Time to step up to the road bike...but which one?

trevtherev

In April I will have been commuting for 2 years (in fact the main reason I do my present job is that I can use the bike each day!) I average 2500 miles per year, I use this fitness to compliment my first aerobic love running (member of local running club and compete throughout the year) 2 years ago due to plantar faciitiis I had to stop running totally and rely solely on the bike for exercise, I thought I might never run/compete again as the PF was so painful (especially in the morning as fellow sufferers will know ) but a specialist on the NHS told me not to despair keep cycling do a little running until things improve. I was never put off running but had to cut back and stick to the bike. So I did and made sure that those commuting journeys were training journeys... In the last 6 months I returned to running and have completed a number of 10k's, 10miles, and my favourite distance the half marathon. My best half marathon time was 1 hr 34mins (Stroud Oct) and I was overjoyed...the cycling had paid off!! My next half is Bath and I can now look forward to cautious running again (always respect PF)
At my place of work in a few weeks we will have incentives to buy a new bike (ie saving on the tax which is essentially a 20% saving) I am after a new racer/sportive (comfort) and have been greatly imprssed with all reviews for the Giant SCR 3, it seems to offer everytying I want, a little more comfortable than a racer, good for commuting but also great for training....has anyone got any views? I want to buy from my local bike shop ( their service is superb) and they are a main dealer for Giant and Genesis. I realize Genesis do make road bikes but from what I can see they are not so popular....indeed you can still buy the Day 07 2006 road bike at a cut down price at Evans.
I look forward to your comments and recommendations

ash68

You say your LBS is a Giant main dealer and as you say the scr range always gets good reviews. IMO go for the scr. I'm thinking of getting one myself after the new year.There will be cheap deals on the internet, but I also have an excellent LBS and will buy from them. The aftersales service is first class and that makes up for any premium I have to pay.The internet shops are great, but the help and advice you get from building up a friendly relationship with the lads in the bike shops is invaluable.

trevtherev

I agree 100% Ash re LBS's....and there have always been many conversations on the forum for and against them, and most people are for. I actually only live 200 yards from my LBS so it makes sound sense for me to buy from them....as when something goes wrong...and it always will they are always there and more importantly ready to help a good customer.

DavidTQ

I can wholly recommend the SCR as a commuter, Ive been running one all summer and autumn, fantastic commuting bike fast enough to blow away a lot of the other cyclists on the commute, comfortable enough to use every day no problem, and its got mounts for the guards and panniers. Might not be first choice for the serious competitors, but for a fast commuter or fitness type they are first class. I know some people run them down because Giants are very common, but you get very good value for money, and the comfort is top notch really makes the ride more enjoyable.

Might be worth seeing if your LBS will move on price at all to match internet prices, some will. Its possible to find the SCR 1.0 online for £525 :-

http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/product_ ... ts_id=2703

The 1.0 offers a fair step up from the 3.0 better wheels brakes gears and seatpost....

I've tried the 3.0 the 2.0 and the 1.0, The basic fit and comfort is there on all of them, but you do definetely notice the step up between the models, the 1.0 feels far faster off the line and stops better than the 3.0 and the shifting is far better. If you cant afford the 1.0 the 3.0 represents great value for money, but it is worth noting that the 1.0 can be had for very low prices out there for a 07 model instead of 08.

I was prepared to buy the 3.0 based on a test ride but ended up getting the 1.0 at a substantial discount instead I believe its saved me money in the long run as the 3.0 I WOULD have been wanting to upgrade, the 1.0 Ive felt no need to upgrade. It flies even loaded down with panniers, and its really really smooth, far less road buzz etc than I got with my hybrid!