So I'm looking for a road bike to use over the spring/summer. I don't plan on taking it off road so don't want suspension (although pot holes may be a hazard!), not even front shocks. It will be for getting around town, maybe to work or the rents 10 miles away. I'm not looking to pay huge amounts but want a relatively 'good' brand (marin, trek, middle of the road stuff). I don't mind looking for a second hand bike either.

Thanks in advance.

MartinB probs the best man to ask on here maybe about a roadie.

erm, just cus I'm on there and this is at the top, take a look, might be something usefull...

http://www.edition38.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=439339

Cheers Tobes.

I might add, I'm 6' 1" and pretty leggy. Having not been on a bike since I was a teenager, what size would people recommend?

cheers barry bottom, good read that,

I'm determined to get a road bike this weekend, sick of fixing my hybrid

I'd fully recommend second hand as you'll get alot more for your money

I have a cannondale love the road bike in the summer!

But its literally just a road bike skinny tyres etc so only has one use, plus it cost more than my polo

That's what I'm after. I can't run or play football anymore as I have an ongoing back condition, so need something lower impact, and I'll be buggered if I'm getting in the pool! I want something that I can just jump on and ride without having to drive to trails etc. I've had a bike with suspension, and although more versatile, I got sick of putting all my force into compressing the shocks when going up hill! I'm not fussed about skinny tyres as the intention is to get a good workout, so regular road tyres I'm sure would be fine.

Have several bikes at the mo. If you purely use it on the road a racer style bike would be the best, however with a back issue a hybrid may be better. Has a more upright riding position (a la mountain bike) but 700c wheels and more road orientated gears. Built one from a frame up and is much better than a mountain bike on slicks, and not much slower than a pure road bike for a similar price/spec. A Voodoo Marasa from Halfords is worth a look, a friend at work just bought one, and i'm very impressed on spec/quality/price

i also need to get a road bike tbh racer type I'm looking second hand and as cheap as possible just want it to get out and exercise my bad knee so i can get back on my bmx properly once my legs back upto strength

Well the skinny slick like tyres mean you can cruise at 20mph hills etc are so fun fastest I've dared to go is 45.

Doesn't sound like alot but I feels it trust me.

Only thing I'd worry about if you have back issues is just how rigid a road bike is there's absolutely not give atall so maybe best for you to look at cross country bikes? Then you can run bigger tyres and a nice front suspension set up

My hybrid, forks with approx 30mm travel if not locked (5mm if locked) gets generally used and abused on it's 28x700c slicks

What's the difference between road an hybrid? The back problem is more arthritis in the lower back/hip joint. It's brought on by high impact exercise more than shock/physic impact. If I'm going to get pain from cycling, it will be the movement of caused by pedalling rather than having an unforgiving ride. Thanks for the consideration though :-)

45mph sounds more than fast enough for me! I'm not looking for speed, just aerobic workout.

i've got a full road race Cinelli, i've clocked just over 70kph on it a few times, will quite happily sit at 30kph though.

Hybrid - way more upright riding position designed for comfort rather than efficiency. Look for a Specialized Sirrus, few model choices, decent spec for money, 28mm tyres bit more comfortable but slower - Sirrus is one of the sportier hybrids as long as you don't buy the cheapest one.

Race bikes with drop bars there are 2 types - sportif and race geometries. Sportif bikes have a more relaxed riding position and slightly wider 25mm tyres, mud guard mounts normally too.

Race geo bikes are more agressive - lower more stretched position for better handling and efficiency, generally no mudguard mounts or clearance, 23mm tyres

Oh god, its a mine field! I just need something relatively comfortable. Certainly don't want a drop handle racer or anything I'm hunched over. I think a hybrid is what I'm after then

What's your budget?

So I'm looking at a Trek 7.1f road bike atm. Any good?

Martin, regarding cost, probably around the 100-150 mark second hand. I know it's probably not a lot, but I'm really not looking to spend much at the moment. Since I have this bad back/hip, I don't want to spend a lot of money to find I can't ride it

Oh, so on size, what am I looking for, being 6' 1" and all

I'd say 56-58cm.

You'd be best scouring gumtree/ebay and posting links here and we can take a look at them :)

I'd say 56-58cm.

You'd be best scouring gumtree/ebay and posting links here and we can take a look at them :)

Sound's like the OP wants a hybrid (flat bars) or a tourer (drops but upright).

Second hand bikes are cheap, but if the OP has a back problem, then the fit of the bike is very important. A decent bike shop's expertise is invaluable here. It's much better to have a bike that fits well from the start, than one where the frame is too big or small and no amount of tweaking will get it comfy.

If you're looking at a new bike, spend at least £250-£300. Anything less will be heavy and poor quality.

If you can get a bike on cyclescheme, that's a good bet.

Limit's up to a grand, and the payments are out of your wages before tax.

If it's for trips round town, then budget for mudguards, rear rack, panniers and a decent d-lock. It's no fun getting your bike nicked, or arriving at your destination with a brown stripe up your arse and a sweaty back.

Edited 6 February, 201313 yr by schneil

My bikes.

Hybrid (touring, light off road, bad weather)

Audax (Road) bike - fast commuting, credit card touring, sportifs, 30 mile + Sunday rides

Edited 7 February, 201313 yr by schneil

Well i got a trek 7.1f with 21" frome for £75 on the bay. Cheap enough that I can give cycling a go and if it's no good, sack it off.

Re the back problem, posture doesn't really affect the condition, only activity and impact so an ill fitting bike, although uncomfortable, shouldn't cause any excess greif! If i get on with cycling, I'll maybe look into a better fitting bike. Mud guards are on the way for the brown stain reason!

Thanks for all the advice. I'll update after I've done a few miles

Well i got a trek 7.1f with 21" frome for £75 on the bay. Cheap enough that I can give cycling a go and if it's no good, sack it off.

Re the back problem, posture doesn't really affect the condition, only activity and impact so an ill fitting bike, although uncomfortable, shouldn't cause any excess greif! If i get on with cycling, I'll maybe look into a better fitting bike. Mud guards are on the way for the brown stain reason!

Thanks for all the advice. I'll update after I've done a few miles

That sound's like a good deal. Just budget for a service (£30appx) and check the frame number on immobilise to make sure it's not stolen.

What would a service include? New tyres?

Depends, different bike shops may have different levels of service.

I'd say a basic service would include brake cables, brake pads, clean & oil the drive train and check the bottom bracket etc. Never had mine serviced as if it breaks I fix it myself.

I see. Well if it needs anything I can do it myself too.

Just been to pick it up and it looks sound. Been stored inside for a year and had little use before that. Two flat tyres (punctures and lack of use) but it's very light. But then I'm used to a 1990s solid steel Mustang Raleigh

Here's my Trek 1000sl that i've built up over the last 18 months

Most of the parts came from eBay, fully Campagnolo equipped :)