New to road bikes
 

Hi
I'm new to biking (6 months), I had my previous bike about 30 yrs ago which had stableizers!!! I currently own a MTB Specialized Hard rock rigid. I have really got into cycling and would like to try longer distances on road (i have done a couple of 50 mile rides on my MTB and often do 30 to 40 miles on sunday mornings).
I would still classify myself as a keen novice, looking for a first road bike, I'm not looking to break any world records but anything that would make long distances easier and that I can use for mid range triathlons.

Can anyone please recommend a beginners road bike? or maybe a decent Hybrid. Im looking to spend between 200 to 450 and my heights 5.6.

Cheers

While you search for a better bike for the roads, you could improve your average speed significantly by putting 1.5" wide slick tires on the Hard Rock. For your budget the only road bike (drop bars) would be used - try www.craigslist.com. You could buy a new hybrid and set the bar low so you are in a more aero position with your weight over the pedals.

Hello spatel, you do that much distance on a MTB and you only consider yourself a keen novice? That is rather impressive, actually.

AndrewP has some good suggestions for you to try, and he's also correct about your selection of bikes being rather limited with your budget. Unless you are talking about GBP?

Welcome to BF!

East Hill

Road bike
 

Hi I did the London to Brighton bike ride 2 weeks ago (56 miles) and have bought some semi slicks 1.5 tyres. and yes I did mean GBP so 450 GBP is fine, however if I get a very good deal for something better I wouldn’t mind a bit extra.

Also, please consider my dodgy back (had fractures to lower back about 10 yrs ago) when recommending a bike, would I be better off with drop handles, or a Hybrid - so my other question is, Can a drop handle bike strenuous for a dodgy back?

Thanks

With a dodgy back you may want to sit a bit more upright. Also, you may want to contact member stapfam--he rides MTB tandems, road bikes, etc., is located in the UK, AND has dodgy back problems if I remember correctly. You can find him easily in the 50+ forum, and also in the General Cycling forum. Or, just make a post asking about this in either of those two forums.

East Hill