Any cyclists out there?

wippers

wippers

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Gareth
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Hi - I used to do quite a lot of cycling some years ago and am thinking of getting back into the saddle to get fir again.
Does anyone know of a decent road cycling forum with a classifieds section where I can find a decent lightweight road bike?

Gareth
 
wippers said:
Cheers guys. I'll have a look and see what I can find.

Anyone know of any others?
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I'm much in the same boat as yourself, although I do still have my steed.

as above, Bike radar is the most popular and active, but the following have been used by me before:


Yet Another Cycle Forum (YACF)
http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php

Weight Weenies ideal when you need to shave off micrograms :lol:
For Sale Forum always seems quite active when I've looked, but is international so need to check first :)
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/
 
this is probably the most popular cycling forums around that are based in the UK .

if you post a question and return an hour later you'll often find three pages of reply and discussion lol :lol::lol:
http://www.cyclechat.net/

another
http://www.cyclingforums.com/forum/

one for roadies
http://www.roadcyclinguk.com/default.asp?&v=1

cycling weekly mag forum (bit quiet tbh)
http://forums.cyclingweekly.co.uk/ubbthreads.php

time trialling forums
http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/
one for retros
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/index.php?sid=a09efe90b287ef961bd83529d1f8c553

Map your routes here with a clever map profile that shows the height you climb on the route
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=13575

have you chosen your bike yet ? or do you already have one
 
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wippers said:
I have found this one on Ebay. Any thoughts?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130504175787&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123
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I've no experience of that brand of bike, so couldn't comment. I've also been away from cycling for a few years.

My bike was a custom build (using a standard frame but custom selected components) from Ribble. www.ribblecycles.co.uk

I'd previously bought a second hand ribble, loved it so opted for a "Top End" (to me anyway) build and loved it so much, very light, responsive and well built

Check out their bike builder http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pu/road-track-bike/bike-builder/bikebuilder/1

or special edition (pre built)
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pu/road-track-bike/special-edition-bikes/specialedition/1

pages to get an idea of what can be had for not a lot of £££.
 
wippers said:
I have found this one on Ebay. Any thoughts...
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I went to a bike shop..........and found advice was helpful

chose a TREK......changed the stem and bars ...not something you can do bidding...:lol:

also got a 3month free service/ check and adjust, in the price
 
Yardbent said:
I went to a bike shop..........and found advice was helpful

chose a TREK......changed the stem and bars ...not something you can do bidding...:lol:

also got a 3month free service/ check and adjust, in the price
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Having had a look in the local store, you don't seem to get anywhere near as good a spec. as I can on Ebay though. :shrug:
 
I used to do around 200 miles a week and then gave it all up when my son was born some four odd years ago. Finally bought an Allez Sport last week and getting right back into it, loving it again right now.

I'd never buy a bike off ebay blind unless I new for a fact the fit was totally right, so it would have to be a bike I've owned before or been fitted for in a shop.
 
I would buy from the local bike shop. They are always around the corner to help you. When I first started, I went there and have been back a few times for various bits of advice.

Also, small jobs that I have had done, there has been no charge etc..

Can't get that from eBay :)
 
^ +1

I tried a few until I found the one I have.
 
For at least £900 I'd expect the bike to be dead right for me. I'd go to a shop rather than ebay.

Dave
 
Well I've been to the local bike shop and they have an offer on a pretty decent Trek bike in my size. My dilemma now is which to go with:

A - The Ebay bike which has a better spec. and £100 cheaper. Untried bike but looks really good value for money (almost too good according to the guys in the shop).

B - The Shop bike which is a Trek 2.5 reduced from £1400 to £1050. Tried it and liked it but wonder if I will regret not taking the gamble on the Ebay bike?


HELP!
 
Go for the Trek !!

I have a Trek 1.2 (triple) and it is an awesome bike.

The 2.5 has Ultegra which is one of Shimano's top end groupsets. Price wise your local bike shop is pretty spot on. Quick internet search has the Trek 2.5 (compact) selling for around £1,100.

You really need to consider - that you are spending a fairly large amount of money here, do you really want to risk that on an un-tested eBay purchase.

At your local bike store, you can be properly fitted and have the piece of mind of being able to return the bike if you have any problems. Also you will probably be able to get a free service or two thrown into the deal.

Trek make highly rated road bikes, you will not be disappointed (IMO).

Happy riding!
:thumbs:
 
wippers said:
Well I've been to the local bike shop and they have an offer on a pretty decent Trek bike in my size. My dilemma now is which to go with:

A - The Ebay bike which has a better spec. and £100 cheaper. Untried bike but looks really good value for money (almost too good according to the guys in the shop).

B - The Shop bike which is a Trek 2.5 reduced from £1400 to £1050. Tried it and liked it but wonder if I will regret not taking the gamble on the Ebay bike?


HELP!
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The eBay bike won't still be £100 cheaper this time next year, trust me.

You'll have spent that and more on things you won't if you buy from your LBS.
 
