Beginners road bike for a big bugger ...

Off-Topic / Lounge
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Beginners road bike for a big bugger …

Ahoy,

I’ve got an off road bike (a 2008 Trek 6300 which is rather nice) as I used to do a load of offroad biking when I was a kid. The thing is even with slicks it’s not exactly nippy on the road, and as I do far more road cycling than anything else, I’m considering getting a road bike to commute on, and to go out with my mates who are mostly roadies.

Thing it I’m a big lad (6’5" and around 17 stone / 240 lbs) so I’m going to need a big bike, and as I’m only starting out, I don’t want to spend a fortune (£250 ish) so I was after a second hand one.

I’ve looking at the Specialized Allez/Giant Defy/Trek 1.x range.

Anything else I should consider?

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They both look to come with 105 and the same wheels so ride is going to be the biggest deciding factor I think. The smaller rear triangle on the Giant will be a stiffer, but more responsive ride than the Allez I think, something you’re probably not interested in. I’ve always liked Specialized more than Giant fwiw.

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I was mostly concerned with frame geometry. My height is mostly in my back (I’ve only got a 34" inside leg) so I’m assuming I’d need a long top tube, or an extension on the stem …

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I’m drawn towards the Specialized and the Trek, just as I’ve had good experiences with their bikes (I owned a Rockhopper before it got nicked at Uni …)

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The Specialized’s geometry will probably suit you better and the entry level Specialized is more of a Specialized than the Trek is a Trek. The Specialized’s geometry will also give you a more stable front end if you need to extend the stem.

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Cheers chap

Now to find a cheap one close to me on eBay …

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Ride safe mate.

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i just got rid of my hardtail mountain bike and bought myself a felt qx75 hybrid and i love it. So much better to ride on the roads compared to the mountain bike and thats all i do tbh so it suits me now.

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I would say that you should aim for a road bike with a high quality steel frame. Steel is really good for big guys because it absorbs most of the shock, making a buttery smooth ride. Plus, i’ll never break

something like this: Pardon our interruption...

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cheers for the advice, but that one is a little out of my price range - had a kid about 2 months ago so the budget for shiny toys now goes on nappies and babygros …

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look, i totally get the design and planning that goes into these bikes. i have a massive respect for that.

but unless the chain is made out of gold and lubed with (illegal) wale fat im not paying more than 500 usd for a bike.

500 usd being way up there too. my own limit would be 250.

and that sucks, because i want a road bike :disappointed:

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i managed to get my felt hybrid half price brand new as it is the 2010 model :slight_smile: doesnt bother me especially as it saved me like £250 lol

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Not sure how things work in the UK but you can find great deals on used bikes on Craigslist. Is there an equivalent of Craigslist in the UK?

And you will want a to find a 60-62cm frame. That will fit your height/inseam the best.

Good luck!

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Been rummaging around gumtree which is the closest equivalent to craigslist (though we do have craigslist, it’s just not very popular)