00.html

2 - Check out some bikes online
www.bikesdirect.com - online only some shops in TX.
www.performancebike.com -they have local shops in some cities
www.rei.com - local and online shop.

3- Then go to a couple local bike only shops - pick one you like the best (and who can really fit you to the bike) and take their reccomendation if they have a bike you like. If all they do when fittign you to the bike is have you stand over it, then go to a different shop. THey should put it on a trainer and have you pedal....and spend some time with you.
Or buy online if you feel comfortable putting it together....and fitting yourself.

For Frame material - Aluminum or steel will be your choice. Maybe a CF fork - but Carbon Fiber frame or CF seat stays will be more than $500. Steell will feel smoother....MErcier from www.bikesdirect are steel & Jamis makes steel bikes too & I think performance bike has some steel ones too. Aluminum just feels rough but this can be a personal choice.
Frame geometries will be different....aggresive for racing...or compact frame for a more relaxed riding (sloped top tube) - this will come down to personal preference too.
Components - Look for Tiagra at a minimum (not SORA), 105 if you can get them. Don;t be afraid to spend just a buit more....the difference in a 500 and 600 bike can be big.
Or you can consider used - call bike shops in your area to see who sells used. Or take a chance on ebay - study fit first. An 5-8 yr old bike for 300-400 bucks one EBAY would be a good starting place and would be better than a 500 bke now. That;s what I did I got a $900 bike for just over 300 used still riding it 2yrs later - no plans to change. BUt you have to study up on fit to fit yourself - not that hard.

When you get your bike - here's some basic info in Skills for a beginner.
http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Cycling&url=rei/learn/cycle/clskillsf.jsp
ANd join a local bike club to ride with too they will keep you in the sport.

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Looking to buy a new road bike helmet?

horsemoney

I just got a new road bike and looking to buy a new helmet. The one I have now is more for moutain biking and find that it gets heavy while riding more than a couple of hours. I'm looking to do 60 to 100 mile rides and want to find a good light helmet that works well for road bikes. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

Answer
Horse

Yes! Look by trying on the different companies helmets first. It seems every company makes helmets tha work best for one shaped head... And not the others. There are some companies helmets I cannot wear. They hurt just to put them on. My head works great with Giro.

So,try on the various companies and get the one that feels the best. What you get for more money is more exotic materials, beet and more air vents, and better suspension systems. But I think mist of the true benefits stop after around $100!

Soccerref

road bike helmet chin attachment?

Theory

I am looking for a chin guard that can protect the chin in the event of a chin first landing so my chin does not get cut up and requiring stitches (happened 3 times before). It should not interfere with the helmet. It should be able to slide to dissipate energy instead of grab and cause more damage.

Answer
There are no chin guards made that will work with a road helmet. Your experience of falling 3 times chin first is very unusual, falling that way is pretty rare on the road. It may never happen again.

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Is there a road bike helmet that I can change the size of from Small to Medium?

best looking road bike helmets image

Biggie

I am looking for a helmet for passengers that is possible to change the size of by changing the inner padding thickness for my motorcycle passengers; Does one exist?
I didn't say one size fits XXS to XXL, I said one that can change to the next size up..
So if it exists, what is the brand and model that uses the same shell size for both small and medium helmets?

Answer
It's not a great idea. But it would be easier to have one that fits a medium head and you can add padding for a small head.

Otherwise, you're going to be removing padding and that makes the helmet worthless.

Still not recommended.

I am looking into buying a new road bike?

Q. I use to have an entry level Trek and loved it. I am looking to upgrade a bit but don't want to spend more than 2000.00. I heard that Giant makes great road bikes for woman. Any suggestions? I am training for a triathlon in 2013 and need a good bike to train with. Thanks!

Answer
If you liked trek, by all means get another! But since you want to do Triathlons, make sure you get aerobars (and even an aero helmet if you want). The main thing about the bike is that fit is key, especially in the aeroposition with aerobars.

