Help me - bike choice
goonas
Posts: 205
I currently have a full carbon Marin Highway one Hybrid bike - love it to pieces but I am seriously thinking of going for a carbon full on road bike.
So, open to the floor if you had say up to £3,000 to spend on a bike (would prefer to keep the cost to £2,500 but will go to £3,000 if the benefit is there) - what would be your choice and why?
There are so many brands and models out there that its really hard to just narrow the selection down to say 10 to go and do more research on - so I am appealing for help from the masses.
So, open to the floor if you had say up to £3,000 to spend on a bike (would prefer to keep the cost to £2,500 but will go to £3,000 if the benefit is there) - what would be your choice and why?
There are so many brands and models out there that its really hard to just narrow the selection down to say 10 to go and do more research on - so I am appealing for help from the masses.
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Replies
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The problem is, there's just too much choice at that price-point :laugh:
I hired a Giant TCR Composite 1 'Ultegra' on holiday in Fuertaventura over Christmas & loved it. They are 'only' £1900!
TBY's Dolan Tuono is a glorious bike too; you can get one with Shimano Dura-Ace kit on 'em for £2500!
It's also worth looking around for some heavily discounted 2012 'exclusive' kit that will be in your price-range now too :bigsmile:
Just wish I had £2500/£3000 to spend on a bike :sad:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Enjoy searching!0 -
I couldn't believe the sheer choice, hence wanting some ideas on where to start lol.
Thanks for the first two to look at. I am of course not adverse to spending less
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I am of course not adverse to spending less
Neither am I; I am from Yorkshire after all :laugh:0 -
Tuono SL with SRAM Red - £2000, and lighter than the Dura-Ace option... tested in last months CyclingPlus
http://dolan-bikes.com/blog/cycling-plus-tuono-sl-road-tested-the-winner/
though I'd personally throw an extra £5-600 at the wheelset, as the rest of the kit really deserves something light to go with it.
Rides great, I have to say - and despite being apparently a climbing machine, it's still as comfortable as anything i've ridden since the era of skinny 531db tubes and taper gauge forks (so, pretty much back to 1980 then...)0 -
Thanks TBY that looks like a good one to start reading up on.0
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I like SRAM
Especially SRAM Red!
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Across the pond at the Herman Family we're partial to Trek & Specialized, with a 6 Series Madone, a Tarmac SL4 and a few Roubaix's. For the money right now, Specialized is offering quite a value with the Tarmac SL4 (a very light & fast bike) with Ultegra electronic shifting for $4,100 US. They also offer a mid & regular compact SL4 with SRAM Force for even less. I would take a serious look at those.0
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I like SRAM
Especially SRAM Red!
I just don't get on with it myself, and ended up going for a full Ultegra Build on mine, purchasing the frame, forks, seatpin, clamp and headset as a bundle from Terry, then sourcing the other bits and bobs from wherever had deals on over the winter - still came in as a sub 7.5kg build (complete with pedals, 25mm tyres, garmin mount, GSC10 and bottle cages)
(edit: excuse the grotty backdrop and awful net curtains at my mates workshop/spare room!)0 -
Have you looked at Raleigh Bikes?
I bought a 2012 Raleigh Sojourn for Commuting/Touring and I'll tell you that Raleigh really provided a great deal for the price.
Since I plan to do long distance riding rather than crits, this Revenio line from Raleigh is where I'd look.
http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/03/28/just-in-raleighs-relaxed-revenio-4-0-carbon-endurance-road-bike/
Of course my price point would be the Revenio 2.0 with Shimano 105 rather than the 4.0. However I did just enter for a chance to win a Raleigh 4.0
http://www.bikerumor.com/2013/05/22/win-a-raleigh-revenio-road-bike-all-expenses-paid-trip-to-dealercamp/0 -
I'm very happy with my Cube GTC Race and my son is even happier with his Cube Litening...both carbon and full Ultegra with good wheels.
I was surprised that his Litening also came with carbon post and excellent Syntace carbon bars
Althought the Litening is advertised as more "racy" than the Agree its just as comfy and a kg less at 7.2kg.
The Agree was £1700 with good Ultega pedals and the Liteming was £1600 without. Worth checking out Cube IMHO.0 -
Consider a "last year's model" or a demo bike from one of the larger shops if you are looking for the best deal. Also, I would say go with the step down from the best component group (SRAM FORCE or Shimano Ultegra). 105s and Rivals are good component groups but if you get really serious you will be drawn to at least Force or Ultegra and always be looking at the bikes with the top of the line groups (Red and Dura Ace).
