New bike

[christinarossetti]

So, after years on various Ridgebacks, I fancy a decent road bike.

Absolutely no idea where to start - any suggestions on make etc?

Must haves are compatible with a cycle rack and light weight.

TIA

I have a Cannondale Synapse alloy disc as my roadbike. Love the geometry, and its good value at £999. Mine is a 'mens' which is no problem for me.

My local bike shop say the Giant road bikes are good (though recommend doing a few small upgrades), and the Boardman.

What sort of budget are you thinking of?

Thanks for your reply. Probably about 500 max as a budget as I don't use it enough to justify more.

I think I'll need a woman's frame as I'm small. Will look into those makes though.

How about the Boardman Road ? Decent spec wheels, Claris groupset, and its always easy to upgrade the groupset - dh bought components slowly on ebay for his bike so a massive upgrade at a deep discount

Specialised are quite good, I think Dolce is the entry level women's road bike. Most bikes are on sale now too! www.evanscycles.com/specialized-dolce-c2-2016-women-s-road-bike-EV244983

If your work does a cycle to work scheme, try that.

I have a bike through it and I have zero intention of ever riding to work. Open secret for these schemes really.

Try and find a local bike shop who want to find out about you before they'll sell you anything too. What you buy will have a massive bearing on whether you keep it up and enjoy it.

You need a bike that fits you and your arms and legs will be different lengths from other woman.

For me a trek was a good fit and I had a mid priced bike which suits my needs only carbon forks. DD is similar in build and has a mekk which is all carbon but I find far to uncomfortable and prefer my trek.

I would seriously consider getting a decent 2nd hand on eBay or similar for that budget. I could never afford £1000+ for a bike but love my road cycling & there are so many (often barely used) bikes around for less than half new price then spend any leftover on a professional bike fit & some upgrades.