Simmotino said:
Not true, apart from the 1st service all servicing is paid for and warranty doesnt cover wear and tear :shrug: However the Trek will hold it's value better and their warranties are the best of all of the brands IMO.
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if thats the two options you have then go for the trek.

the ebay bike, although well spec'd has not been tried, something essential on a road bike, 10mm in reach can be agony once you've done 30 miles!

Also, the Trek is brand new, you don't know what underlying damage there could be to the ebay one, a slight crack in the carbon rear triangle or forks (may net even be visible) could result in serious injury if there is an issue, Carbon does not bend, it snaps.

Out of the two, I'd be opting for the trek without question, but at the end of the day, you're the only one who can decide.

I'd say let you head rule your heart, not the other way ;) :thumbs:

either way, we want pics :)
 
paulk said:
Not true, apart from the 1st service all servicing is paid for and warranty doesnt cover wear and tear :shrug: However the Trek will hold it's value better and their warranties are the best of all of the brands IMO.
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I think Simmotino was referring to the new stem, new seat post etc to get the right fit :)
 
wippers said:
What sort of things d'you think I'll be spending on? :shrug: The spec. doesn't look like it will need an upgrade for some time, although the Trek is starting to look more appealing.

Gareth
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It'll need a check up after a month or a couple of hundred miles. This would (should) be free with the LBS if you buy the bike from them. Expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £50 for it if you didn't.

Small adjustments and checks are often required to get the bike tuned in to you, again, free from the LBS if you buy it, but they'd be unlikely to do it all free if you turn up with a machine bought elsewhere.

There will be other things (trust me, there ALWAYS are) that you need checked/done that having a relationship with the LBS will get you done free/cheaply.

It may seem like a good idea to save the £100 (on a bike you've not seen, let alone sat on it should be said) but in the long term it'll likely cost you that and more unless you are very lucky.
 
paulk said:
Not true, apart from the 1st service all servicing is paid for and warranty doesnt cover wear and tear :shrug: However the Trek will hold it's value better and their warranties are the best of all of the brands IMO.
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AndrewA123 said:
I think Simmotino was referring to the new stem, new seat post etc to get the right fit :)
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Amongst other things, yes.

Not wishing to speak for the LBS, but many will swap out parts on a new bike from stock for you to get the fit that is right.

Rock up with a shiny new bike that you bought elsewhere and I doubt you'll get much free from other bikes from their stock ;)
 
I cycle 3 times a week usually, for fitness and fun when I can keep up.... Bike Radar is a good site as already mentioned.
 
Out of interest, has anyone ever heard of Freeflow Bikes in Glasgow? They have some good deals, but don't answer the phone. Have they gone bump?
 
Simmotino said:
It'll need a check up after a month or a couple of hundred miles. This would (should) be free with the LBS if you buy the bike from them. Expect to pay anywhere from £25 to £50 for it if you didn't.

Small adjustments and checks are often required to get the bike tuned in to you, again, free from the LBS if you buy it, but they'd be unlikely to do it all free if you turn up with a machine bought elsewhere.

There will be other things (trust me, there ALWAYS are) that you need checked/done that having a relationship with the LBS will get you done free/cheaply.

It may seem like a good idea to save the £100 (on a bike you've not seen, let alone sat on it should be said) but in the long term it'll likely cost you that and more unless you are very lucky.
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Indeed, back in the day my LBS as it was then used to give me great discounts and preferential treatement when it came to putting my bike to the front of the queue for services/repairs, because I bought everything in there and did so for years.
 
wippers said:
Right well I've taken the plunge and put a deposit on the Trek 2.5 c from the LBS.

Clock watching now until I can pick it up after work!:thumbs:
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You'll not regret it, but get some pics up as soon as you have it. we ALL want to drool. thinking I may have to get my bike out of hibernation too
 
Any update/ pic's??
 
Think you made a very wise move there. Buying from your LBS means as said above, any issues and they are there to deal with it.
First service to ensure all is bedded in and working correctly is free (that would be half your £100 saved, have you seen how much a service is in Evans cycles?)
I was in my LBS when a guy came in who had purchased his bike from the net, then asked the shop to sort it out for free, of course they declined his offer.
 
Please excuse if this is a repeat of what others said, just scanned through quickly...

You will be getting a helmet, right?

I had a nasty fall last week and my helmet possibly saved my life, if not bad head injuries...

Enjoy cycling!
 
antonroland said:
Please excuse if this is a repeat of what others said, just scanned through quickly...

You will be getting a helmet, right?

I had a nasty fall last week and my helmet possibly saved my life, if not bad head injuries...

Enjoy cycling!
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Helmet bought. Never go out on the road without one. :thumbs:

Still not had chance for any bloody pics yet....:bonk:
 
wippers said:
Helmet bought. Never go out on the road without one. :thumbs:

Still not had chance for any bloody pics yet....:bonk:
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I think we need a "Lets see your (pedal) Bike" thread somewhere, If I get chance this weekend (amongst the gardening) I'll get my bike down and out somewhere for a few pics!

not that I've threatened that a few times already :lol:
 
Finally, grabbed a quick pic of the new bike.

TREK1.jpg
 
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