Any cyclists on here?

[bluebirds over.......]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.

[Saracen]

At that price point the only bike worth considering is the BTwin Triban 3. Read the reviews and you'll see why.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/btwin-trib an-3-299-99 (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/btwin-triban-3-299-99)

[Blue O]

I'd get a new one if I were you. I've got a Carrera TDF which does a job, but really do want to upgrade it now. Carrera have a bad rep but for a budget road bike they are pretty good and will be a lot better than your late 80's bike.

[Blue O]

At that price point the only bike worth considering is the BTwin Triban 3. Read the reviews and you'll see why.I was going to say check out the B'Twin bikes on decathlon as well, as they do some good budget bikes.

[Saracen]

I've heard such good things about them that I'm considering buying one myself. I presently do 30 miles a day of commuting and am reliably informed that this will handle it easily.

[bluebirds over.......]

At that price point the only bike worth considering is the BTwin Triban 3. Read the reviews and you'll see why.It does look a good value bike http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/thumbup.gif

[Bucksbluebird]

Where's Splott David when you need him! http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/smiley.gif

[Otis]

Whatever you do, just don't ride on the pavement or the road. Please and thank you.

[bluebirds over.......]

I'd get a new one if I were you. I've got a Carrera TDF which does a job, but really do want to upgrade it now. Carrera have a bad rep but for a budget road bike they are pretty good and will be a lot better than your late 80's bike.This is what i was thinking, although the Dawes Impulse was a very good bike when i bought it years ago it now looks dated in design to what you get these days but my main concern is would i be making life more difficult by sticking with it.

[stevie macs red foot]

I enetered that event too! So eagerly awaiting the chance to check my emails when i finish work.

Carrera TDF can't go wrong with them. But have a gander at building your bike on the ribble website. you'll be pleasently surprised at just how much you can get for your dosh. That's what I have done for my bike!

[Jimmy the Jock]

buy a new bike. Second hand bikes can look shiny and new but have done thousands of miles.Bikes need fixing after lots of miles.
I am amazed at this £300 road bike but I guess if it does the job it does the job.
I was told you should be spending £1000 on a road bike to start off with, I spent double that and still get problems with my specialized.
It would be interesting to hear how the £300 bike does with a bit of use.
That said
I have a £500 boardman that has done thousands and thousands of miles with very little trouble so money isn't everything.

Where's Splott David when you need him! http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/smiley.gif That shot to his arse finished him off. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/sad.gif

[Daibach]

[The Bloop]

Before deciding what to buy youll need to decide what your budget is. Most bikes these days dont come with pedals so youll also have to factor in getting those and other stuff aswell.
Once you know your budget then have a look around. Bikeradar and cycling weekly do decent reviews on different budgets

Ps im a cheapskate and bought a Carrera from Halfords but will prob upgrade in a couple of years time.

[The Penguin]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.Good luck, and pay more if you can.

[bluebirds over.......]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.Thanks for the advice. I quite fancy the look on The Boardman Road Sport it's rrp is around £500 but Halfords have a offer at present at £300.I know weight is important but £1000 plus is out of my current budget and i don't really want second hand, i'm just looking for a good hill climber and one i can use after the event without the fear of coming out of a shop and find it minus the wheels, there is some beautiful looking bikes out there though and it's a lot better choice than years ago.

How do you find out what size frame you need?

[Penarth Blues]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.
The thing is, if you enjoy the ride you will want more, and you will then look to get another bike - believe me, you will, everyone does.Are you in work? Does your employer participate in the C2W scheme? You can really spread the cost out of the bike plus get tax relief on it. Excellent way to get a much better bike.

[The Penguin]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.
The thing is, if you enjoy the ride you will want more, and you will then look to get another bike - believe me, you will, everyone does.Eat a decent brekkie ( I do porridge 2 bananas and a couple of hot sweet coffees ) over an hour before you start, but you can start eating and drinking as soon as you start riding. Eat eat eat and always eat on the flat bits when you're not under stress. It's hard to eat when you're getting fatigued or going up hills so get it down your neck when it's easier. Eat eat eat eat.........if you don't, when you get the 'knock' you will feel like death itself http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif

[Blue O]

I don't really agree with Penguin, while he's right in saying that for road bikes sub £300 won't get you much. Not everyone can afford £1000+ for a bike. Everyone goes on about weight of the bike, but if you can shift half a stone off your belly first you've saved quite a bit of money.

There are some decent budget bikes out there for a beginner bike, if you can't afford too much don't stretch yourself.

[dave jones attacking sub]

Before deciding what to buy youll need to decide what your budget is. Most bikes these days dont come with pedals so youll also have to factor in getting those and other stuff aswell.First i read about that pilot being killed, but now this. Whats the world coming to when you have to factor in the price of pedals for your pushbike.

[bluebirds over.......]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.
The thing is, if you enjoy the ride you will want more, and you will then look to get another bike - believe me, you will, everyone does.
My winter bike is a Felt and cost £1500 7 years ago and its got Dura Ace groupset and even today still rides like a dream although i only use it in the shit months as ive got a nicer ride for the good weather.Would'nt the food sit heavy in your stomach though?I'm used to distance running so a heavy stomach plays havoc.Different beast i suppose but one worth getting right,hats off to Ironman triathletes it must be hard work getting it right.