Note: I did not include Campy groups since they are not compatible and are far more pricey for what you get. They are easier to repair from what I have been told but they seem to run about 30% more at the cash register. SRAM tends to cost less that Shimano at each group level but not so much that I would discount Shimano and I tend to like Shimano cranksets more than I like SRAM. Also, I have heard that RIval compare closer to Ultegra when it comes to weight but I favor Shimano for shifting and crank stiffness has more than SRAM.0 -
Consider a "last year's model" or a demo bike from one of the larger shops if you are looking for the best deal. Also, I would say go with the step down from the best component group (SRAM FORCE or Shimano Ultegra). 105s and Rivals are good component groups but if you get really serious you will be drawn to at least Force or Ultegra and always be looking at the bikes with the top of the line groups (Red and Dura Ace).
Note: I did not include Campy groups since they are not compatible and are far more pricey for what you get. They are easier to repair from what I have been told but they seem to run about 30% more at the cash register. SRAM tends to cost less that Shimano at each group level but not so much that I would discount Shimano and I tend to like Shimano cranksets more than I like SRAM. Also, I have heard that RIval compare closer to Ultegra when it comes to weight but I favor Shimano for shifting and crank stiffness has more than SRAM.
Definitley take a look at what's still available in the 2012 models usually the only difference year to year is the colour and graphics..
I saved £1800 when I bought my scott foil 15 with full Ultegra Di2 against the current 2013 model. (well within your budget btw)
The only difference? the 2012 had a better wheel set and was Silver
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money means nothing when it comes to that,, get what you truly want.0
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Felt F2 would be my personal choice, wait until the new models come out and some serious reductions can be found to bring this beauty into your budget.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f2-red-2013/0 -
Anyone have experience of this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=104500
Giant TCR Advanced SL 3 - Compact 2012
The 2013 is around £4-£5kk ish, but looking at the 2012 models that are still around this is around £2,7000 -
I bought a Giant TCR Composite 1 a few weeks ago, I love it. It has Ultegra components and it felt like I wasn't paying for the name like the Trek.0
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Anyone have experience of this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=104500
Giant TCR Advanced SL 3 - Compact 2012
The 2013 is around £4-£5kk ish, but looking at the 2012 models that are still around this is around £2,700
My only misgving is the integrated seatmast - makes getting seat height correct a scary thing - I know there's probably a bit of give/take with the seat-mast topper, but nowhere near as much as a normal seatpin. Also, if you're bagging the bike up for a continental trip, it can be difficult to fit in certain bike cases...0 -
Anyone have experience of this:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=104500
Giant TCR Advanced SL 3 - Compact 2012
The 2013 is around £4-£5kk ish, but looking at the 2012 models that are still around this is around £2,700
My only misgving is the integrated seatmast - makes getting seat height correct a scary thing - I know there's probably a bit of give/take with the seat-mast topper, but nowhere near as much as a normal seatpin. Also, if you're bagging the bike up for a continental trip, it can be difficult to fit in certain bike cases...
See, this is the reason I am asking here - those are things I hadn't thought of !!
Thank you 0 -
Easy solution: Buy two bikes at $1,000 and send one to me, just in case one breaks. And I'll be sure to keep it in working order for you too. No charge!0
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This is still under major consideration.
Been looking at De Rosa bikes now - this one looks pretty good and has some nice components : http://www.i-ride.co.uk/Merak-Evolution-with-Fulcrum-Racing-3-Wheels.aspx
Anyone have any experience?0 -
At the level that you are looking at most bikes will work well, but what you need to be mindful when purchasing a road bike is the fit of the bike..
Do you have someone locally who specialises in bike fitting, either in a local shop or who works from home?? They may be able to guide you in the right direction, i.e. advise on the correct bike dimensions for your body type and flexibility, what will work well for your body type and what to avoid, and will be able to fit you on the bike once you have purchased it. Yes, it will cost you a little bit of money up front, but it will be money well spent.
Frame is more important than components.. you can polish a turd all you like.. it will still be a turd.. :laugh:
[Comments from my partner]0 -
At the level that you are looking at most bikes will work well, but what you need to be mindful when purchasing a road bike is the fit of the bike..
Do you have someone locally who specialises in bike fitting, either in a local shop or who works from home?? They may be able to guide you in the right direction, i.e. advise on the correct bike dimensions for your body type and flexibility, what will work well for your body type and what to avoid, and will be able to fit you on the bike once you have purchased it. Yes, it will cost you a little bit of money up front, but it will be money well spent.
Frame is more important than components.. you can polish a turd all you like.. it will still be a turd.. :laugh:
[Comments from my partner]
Yes it will be properly fitted to me - by a local bike shop.0 -
At the level that you are looking at most bikes will work well, but what you need to be mindful when purchasing a road bike is the fit of the bike..
Do you have someone locally who specialises in bike fitting, either in a local shop or who works from home?? They may be able to guide you in the right direction, i.e. advise on the correct bike dimensions for your body type and flexibility, what will work well for your body type and what to avoid, and will be able to fit you on the bike once you have purchased it. Yes, it will cost you a little bit of money up front, but it will be money well spent.
Frame is more important than components.. you can polish a turd all you like.. it will still be a turd.. :laugh:
[Comments from my partner]
Yes it will be properly fitted to me - by a local bike shop.
