Hi everyone Just joined this site and I am pleased its for the girls. I have been really disappointed about how male orientated some site, clubs and magazines are. I have recently got back in the saddle after starting running and finding that it just hurt too much. I am riding a halfords £169 mountain bike which I have put appropriate road tyres on as I travel on the road to work most days.Over the weekend I just poddle around the lanes of Cheshire. But I am so excited as on the weekend i am going to by my first road bike. I have a budget of £600 and one shop has recommended a TREK 1.2. Can anyone give any other suggestions on other brands. Thanks
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 Bianchi Nirone , i have one and its fabulous Also you can get a hgher spec one for the same price as entry level if you look out for last year editions , especially at Evans. Bianchi all the way !
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 On my other forum RCUK , people also reccommend the Specialized Allez range too
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Thanks for that. We have new evans store in The Chill Factore in Manchester where I am planning to go to on Saturday, and a Specialized store in Chester. You really don't know whats best, but as yet no one has recommended a TREK
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 The best one is the one that fits you, I have a specialized for that reason. I have rode a trek before and loved it. Just try lots of bikes and find the one that fits the best.
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 Think Trio is right - most important thing is that it fits (I learned the hard way with my first road bike, which incidentally was a Trek from Evans that was too small!). Make sure they give you lots of attention in the shop and ensure that the size is correct - don't rush into anything. I've got a Trek and a Specialized (both women specific) and love them both. Agree with Mary that the Bianchis look nice! If you go for a men's model, make sure it has appropriate gearing (most women's road bikes come with a compact chainset or a triple...whereas some men's bikes come with a double meaning it will be harder to get uphill!). Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide upon! 
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 Giant SCR range is really great and will take full mudguards too. Go to a good shop and get properly measured Try lots of bikes and don't rush If you can borrow for a bit b4 u buy even better the crucial thing is getting the top tube the right length otherwise you're in for a lot of neck and shoulder pain
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Be careful of Giant the top tube length is usually longer than equivalent size bikes from other makes, unless they have changed the geometry they use but then that depends on how tall you are.
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I did what you said and shopped around. The boys at the Bike Factory were brilliant and spent a long time trying me on different bikes, but in the end I went for the TREK. Took it out last night for the first time and once I got used to the gears, it was fantastic. Hills that were hard work on the Halfords mountain bike even with road tyres were a breeze on the TREK. Can't wait for this weather to improve so I can really try it. Thanks for all your help, its much appreciated. Jxx
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