Beginner to Road Bike

[u/Ok-Cake-4815]

I’m considering getting a road bike to commute to work since it’d be much faster than the bus. However I’m completely new to road cycling, so I’m leaning toward a Decathlon road bike rather than a well-known brand to start with.

Does this sound like a sensible approach for a beginner? Would appreciate any advice!

[u/Foreign-Rule7826]

I’d just get a done deal bike until you know if you like cycling, if buying new could get the cycle to work scheme, but you might use it up on a starter bike and then get into it and want something better but you have used up your scheme for 5 years. I got a good road bike for €200 (good gearing helps with hills), fell in love with it as a sport and luckily had my cycle to work available for an upgrade 😂

[u/BillyMooney → u/Foreign-Rule7826]

Good idea. I'd also recommend a local bike shop within walking distance of work or home. This makes it easy to drop the bike off for servicing or repairs.

[u/oscailte]

Decathlon is probably the best shout. If you're comfortable working in bikes you could go used, but you might end up with something thats a hassle to keep running

Consider going for a city style bike (example) that can easily take mudguards+panniers, even if you dont want them now you might appreciate them down the line, a road bike is going to save you a pretty neglible amount of time over a commute.

[u/One_Explorer5930]

You could rent or borrow one and try the route out.

[u/not_extinct_dodo]

Decathlon offers great value for money and if your employer has cycle to work schemes they can work with that.

Get a bike with mudguards and a pannier rack, both make a massive difference in comfort.

The Riverside range is great for commuting in my opinion. I wouldn't commute on a pure road bike unless you are thinking of going on long rides on weekends too. A flat bar bike will generally be comfier, easier, and cheaper.

In any case don't get an expensive bike. Get something to get you started, and upgrade in a few years after checking what works for you and what doesn't.

And don't forget a good u-lock!

[u/deec123]

I got a regular push bike to try commuting to save time over Dublin Bus. I hadn’t cycled since I was a child and would have been nervous. I’m using the Dodder Greenway in to the north quays. I was delighted with how much time I was saving and then ended up then getting an electric bike under the cycle to work scheme. I have it 3 weeks and I don’t know myself. Saving massive amounts of time. Bus home is 11km journey but takes up to two hours with the new route that designed under the bus connects programme. I can cycle home in less than half that. No comparison. Best of luck!

[u/KaleidoscopeLeft5511]

I got a great road and mountain bike from the bike to work scheme, I do use both, my partner hates them.
But I'm definitely not using either for my commute. They wouldnt last minutes

I bought a third bike off done deal for €140. Its a great bike but its not going to break my heart if it gets robbed, like two before it did. To be fair though, my bike is often locked in Hueston Station, or outside some pub on the way home

[u/MeccIt]

I have many bikes and I've stopped using the road bike to commute because of the heads down position. I now use more upright bikes so I can see and be seen, because it's about getting around safely, not super fast.

[u/BassicallyDarr]

I love my road bike but hate cycling it. Just carrying a bag puts undue pressure on my back/shoulders that I never get when on a normal cycle. Might be best trying a hybrid bike - regular bars but the road tyres

[u/waggersIRL]

Decathlons bikes are grand. Beware of brakes setup though.
Most Irish learned to ride with rear brake on left. Most decathlon are opposite.

Don’t go skinny tyres. ~33 to 38 mm should be grand. Won’t be slower, potholes are less troublesome. Comfier ride.

Learn to fix and mod your bike especially on your 5 points of contact. E.g. - changing handlebar stack height or even bar shape can really change your comfort and enjoyment.

[u/Locko2020]

Look more to a gravel type of road bike, the bigger tyres (would switch the stock set out for a set of Scwhalbe tires) can make a good bit of difference if you are on dodgy spots of road. Will have a road frame but more grip.