Road Cycling - Bike advice

I'm just getting into road cycling and am looking to buy a cycle. I'm looking at around £800 to start with. Have looked at Giant OCR but dont particulary want a triple chainset. The Scott USA Elite has a better frame (so I'm told).
But with so many bikes to choose, I want to get the best for the money.
I would be grateful if anyone can give any suggestions

Thanks

:roflmao:

You will get a decent bike to start with for £800.There is so much many bikes to choose with different materials and geometry its too hard to tell you a good one.It all depends on what you are going to use the bike for.General touring, fittness, maybe racing.

Try and get a test ride of a couple of bikes at the LBS, and see what you think.When it comes to materials.For £800, you would be looking at either steel or Alluminium.I have steel Lemond, winter bike and Giant TCR.Steel frames are a little heavier than aluminium but are usually a nicer ride.Seem to deaden the impact from the road surface.The only problem is that sometimes(depending on the geometry) is that steel frames can feel a bit 'flexy' compared to Aluminium frames and also they can rust if you dont take care.

It all really depends on the geometry of the bike as well as the material.Ive ridden cheap steel and aluminium bikes that ride like s%^t.But on the other hand ridden, cannondales, Giants, Lemonds which are great.

The Giants are great bikes.I have a Giant TCR team and because of the compact geometry, its really nice and stiff and responsive.I think you can get a OCR in double chain ring.

Search about, get test rides of a few bikes see what feels best.Check in cycling weekly for good deals for mail order.Companies below for good deals.Just some I could remember.


http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk

http://www.deesidecycles.com

www.jejamescycles.co.uk www.websterscycles.co.uk

the exchange rate of the English pound is 1 pound is equal to U.S. $1.59, so at L800 you have U.S. $1272, you'll be able to get a decent bike with that kind of money

What type of riding do you want to do? General fitness, long distance racing, time trialling, century rides, commuting ?
Do you need to ride the bike through winter, or is it only for dry sunny days?
Have you found a good local bike shop?
For £800, there are scores of good, light Al-framed bikes with Shimano 105 and carbon forks. Some of the big-name brands can be poor value compared to smaller named ones.

If you have a choice of several similar bikes, they often vary slightly in length. Take a tape measure to the shops and measure up each bike you like, top tube length + stem length. From test rides, you should be able to figure out if you prefer you bikes short or long.