Questions for the Experienced Dudes
 

Hi

I recently had my old mountain bike stolen so I'm looking at buying a new bike. A road bike, obviously.

Three I've looked at so far
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/27154/...oad-Bike-.html

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/30786/...oad-Bike-.html

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28866/...oad-Bike-.html

If it's not too much hassle, I'd appreciate if someone with a lot more knowledge and experience than myself could help me out.

Good choices? Which is better? etc

Thanks a lot!!

I am not familiar with any of the brands but the second bike, the yellow one, appears to have down tube shifters. This would eliminate this bike from my list. If you are not familiar with integrated brakes and shifters, or briefters as they are some times called, they make down tube shifters obsolete.

The most important thing is that that the bike fits you so you really need to get a bike fit before you pick out a bike. It looks like you might be in the UK. If you are, there are a few places I would check on line for bike deals in the UK.

www.probikekit.com

http://www.shinybikes.com/

http://www.totalcycling.com/

If you have experience riding then you know that at this price range you're going to get less than ideal components, however if this is your budget then I would avoid the bike with the downtube shifter because that's old technology not too many people miss since you have to reach to the top of your downtube to shift. I would look for something used in that price range which would yield older models but with better components and frames than what you listed. Another thing to consider is proper fit which becomes more of an issue with a road bike if you're interested in cycling efficiently and for longer distances so going to a shop is a good place to get a sense of what size frame you need. Good luck!

They all look somewhat junky. Better off going second hand if thats all you've got to spend.