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Is there a road bike helmet that I can change the size of from Small to Medium?

best looking road bike helmets image

Biggie

I am looking for a helmet for passengers that is possible to change the size of by changing the inner padding thickness for my motorcycle passengers; Does one exist?
I didn't say one size fits XXS to XXL, I said one that can change to the next size up..
So if it exists, what is the brand and model that uses the same shell size for both small and medium helmets?

Answer
It's not a great idea. But it would be easier to have one that fits a medium head and you can add padding for a small head.

Otherwise, you're going to be removing padding and that makes the helmet worthless.

Still not recommended.

I am looking into buying a new road bike?

Q. I use to have an entry level Trek and loved it. I am looking to upgrade a bit but don't want to spend more than 2000.00. I heard that Giant makes great road bikes for woman. Any suggestions? I am training for a triathlon in 2013 and need a good bike to train with. Thanks!

Answer
If you liked trek, by all means get another! But since you want to do Triathlons, make sure you get aerobars (and even an aero helmet if you want). The main thing about the bike is that fit is key, especially in the aeroposition with aerobars.

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Is it necessary to wear a bike helmet when commuting to work?

best looking road bike helmets image

Tks O

In addition, I only ever ride my bicycle on the pavement/side walk shared by pedestrians; the only time I go on the road is when cross the lights for pedestrians.

Is it really necessary for commuters to wear a bike helmet. I just find it unnecessary to wear helmets on the street because the chances of collision and injury are a lot less than on the road, and I question the compulsory bike helmet laws.

If wearing helmets is mandatory, why don't we make the inclusion of airbags mandatory for all cars as well then?

Answer
Even when I ride on the sidewalk, which is illegal where I live, I have close calls when people are backing out of driveways and such. Not to mention the people that are getting out of their house I almost hit.

http://bicyclesafe.com/
"The Crosswalk Slam

You're riding on the sidewalk and cross the street at a crosswalk, and a car makes a right turn, right into you. Cars aren't expecting bikes in the crosswalk, so you have to be very careful to avoid this one. This collision is so common we've lost track of the number of people who've told us they were hit this way, such as Ray John Ray. One study showed that sidewalk-riding was twice as dangerous as road riding, and another study said it's even more dangerous than that.

How to avoid this collision:

1. Get a headlight. If you're riding at night, you should absolutely use a front headlight. It's required by law, anyway.

2. Slow down. Slow down enough that you're able to completely stop if necessary.

3. Don't ride on the sidewalk in the first place. Crossing between sidewalks can be a fairly dangerous maneuver. If you do it on the left-hand side of the street, you risk getting slammed as per the diagram. If you do it on the right-hand side of the street, you risk getting slammed by a car behind you that's turning right. You also risk getting hit by cars pulling out of parking lots or driveways. These kinds of accidents are hard to avoid, which is a compelling reason to not ride on the sidewalk in the first place.

And another reason not to ride on the sidewalk is that you're threatening to pedestrians. Your bike is as threatening to a pedestrian as a car is threatening to you. Finally, riding on the sidewalk is illegal in some places. (In Austin, those places are the Drag, and downtown on 6th St. and on Congress). If you do plan on riding on sidewalks, do it slowly and EXTRA carefully, ESPECIALLY when crossing the street between two sidewalks."

