Road Cycling - can anyone recommend a good first bike? (also safetygear/clothes)

hi, im new here, just a quick post to see what bike i should go for as a "first bike" to start road racing (like the tour de france bikes) nothing too special, no goldplated chain, but just something that is lightweight, can take a beating and wont fall to bits after awhile - good quality not necessarily ultimate performance.

i used to do alot of cycling, as it was my only method of transport, but then i got a motorbike and now im so lazy and unfit! i want to get back into cycling cos i enjoyed it alot :)

i just really wanted your views on what manufacturers to go for as i have had a few bikes in the past and they didnt last long, my most recent (about 4 years ago) was a ridgeback "mr silver" which is a full suspension, but the seals have bust in the suspension, the brakes are buggered and only about 8 gears of about 24 work....... yet my dad paid £400 for this 4 years ago! i used to ride about 10 miles a day on it, every day (going to school), but seeing as this fell to bits im not so keen on getting a Ridgeback..... unless it was more due to me failing to maintain it properly (as i didnt know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it - also any tips in the maintanence department appreciated)

also clothing is an issue, like a good helmet manufacturer and some good gloves are obviously a must, but i dont think i'll be going for the spandex power ranger suit just yet.... unless its a good idea and really the only way to train?

so can anyone recommend a manufacturer worth looking at and what sort of money i should be expecting to pay? or is it a case of going into halfords and just picking out something that looks nice and taking a gamble?

also is it a good idea to listen to music whilst riding on the roads cos i would like to train to music...... or are your ears really essential?

ps. my name is Luke Armstrong :D same initials as Lance ;) no relation but im sure i'll beat him one day? (maybe a zimmerframe race?)

(sorry for the huge post with multiple questions)

What ever you get it is important that you learn to do regular maintenence on it or are willing to take it to the bike shop on a regular basis for adjustments.

I would suggest that you have your old bike repaired and start riding it to be sure you really want to ride again. It would probably be cheaper than buying a new bike.

I would agree with ljbike you must maintain your bike. As for helmets Bell, or Giro, Bell has crash replacement plan. For the clothing, if you don't want spandex the chooses are very few. If you can do it, Pearl Izumi is my choose. If you are going to do many miles in the saddle you will be glad to have a good set of shorts. Also don’t forget about your feet.

Hi,
I would get an estimate of how much it would cost to repair it; and fit it with smooth road tyres. The problem with that approach is that suspension usually slows you down a bit. While you're getting that repair estimate; ask to try a couple road bikes.

Originally posted by late
Hi,
I would get an estimate of how much it would cost to repair it; and fit it with smooth road tyres. The problem with that approach is that suspension usually slows you down a bit. While you're getting that repair estimate; ask to try a couple road bikes.

it isnt worth repairing the bike, its dead, completely ****ed, in its current state you couldnt sell it. anyway its a downhill mountain bike and the suspension took most of the downwards energy to pedal it... im asking about a new bike.... any manufacturers to look out for?

If you have bucks to spend, Litespeed, Aegis, Merlin, Seven.
If you don't KHS.

Hi,
I take it your English, there are many brands over there we don't have here, and vice versa. I am intrigued by Thorne (Thorn?) cycles, aka SJS. Jamis,Speicalized, Felt, and Fuji all do a great job at making entry level road bikes. Which way you jump should depend mostly on how good the bike fits you.