Hi

 I'm buying a new road bike because my old one got stolen.  I had a really basic model before and was pretty happy with it but I'm out on it more and more recently (long rides as well as triathlon, chain gangs, time trials - didn't expect I'd like them!) and I'm not sure if I replace with the same kind of bike now I'll regret it in six months time because I'll be wanting something better.

 What do you get out of going up an extra £200 or so - is it just lighter?  I understand why I'd want to upgrade my mountain bike but not so much a road bike.

 Anyone got any thoughts?  I don't know what I should be looking for when I'm shopping.

 Elizabeth

An extra £200 probably loses some weight, get a bit of carbon fibre thrown in and maybe a slightly better groupset.

I bought a £300 road bike, it does the job but, have to say in Bike Doc today my gaze was lingering on some very yummy Bianchi bikes, much more than a £200 step up, but was nice to see what you got for your money! 

Well, yes, but compared to the shiney niceness of the Bianchi's.......

My bike cost me £300 but is a £500 bike, which has carbon fibre forks and seat post, which to answer the original question is I guess really that is what the extra £200 buys. The approach I took to buying my road bike was to try and get as much as possible for as little as possible, hence the sale purchase, last one in stock, happened to be my size. Just got lucky, but shop around 'cos there are bargains to be had.  

Thanks.  Mine was £500 reduced to £400 but because it's a couple of years old it doesn't have exactly the same stuff (carbon bits) as an equivalent bike might have now.  And there don't seem to be many good deals at the moment.  The guy in the shop seemed to be saying that bike manufacturers had made less bikes this year so there's less likely to be any in the sale.  Not sure if that's true but some of the ones I was looking at had sold out completely in my size.

Had a look at a specialized ruby comp (£1300 reduced to £1100) though.  That was a VERY bad idea I think. 

If I was to upgrade from £500 to £750 I'm not sure I'd notice the difference.  But would definitely notice the difference of a carbon frame. 

That sounds like b***cks to me!!  "Bike manufactures had made less bikes so there's less likely to be any in the sale!".  Sounds like salesman rubbish to me, could be wrong though.

Obviously you would need to get lucky to get a good deal in the sale in something that fits you but I am sure there is stuff around.

I reckon if you  paid  750 quid for a bike in the sale, then you wyuld notice the difference over the old one.  Or are you thinking of getting a 750 quid bike reduced?? I reckon carbon forks make a difference though I've never ridden a road bike without them, my road bike is really comfy and I am sure the forks make it a smoother ride.  It is alu with carbon bits but it was expensive (over 1K i think, not sure as it was engagement present).  But it's 3 years old now so you prob get more for your money now.

I would just look for a good deal paying between 500 and 750 in the sale and you'll probably find it better than your old one?

I leant it to my friend because she trashed her bike last week and wanted something to train on.  And she left it outside her flat, in the foyer behind a locked door but still a communal area. 

She's buying me a new one and I feel a bit guilty asking her to give me £500 for a new one when I only paid £400  -but if i can't get a sale one that's what I'll have to do as I don't want a worse bike than I had before.  And then there's the pedals, bike computer and all the other random stuff i had attached.  I'd just replaced most of the stuff like bottom bracket, chain, rings etc. 2 weeks ago as well! 

 Don't know what to go for.  Much as I'd like a lovely carbon road bike maybe I'd rather save my money until I can find space for a full suss...

 I have a triathlon in two weeks though so need to find something soon (don't fancy doing it on a mountain bike!)

That's a good engagement present Claire

There are less sale bikes around this year as next year prices are up.  But there are still deals about so its worth hunting around.

This seems like a good deal if it comes in the right size

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/dolce-elite-d4w-womens-2007-road-bike-ec014268

yep, it does look pretty good.  But the larger sized specialized women specific bikes seem pretty thin on the ground.  I think i need a 56.  Will just have to do some more visiting bike shops and trying out different kinds for size. 

Thanks for your help though.  I'm feeling like I have a slightly better idea what I'm looking for.

I seem to fall between small and medium on mens bikes, which is what I had before.  And I'd be a large in womens spesh but medium in womens giant.  So I might just try EVERY bike in the shop tonight!