"1. Don't ride on the sidewalk. When you come off the sidewalk to cross the street you're invisible to motorists. You're just begging to be hit if you do this. Keith Vick was killed this way in Austin, TX in Dec. 2002."
~~~~~
"Contrary to popular belief, you increase your chances of getting hit by car when riding your bike on the sidewalk. I know you may find it hard to believe but its true.

While riding in the street is more intimidating, it places you in a position that makes you more visible to the motorist. Usually people will ride on the sidewalk because they want to stay away from cars or they ride against traffic in the street because they are afraid of being hit from behind: they "want to see the cars coming at me". Crashes on sidewalks comprise close to fifty percent of all crash types. They are more common because every driveway forms an intersection and, if you went to driving school you may remember, that most crashes happen at intersections. In traffic engineering jargon where two vehicles cross paths is referred to as a conflict point and traffic engineers work very hard at reducing or eliminating conflict points.

Essentially every driveway that crosses the sidewalk forms a conflict point. Couple this with motorists not stopping at the sidewalk before entering the street and looking at traffic in the street not for bicyclists on the sidewalk and you have recipe for a crash. By cycling in the street you completely avoid these conflict points. The motorist stops before entering the street and is looking where you will be before they cross your path. While these crashes are usually not fatal, they can easily result in an incapacitating injury especially if you are not wearing a helmet. In my expert witness practice, the majority of sidewalk related crashes I've been involved with the rider was not wearing a helmet and usually result in brain injury"- http://ezinearticles.com/?Bicycle-Safety---The-Problems-With-Sidewalk-Riding-and-Against-the-Flow-of-Traffic&id=1857311

What is the best equipment to use while riding a road bike?

metalfreak

I am starting to ride a road bike, but I want to start training while using the right equipment. I don't have a lot of money to spend on it but I have the bike and I just need to know the basics.

Answer
I've been road biking for like 3 years and to tell you truth to this day I ride in jeans or whatever I have on. I've gone 50 mile rides in a pair of jeans. I use toe clips not shoes yet because It's not a priority of mine to go out and buy them. Obviously water bottle cages. Two of them are the best idea. Helmets are a great idea because on certain hills you can hit 40. I hit 46 once on a windy day and my bike being super light felt like it was going to get airborne. I actually had to hold on for dear life. Pack a small backpack for long treks. Other than that stuff, the other flashy garb is all a preference. If you want too look like you're riding Le Tour then go out and buy yourself some jerseys and spandex. Make sure you have a thin but comfortable seat, and I wouldn't start trying to make super-sharp Lance Armstrong turns too early or you'll crash bad. Anything else is up to you. Hope this helps.

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Is there a road bike helmet that I can change the size of from Small to Medium?

best looking road bike helmets image

Biggie

I am looking for a helmet for passengers that is possible to change the size of by changing the inner padding thickness for my motorcycle passengers; Does one exist?
I didn't say one size fits XXS to XXL, I said one that can change to the next size up..
So if it exists, what is the brand and model that uses the same shell size for both small and medium helmets?

Answer
It's not a great idea. But it would be easier to have one that fits a medium head and you can add padding for a small head.

Otherwise, you're going to be removing padding and that makes the helmet worthless.

Still not recommended.

I am looking into buying a new road bike?

Q. I use to have an entry level Trek and loved it. I am looking to upgrade a bit but don't want to spend more than 2000.00. I heard that Giant makes great road bikes for woman. Any suggestions? I am training for a triathlon in 2013 and need a good bike to train with. Thanks!

Answer
If you liked trek, by all means get another! But since you want to do Triathlons, make sure you get aerobars (and even an aero helmet if you want). The main thing about the bike is that fit is key, especially in the aeroposition with aerobars.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

I am looking into buying a new road bike?

best looking road bike helmets image

Q. I use to have an entry level Trek and loved it. I am looking to upgrade a bit but don't want to spend more than 2000.00. I heard that Giant makes great road bikes for woman. Any suggestions? I am training for a triathlon in 2013 and need a good bike to train with. Thanks!

Answer
If you liked trek, by all means get another! But since you want to do Triathlons, make sure you get aerobars (and even an aero helmet if you want). The main thing about the bike is that fit is key, especially in the aeroposition with aerobars.

how do you switch gears on new road bikes?

frenchie

I got about $1,200 ready to buy a bike. I plan on getting a Specialized Allez 2009, but I'm not sure what to look for. Can I do 90 miles with that bike? Is there a better option? How do you switch the gears when riding with a road bike? The guy showed me and apparently you move the brake to the right to switch it. I'm not sure. What accesories are vital to cycling? Thanks.

Answer
You can ride many miles on that bike. All of the road bikes will shift to the larger sprocket by pushing in on the brake Lever and will shift to the smaller ones by the lever just behind the brake or on the Sora shifters and below will shift using a lever at your thumb. You want the regular gear like a helmet, cycling shorts, jersey, water bottle etc. The most important thing to get is a good mirror for your glasses or one that attaches to your helmet. It's much harder to turn around and look behind you on a road bike.

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