First Road Bike

[AntMH]

Ok so I know this is a fairly regular post, however I am looking at purchasing my first road bike. Hopefully the bug will bite, but who knows.
I have looked at several brands however have narrowed my search down by looking only at Tiagra setups to suit my budget.
The Giant Defy, Specilized Secteur and the Reid Falco have made my short list.

My decision now is do I buy the Reid and get all the other necessary equipment ie. helmet, tool kit, etc etc.
or spend the extra to get one of the other brands and then build up the other equipment.
Am I really gaining any advantage buying the Giant or Specilized??

[DoogleDave]

Hi AntMH,
Try riding all three and then come back and tell us!

Giant is the biggest bike brand in the world and value for money are almost unbeatable.
Specialized make fantastic bikes and along with Giant have decent warranties and service.
Reid are well known for the budget/entry level bikes...using reasonable componentry and reasonable frames.

Again, take all three for a ride and let this dictate what feels best to ride FOR YOU - that's what matters.

What they look like also has a factor to it - if you don't like the look of it you'll never really be happy with it (even if it rides well).

Happy testing...
Dave

[AP81]

Rather than buy a new bike that loses 30% of it's value the second it rolls out the door, why not buy second hand?

Less money, and you'll end with enough left over to buy all the bits you need.

[Ranga Tang]

I disagree.

Us mere males don't get to buy a lot of new stuff (at least me anyway) and for the outlay you might as well have something new and shiny.

Feel good factor, plus in the scheme of things it's not sheep stations.

[AP81]

I disagree.

Us mere males don't get to buy a lot of new stuff (at least me anyway) and for the outlay you might as well have something new and shiny.

Feel good factor, plus in the scheme of things it's not sheep stations.

Each to their own. I'd feel much better riding a bike that cost twice as much and has barely been ridden. I agree with the you in that we don't get to buy a lot of new stuff though.