I know it's an extra £100, but the Btwin Triban 500 se at Decathlon is much better value in my opinion. Excellent reviews! Good luck with whatever option you go with.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-id_8306187.html

​sounds a bit harsh mate :smile:

​you should go on a diet. pathetic comments about grammes of difference. People genuinely racing ( few and far between ) spend thousands. People cycling from a to b don't give a flying monkeys about shaving off a gram or the responsiveness of the water bottle. it's all nonsense.

Okay if you're not technically minded the easiest brake upgrade would be these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Avid-BB7-Mechanical-Disc-Brake-Front-and-Rear-Calipers-HS1-G3-Rotor-/111976591887?var=&hash=item1a1253320f:m:me8FeDMrmWi6T6zxvYVNMsA

Literally 6 bolts - 20 min job. The reason I say BB5's are a PITA is because you can only ever adjust one side of them. Were as the BB7's are adjustable on either side so you always get reliable braking.

Hi Nathb, appreciate taking the time out to help.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to components with bikes so haven't the slightest clue with what's what.

With the brake set since my bike's got 3 years Halfrods aftercare coverage, meaning I can get it serviced/checked out regularly - maintenance wouldn't be an issue right (for now)? Plus the bike's fairly new, so not much wear. Or would you still suggest upgrading them now. If I wanted to spend a little more, what do you recommend. Or is the one you suggested adequate enough and any better not really necessary?

With the tyres I bought a pair of Continental Ultra GatorSkin 700 x 25 in the sales, though haven’t switched them over yet as I thought maybe I would wear out my Zaffiro’s first? What you suggest.

I haven’t really ridden it a whole lot, but slowly getting into it (I’ve owned it for a year now). Last year had a bad fall that resulted in me having to replace my front wheel due to it being untrue as shop couldn't fix it, so installed Tru-build Wheels for the front.

How to tell when things start to wear out? lol. Thanks.

Just gave my opinion and you are replying with nothing but crap. What's the point of buying a bike with 11kg when there are classics with good set groups that weigh less than 10kg for less?

You've won the award for "useless ignorant turd of the day" congrats.

Looks nice!

Avid BB5s are a PITA to maintain so I'd recommend swapping to these: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/clarks-m2-hydraulic-disc-brakeset-bundle/rp-prod135593 or better ones if you have the cash.

Next would be the tyres, some nice folding tyres like: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vittoria-rubino-pro-road-bike-tyre/rp-prod31765

I found the zaffiro's to be slippy in anything but dry conditions.

Next I would enjoy it and upgrade things as they wear out.

Thinking of making some upgrades to my bike, curious to hear what you peeps would recommend for my Boardman Hybrid Comp?
Regret not getting a road-bike, but oh well.

Good point. Plus having it fitted. Sounds like an expensive upgrade. Is the frame any good?

CONGRATULATIONS! - you're the winner of the 'pretentious bike snob of the day' award and have been entered for the weekly challenge! :smile:

LOL.

Well done you.

May be difficult to get 7 speed compatible wheels?

Decent condition second hand sora group sets go for £80-100 on the bay, I'd recommend that upgrade and some fulcrum racing 7s.

8.5kg?! :confused:

​slow and heavy

Something under £200

What's your budget?

can you help me out with some to purchase

I have this bike can someone who is experienced with bikes tell me some ways I can upgrade it and make it better

I had this bike, done around 800 miles on it before I sold it. I originally bought the bike to see if I would actually like a road bike with drop bars etc (this was my first) and find out how I would get on with the lower position. As a starter it's not a bad piece of kit, the only issue I had was I got the frame in a 54CM, I'm 5'11 and it felt way to big to me even after changing to a smaller stem, after rides longer than 40 miles my back would kill plus it was only 7 speed, which can be a killer on hilly rides but I used to manage to maintain a very decent speed overall on it, I sold it and decided to get a Specialized Allez (56cm) which the back problem disappeared so I recommend maybe trying before you buy.

Heat added, not bad for £200 but I would recommend spending more on the Btwin bikes over this.

How suitable is a 54cm bike for a 6'7" male?

Looks like the extra 20% off the bikes has now ended, so this is £220 (on my browser at least).

That looks pretty well built actually!

What?

lol thanks.

:confused:

11.7kg according to Halfords live chat. About the same as a Brompton, so will be all right to ride. A decent road bike comes in at around 10kg and under, so you won't be as quick as one of those, but for £200 and casual rides on Sundays, I guess it's ok. Check the weight in store before buying though.

Go for the carrera vanquish for £263 better gears (Shimano claris) and a carbon blade fork, weighs 10kg on medium sized frame, got one myself and it's an excellent bike.

Jesus, what was your old bike?

Got this a bout 2 years ago. Crap bike. You will have to replace the pedals and saddle, so factor that in. Not enough gears to pick up any speed.

Decent weight on that Triban 500 SE, but unknown components used throughout, and therefore unknown quality and longevity. You might have to change wheels, fork, brakes, gears; not so economical if so.

That's about the right price for this, 7 speed freewheel though, top gear is quite short on this. Upgrading to a cassette will involve a new wheel as well as the new cassette

Bought a Zelos as my first road bike. Still going strong after 2000 miles. Only changed tyres and brake blocks. It's not going to win the Tour De France, but I would assume anyone spending £200 on a bike would be intelligent enough to know that. Great price for anyone wanting to try out Road cycling, but if you're bitten by the bug, you will want to upgrade. If this is your budget, then well worth it.

I know it's an extra £100, but the Btwin Triban 500 se at Decathlon is much better value in my opinion. Excellent reviews! Good luck with whatever option you go with.
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-500-se-road-bike-id_8306187.html

I don't know if you could do better at this price, but I wouldn't buy this bike.

Lowest grade of steel used for the fork, the lowest quality Shimano components used for gears. This bike is likely to be heavy, not just for a racing bike but for any bike. I would advise spending more money, or keep shopping in the sales.

Original 429 for 14-28 and Shimano Tourney? 200 is more right price