Paris-Nice

**Tom Barton** · 22nd January 2013

I'm looking for a road bike to ride from Paris to Nice in 7-10 days this summer. It will be my first road bike and I have no real idea what I need.

What will give me best value for money?

My budget is max. £600-700. New or used.

Any suggestions? Cheers.

**markbt** · 23rd January 2013

Hi Tom, plenty of road bikes out there for a price range like yours.. I spend a lot of time looking at write-ups from RCUK on various bikes. I'm currently riding a Giant Defy 4 2010 model and can't rate it highly enough for a first bike. This is this years model http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/...e/11833/57501/ another highly recommended bike for your price range would be the Specialized Allez http://www.specializedconceptstore.c.../Allez%20Sport

depending on your level of fitness and how much you have cycled before I would possibly opt for a triple chain set (3 rings at the front) to tackle any hills..but after a year or so of riding you would be looking at a compact instead so maybe go for compact from the outset. Main thing for you would be comfort, definitely try and get some test rides if at all possible, local bike shops are usually good for this sort of thing. Everyone on here has favourite makes/models of bikes etc but if you go for the more mainstream manufacturers if you like they tend to have good value for money due to the amount they produce.

does that help?

**markbt** · 23rd January 2013

Another great suggestion is looking for end of line products, Specialized has a sale on last years bikes, local bikes shops will try and shift last years models too so definitely worth asking there. Ribble have an audax frame which is designed for longer distances, another option you might consider and you can build components around it to suit your price range http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbg/road-track-bike/ribble-winter-training-audax-bikes?sub=conf_BBRW&type=RIBMO

theyve also got a few good alloy bikes http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbg/road-track-bike/ribble-alloy-road-bikes?sub=conf_BBRA&type=RIBMO you'll have to find reviews on these but reason for suggesting them is the flexibility in building to your price range is great.

Hope this helps mate and good luck! Let us know what bike you get.

**coolboarder** · 23rd January 2013

We need to know if you are carrying gear for camping/hostelling whatever or if you are supported with someone else carrying your stuff as it makes a world of difference as to what is suitable. Definitively go for something with mudguards on a ride of this length.

**markbt** · 23rd January 2013

Coolboarder great thinking.. Never thought to ask that question!

**Tom Barton** · 24th January 2013

Thanks Mark.

Yes. I will be carrying gear (probably not camping gear though)...

**coolboarder** · 24th January 2013

Originally Posted by Tom Barton

Thanks Mark.

Yes. I will be carrying gear (probably not camping gear though)...

In that case you will need a touring bike or an Audax bike which is really a de-tuned race bike but with room and fixing points for luggage racks and mudguards. You will only get a barely adequate bike new for your budget so unless you are dead set on a new bike second-hand is the way to go as you could get a bike that cost £2-3000 new for a few hundred pounds. Have a look at new bikes in these categories to see what to expect then start scouting the classifieds and ebay to get an idea what is what and a feel for what is value. A well cared for quality used bike up to 10 years old with good equipment will still be much better than a new bike in your price range, will give little away to a new bike in terms of functionality and have years of life left in it.

**puddings** · 24th January 2013

you will find loads of Dawes Galaxy touring bikes on fleabay which will suit your needs. While they will not match the ride quality of a Thorn or Roberts, they are plentiful so something fairly new will not be too pricey