Best brands (and models) of road bikes?

Question

i have £300-£400 to spend and i am looking to buy a road bike rather than my current Mtb (which is terrible onroad)

i am 110 lbs and 5' 8" (and growing), which bikes would be good for me

thanks for any replies

Answer 1

For £300-400 I would not recommend anyone buy a new road bike with that sort of money. Look for a 2nd hand aluminium road bike, preferably with a carbon fork, seatpost and Shimano Tiagra/105 or Campagnolo Veloce/Centaur components.

Go to your LBS to find out what size bike you need. It's actually time for the new season of bike models to be released soon, so the shop will probably have some sort of a deal on last years (2008) models.

Answer 2

Huffy.

Answer 3

There really is no such thing as a best brand or model.

It will take a bit of work on your part, but visit several shops and see what they have. Ask questions. Make notes. Test ride as many as you can. Don't listen to those who say one brand is better than another. Don't buy a bike until you've completed your quest.

You also want to avoid buying a bike that is too big for you with the idea that you'll grow into it. This can be dangerous and is certainly not going to be efficient.

Answer 4

If you're still growing and don't want to risk getting a road bike that will be too small in a year or two, try getting some slick tyres for your MTB. Continental Gatorskins cost about £20 each and should speed you up no end on tarmac. Much cheaper than a whole new bike.

Answer 5

Claud Butler is a British company with a good reputation and they have plenty of good quality road bikes in that price range.