Not alot of cash! first bike wanted

[Mostyn]

That's very helpful Mostyn, thank's, i have just measured myself ...and i have shrank!! 1 am 5ft 7, will that make any difference in frame size?

Maybe a 52/53, my daughter is 5ft.6in and she rides the Specialised Allez Sport 2011, model in a 52, cm - bike. I'd suggest you go that wee bit more to £500. if possible and you'll have a bike that will be worth up-grading. Ribble, Specialised, Forme, would be the way I'd go with a £500 budget.

[NobbyK]

You wont go far wrong with a carrera TBH..

Agree with Rob - I've been riding a Carrera Virtuoso for the last two years and managed (managed being the operative word) to get around 15 sportives and approx 100 miles per week. The bike has never let me down without so much as a missed shift but the pedals it comes with are a real no-no so change them immediately. I've been looking longingly at the new Virtuoso but, according to Mrs Nobby, we need a new settee first... If you did decide to buy one I would recommend the service agreement which guarantees free servicing for a year, unlimited tweaks and free labour for other work. It has saved me a fair few bob and if you are lucky with the mechanics at your local Halfords, is just as good as some of the service I've experienced at independent bike shops, but it can be a bit of a lottery so ask around. Whatever you buy, have fun and enjoy.

[allezhopper]

Agree with Rob - I've been riding a Carrera Virtuoso for the last two years &**8230; I've been looking longingly at the new Virtuoso but, according to Mrs Nobby, we need a new settee first...

You should get it, a floor-stand bike rack, and together with your 'old' Virtuoso &**8230; voila! a two seater settee!!

Problem solved. QED.

[robhales]

I've been looking longingly at the new Virtuoso but, according to Mrs Nobby, we need a new settee first...

the bike below caught my eye the other day but the wife will prob file for divorce if i was to get it

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_165710

[NobbyK]

You should get it, a floor-stand bike rack, and together with your 'old' Virtuoso … voila! a two seater settee!!

Problem solved. QED.

Inspired thinking Allezhopper! Have of course taken your advice and can't wait to see the look on Mrs Nobby's face - she'll be thrilled! and if there's nothing on the telly we can always relive my 'glory moments' on the Garmin Edge 200 - walking up Old Winchester Hill the moment we passed the photographer on the Meon Riser. By the way, does anyone have a link for purple velour saddle covers?

[allezhopper]

NobbyK, how about this? http://cycleking.co.uk/uploaded/thumbs/thumb3_SC293.jpg

[NobbyK]

NobbyK, how about this? http://cycleking.co.uk/uploaded/thumbs/thumb3_SC293.jpg

I'm sure that when Mrs Nobby opens that particular jiffy bag there'll be a little tear running down her cheek. It's good to know that the British saddle cover industry still has an eye for co-ordinates! Thankyou Allezhopper!

[Mostyn]

Paul & Nobby's Bicycle Fashion Design.

[allezhopper]

Sounds like a winner to me

[dubburke]

Well, i am back after a mad 70 mile round trip dash, after seeing a bike on gumtree, the guy said the phone never stopped ringing!!! hence the rush, anyway i am back home and i have taken a few photos, not sure which specialized model it is, but it is an Allez, he thinks it is the Elite, he threw in a small bag with spare puncture kit in with the deal, along with a turbo trainer, as well as the speedo.
The bike was 30 months old according to the guy, anyway take a look at the link at the photos.
I think it was a good deal for £240.
http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y59...ke/Spcialized/