This is an absolute bargain for a small rider looking for a first road bike. I bought one a year ago when they had the smaller ones on sale for £199 and it's the best thing I've ever bought for that amount of cash. I commute to work daily on it (24km round trip), use it for weekend rides of up to 100km with a cycling club and it's performed brilliantly.

To clear some stuff up: the wheels are 650c, not 650b. Replacement inners are common and cheap, tyres less so (but you still have choice). I'm still running to stock wheels and tyres on mine. Have had 2 punctures over 4000km which isn't bad. Going to upgrade the wheels soon as I'm getting more serious about cycling. The smaller wheels suit me fine tbh.

I'm ~5'4" if anyone's wondering if it's suitable for them. In the 11 months I've had it, it's had one service including a new chain, cassette and cables. I bought some better brake pads soon after I bought the bike and they've been fine. I've also put new bar tape on, and a new saddle. So my upgrades have been relatively cheap and minimal. If you know how to adjust derailleurs you'll live a happy life with the groupset. It's actually a mixed 2300/Sora, and I've not had any major problems with it.

In summary: If you're a short rider looking for a road bike, buy this. I love mine to pieces. If you still need convincing, read this, which I wrote about how my bike changed my life: https:[email protected]/my-bike-changed-my-life-c08ac26766ff#.hgls1cppj

How would one of these be as a 'pub bike'? I've got a road bike already, but want something for riding a couple of miles at a time to shops or pub - and this is cheaper than a decent hybrid...

Yes exercise is essential. In fact sod the weather I'm going to have a cycle in to town now. Fortunately for everyone's eyes I won't be wearing Lycra. A fat bald middle aged man in Lycra, well you'd rather be chopping onions and rubbing them in your eyes than see me in Lycra. Hopefully one small mercy is if I cycle enough and eat properly I might not be fat anymore :smiley:

I've had a dispatch notification in the last few minutes for a size 54cm. Ordered Saturday about 12pm.

Thank you very much OP! :smiley:

These frame sizes come with 650 rims, no thanks!

Yeah not ideal.

But surely for £150 it's ok?

I'd change the wheels and good to go.

Looks decent, good for the kids

The drivetrain (2300) is low end in my opinion. Starting top to bottom in the shimano hierarchy I would put them in this order....
Road Bike Components:
Dura-Ace
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora
Claris/2400
2300
2200
But still OK for light use.

these bike don't last very long either, from my experience.

only the 51 has 650b wheels. the 54 and 57 is also available which have normal wheels

great value. more than adequate for a first bike or a commuter

How would one of these be as a 'pub bike'? I've got a road bike already, but want something for riding a couple of miles at a time to shops or pub - and this is cheaper than a decent hybrid...