[Jimmy the Jock]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.
The thing is, if you enjoy the ride you will want more, and you will then look to get another bike - believe me, you will, everyone does.Boardman bikes are great, one thing you must never forget.Its fine to take things out of Halfords but dont take them back......... for service or repair.

[gandalf1927]

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Ridgeback-Flight-01-2014-Hybrid-Spor ts-Bike_67831.htm (http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Ridgeback-Flight-01-2014-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_67831.htm)

I bought this for commuting back and fore work, 10 mile each way and i find it superb. Not had a grand plus bike so don't really know how it would compare to those or how it would go on a hundred mile ride. I'd recommend it on you'r budget though

[The Penguin]

I'm looking for a new challenge and have just received a place in the Prudential London 100 and i'm looking for a road bike that would be suitable to tackle those Surrey hills, i'm out of touch with the modern bikes and would be grateful for good advice on what mid range price bike would be good value for commuting and long distance, i have a old (late 80's) Dawes Impulse racing bike in the shed i used years ago and am wondering whether it's worth dusting off or buy a new one, are they a lot better these days? Halfords have a Carrera cyclocross on offer at £250 which claims to be good on the hills, any sound advice appreciated.
At £250 its going to be as heavy as a ****ing truck. If i was you and really wanted a leg up for such an event i would shop around and get a second hand bike and look to pay more. A lad i know just started road cycling with me and got a Kuota Kharma for £700 from a bike shop second hand.
The thing is, if you enjoy the ride you will want more, and you will then look to get another bike - believe me, you will, everyone does.
My winter bike is a Felt and cost £1500 7 years ago and its got Dura Ace groupset and even today still rides like a dream although i only use it in the shit months as ive got a nicer ride for the good weather.
My advice is this, if you can, pay more, and dont discount second hand bikes. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif

[The Penguin]

I don't really agree with Penguin, while he's right in saying that for road bikes sub £300 won't get you much. Not everyone can afford £1000+ for a bike. Everyone goes on about weight of the bike, but if you can shift half a stone off your belly first you've saved quite a bit of money. http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif

[gagsy_mc]

Check this out as a way of reducing cost http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/

[Jimmy the Jock]

I don't really agree with Penguin, while he's right in saying that for road bikes sub £300 won't get you much. Not everyone can afford £1000+ for a bike. Everyone goes on about weight of the bike, but if you can shift half a stone off your belly first you've saved quite a bit of money.
There are some decent budget bikes out there for a beginner bike, if you can't afford too much don't stretch yourself.r Does your wife have a sharp enough knife?

[Jimmy the Jock]

How do you find out what size frame you need?they have an option to size their bikes which will give you an idea of the size of frame you require.

[bluebirds over.......]

I don't really agree with Penguin, while he's right in saying that for road bikes sub £300 won't get you much. Not everyone can afford £1000+ for a bike. Everyone goes on about weight of the bike, but if you can shift half a stone off your belly first you've saved quite a bit of money.
There are some decent budget bikes out there for a beginner bike, if you can't afford too much don't stretch yourself.r
I get your point money-wise but if you lose half a stone off your belly and half a stone off the bike that is 7 bags of sugar you would otherwise be carrying up the hill. Lots of people go spinning and love it but in reality its nothing like riding a bike. Youre not carrying the bike anywhere and youve got no wind resistance.Twelve grand for a bike http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/hehe.gif Expensive hobby this bike lark my £300 quid budget would'nt get a tidy pair of pedal straps on that price range.

[The Penguin]

dont know if this works but this is it, the dream bike, £12000

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=de+rosa+protos&tbm=isch&imgil=wJVbL9h9-Q67yM%253A%253BXjHAjXWRCHriVM%253Bhttp%25253A%2525 2F%25252Fwww.euride.com.au%25252Fbikes%25252Froad% 25252Fde-rosa-protos&source=iu&pf=m&fir=wJVbL9h9-Q67yM%253A%252CXjHAjXWRCHriVM%252C_&usg=__gLi_ncEh7C2PQR3d0frcY-cEv9g%3D&biw=1366&bih=608&ved=0CEsQyjc&ei=8qfTVKqkCMLl7gbCkYG4Bg#imgdii=_&imgrc=Wfh-1CpmFZgZ0M%253A%3BBbdqmub59vZ-IM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcdn.cyclist.sanspo.com%252 Fphotos%252F2012%252F10%252F10-11-600x399.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcyclist.sanspo.co m%252F28642%3B600%3B399

[The Penguin]

http://http://cyclist.sanspo.com/28642


bollox, i cant sort the image out.... http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/sherlock.gif

[ragbone]

Whatever you do, just don't ride on the pavement or the road. Please and thank you. Please try not overtake on the inside as I may not see you, or jump red lights , or scoot through pedestrian crossing whilst people are crossing , ride through town center paved areas , use excessive speeds on walk ways or paths