Thinking of buying a road bike. Which would you recommend?

Question

I'm saving up for a road bike at the moment and have been searching around. I'm trying to find bikes in a price range of around £300-£400, so nothing high-end but enough to give a good and comfortable ride. The two bikes I have been looking at in particular are:

http://scottusa.com/gb_en/product/381/798/speedster_s60

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/road/1398/29636/

Which would you recommend and/or are there any other bicycles in the price range that would be better?

I am currently riding a Specialized Hardrock mountain bike, but wanted to progress to road bikes, for speed and distance, as I've realised I prefer on-road riding to offroading, though I could still use the mountain bike for the offroad rides, and that way I would also have a backup if one went in for repair.

Can anyone comment on the stability and safety of a road bike ride compared to a mountain bike?

Many thanks for any help :)

Answer 1

you are in luck I ride a gmc road bike costed  about $350 very nice got 415 miles on it has not give me no trouble at all

Answer 2

That giant is nice - got some good Shimano 105 kit on it.

I'd advise you visit your local bike shop, they'll actually fit the bike to you, which is much, much more important than components and such. PLUS they might still be trying to clear out the 2007 stock and even started trying to clear the 2008 stock, meaning you could save loads!

Answer 3

I am pretty sure that the Giant bike is no way near £300, I had a quick look and 2008 model is £1500. Which isn't that suprising, carbon frame and 105 groupset! I think you will have to rethink...

Answer 4

Anything with a light alloy frame and deep rimmed wheels- if you're only beginning you don't want anything too fancy. As regards stability it greatly depends on the quality of surface you're riding on. Obviously very thin tyres- I use 700 x 20c- aren't conducive to stability on an uneven surface whereas it isn't a problem with a mountain bike. I have a mountain bike and a road bike and mountain bikes are definitely safer and a lot more comfortable but in my opinion less fun to ride than a road bike.