You appear to have missed the whole point of the response.. you will be able to make any bike 'fit', but not all bikes are built equally when it comes to fitting a specific persons body shape.. rather than looking at the specs of the bike on the internet it would be beneficial for you to talk to someone who can relate a bike back to your physical needs, which will make your future riding more comfortable, more enjoyable and likely faster..
* How flexible are you - Can you touch your toes??
* Do you have have long or short legs?
* Do you have long or short arms?
* Do you have a long or short torso?
Being able to fit YOUR body to the bike is more important than the group set which comes on the bike.. I for example am a typical female, I have long legs and a shorter reach, therefore my roadie was women's specific with a shorter top tube.. however I have seen men riding the same bike.. sure you can change up the stem, bars, seat post, crank length, but that will have nothing on buying a bike that fits you to begin with.0 -
if you've got around 3k to spend on a bike - budget a few hundred of it up front and go get something like a Retul bikefit. They do a complete fitting for you on an adjustable bike-rig - the figures that it comes out with are then compared with a database of various bike makes and it can point you to - or away from - specific bikes according to their layout. Once you've ruled your specification down to a couple or three that fit more or less right, it can also say "get a size 56 Cervelo R5, but swap out the stock 11cm stem for a 12cm"... this can work well if you're buying a complete build from a LBS, as they may well be able to swap out the stem as a no-cost-option.
it's worth every penny - you're far better of with a few hundred quid cheaper bike if it fits properly...
(there are other fitting services available of course, but I've only really experience of the retul one recently...)0 -
This is still under major consideration.
Been looking at De Rosa bikes now
Told ya; too much choice :laugh:0 -
if you've got around 3k to spend on a bike - budget a few hundred of it up front and go get something like a Retul bikefit. They do a complete fitting for you on an adjustable bike-rig - the figures that it comes out with are then compared with a database of various bike makes and it can point you to - or away from - specific bikes according to their layout. Once you've ruled your specification down to a couple or three that fit more or less right, it can also say "get a size 56 Cervelo R5, but swap out the stock 11cm stem for a 12cm"... this can work well if you're buying a complete build from a LBS, as they may well be able to swap out the stem as a no-cost-option.
it's worth every penny - you're far better of with a few hundred quid cheaper bike if it fits properly...
(there are other fitting services available of course, but I've only really experience of the retul one recently...)
I am doing something like this with my next bike. I wanted a Ti frame and there is a custom builder about an hour from me who worked for Merlin (and has close ties to Seven Cycles). We reviewed everything that I do riding-wise; average distance, pace, what is comfortable for me and what is not, etc. He then did a full measure on me and also checked me on my current bike and is building this new frame to the exact measurements for my body. The only problem is that it takes about 3 months to get the frame - only 2 more to go :-/0 -
You appear to have missed the whole point of the response.. you will be able to make any bike 'fit', but not all bikes are built equally when it comes to fitting a specific persons body shape.. rather than looking at the specs of the bike on the internet it would be beneficial for you to talk to someone who can relate a bike back to your physical needs, which will make your future riding more comfortable, more enjoyable and likely faster..
* How flexible are you - Can you touch your toes??
* Do you have have long or short legs?
* Do you have long or short arms?
* Do you have a long or short torso?
Being able to fit YOUR body to the bike is more important than the group set which comes on the bike.. I for example am a typical female, I have long legs and a shorter reach, therefore my roadie was women's specific with a shorter top tube.. however I have seen men riding the same bike.. sure you can change up the stem, bars, seat post, crank length, but that will have nothing on buying a bike that fits you to begin with.if you've got around 3k to spend on a bike - budget a few hundred of it up front and go get something like a Retul bikefit. They do a complete fitting for you on an adjustable bike-rig - the figures that it comes out with are then compared with a database of various bike makes and it can point you to - or away from - specific bikes according to their layout. Once you've ruled your specification down to a couple or three that fit more or less right, it can also say "get a size 56 Cervelo R5, but swap out the stock 11cm stem for a 12cm"... this can work well if you're buying a complete build from a LBS, as they may well be able to swap out the stem as a no-cost-option.
it's worth every penny - you're far better of with a few hundred quid cheaper bike if it fits properly...
(there are other fitting services available of course, but I've only really experience of the retul one recently...)
That makes things clearer, never knew things like this even existed!0 -
have a look on the website - https://www.retul.com/0
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have a look on the website - https://www.retul.com/
I googled it earlier, and found my local place Just working out whether they are free when I am at the moment. 0 -
Just had an e-mail through from ChainReaction Cycles - They're having an 'upto 40% off sales on bikes at the moment...
Take a look: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/SearchResults.aspx?Search=bikes&CategoryIDs=17,330,1135,2147,2148,1406&utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ENG-11_06_13_bike clearance (1)&utm_content=&_$ja=tsid:41391|cn:ENG-11_06_13_bike%20clearance%20%281%290
