this post was submitted on 16 Mar 2024
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About to buy my first road bike, need some advice (self.bicycling)
submitted 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) by Macaroni_ninja to c/bicycling
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Hi all, I hope my post doesn't violate any rules, because of the links, if yes, please let me know.

I am a beginner with road bikes, I was always a MTB person, but I decided to get a road bike for my cardio exercise as I turned 40 and I have less option in my area for MTB rides.

Since Im a beginner with road bikes I would need some advice to not mess up my purchase. Of course I done some research as well, but never know what I missed.

Im in the EU and my budget is 700-750 EUR, so yes, it will be a budget bike. I will ride 3-4 times a week for 50-70 km distances. Some hills, but nothing serious.

I found two possible candidates:

Triban RC500 The obvious choice, many reviews calling it the best budget bike under 1000 EUR, some compromises, but I think it would be perfect for me. Price: 750 EUR where I live.

Sava Vegur 1.2 A bit of a wild card, its currently on half off sale with a reputable online retailer for 680 EUR, but cant decide if its the deal of the year or I should be cautious. I know, I dont need a carbon bike for my needs, but still, Im curious if anyone ever had experience with the brand? I found reviews, opinions, etc but nothing which would tell me to buy or not buy it specifically. Its a Chinese brand, but thats about it from what I can see.

Thanks for the time and I would prefer constructive feedback if possible :)

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

You're looking to exercise. That means expending energy. The carbon bike's reason for existence is to reduce energy expenditure. It's lighter and more aerodynamic. A side effect is that it's also a bit easier to carry although 2-3kg difference isn't a lot for that purpose. Unless you're looking for setting times against others, there's not much point to it for you. Then comes the ease of living with it. The alu frame will likely last till you're in your 60s without any special care from the elements. It'll likely need no treatment after crashes either. Paint scraped? No problem. The carbon on the other hand is much more difficult to live with. You can't ignore dings and chips in the paint. You have to inspect it for safety (ultrasound, etc) after significant crashes. Alu is much more usable in comparison and I'd take it any day over carbon, even if I had a high budget.

On a side note, don't be afraid to change the bike from its typical "road" shape. Different handlebar styles (go flat if you prefer it) and heights, tires, saddles, suspension seat posts (oh yeah 🫠), tweak it however it feels comfortable. Attach a rack for storage if you have to. Going 70k on a bike that is comfortable feels much nicer than arriving bent into a shrimp.

[–] Macaroni_ninja 2 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Thats some awesome advice. I was not familiar with this type of handlebar. I will save it in case I need it later.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 9 months ago

You may look in to gravel bikes, they have more clearance for wider tires, usually some attachment points for racks and fenders and you can get them with flat bars.

Decathlon has some good options like GRV 120 triban.