new road bike - 3 choices

1234567

hi there.

just a bit of background first - i currently commute on a hybrid bike, and am starting to look at taking cycling more seriously with a road bike.

after doing a bit of research (budget no more than £800), LBSs have recommended the 08 cannondale caad9 tiagra, the trek 1.7, and the specialized allez elite.
if presented with this choice, what would you choose? any glaring ommsions?

secondly, in the long term, i plan on doing some quite long cycles. (Maybe 6/7 hours a day) Ive heard conflicting reports on road bikes in terms of comfort. some people explain that they are designed purely for speed, while others say this is nonsense and that 7 hours a day on a road bike would not be an issue.
whats the general consensus on this? with this in mind, should that affect my choice from the 3 bikes above? ive been told by a local bike store that the specialized allez has 'compromised' geometry providing the est of both worlds. is that true of the other 2?

many thanks in advance!

SBezza

I have a trek 1.7, and I have used it for an audax which meant over 6 hours in the saddle, and it was perfectly fine for me.

It has a pretty good level of kit on it, 105 with ultegra rear.

I think it is designed as a compact bike for a more upright riding postition, I have never had any comfort issues on mine, but you would need to try each of them out really, to see what was best for you.

no-mates

I got the '09 Caad 9 few weeks ago after commuting on a hybrid too. I've no experience of the others but am extremely pleased with my Cannondale. Its the 105 equipped version but should be very simillar.

Norm.

doug5_10

For around £800 you could get something with a bit better kit on it than Tiagra. Try Ribble or how about Cube? From Square wheels http://www.cubecycles.co.uk/ you can get the Attempt http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ATT ... 21041_.htm for £799. Shimy 105 or Sram Rival groupset, Fulcrum wheels plus it looks sh1t hot (which is the most important thing of course !!)

mjhale

Another vote for ribble (or similar) here. For that money you should definitely be able to get better than tiagra.

allezscotia

doug5_10 wrote:

For around £800 you could get something with a bit better kit on it than Tiagra. Try Ribble or how about Cube? From Square wheels http://www.cubecycles.co.uk/ you can get the Attempt http://www.cube-bikes.de/xist4c/web/ATT ... 21041_.htm for £799. Shimy 105 or Sram Rival groupset, Fulcrum wheels plus it looks sh1t hot (which is the most important thing of course !!)

Think i would take the peleton for £100 less and almost the same spec as the 105 attempt

doug5_10

True. Only differences are in brakes, crankset and tyres, dunno if thats £100 since it basically the same frame. Paintjob is just as good too

il_principe

Focus Variado Expert from Wiggle.


I have an 06 and it's great, plus it comes with an Ultegra Groupset!

1234567

great everyone - ill get looking into these options.

what about the comfort aspect of all this? should i be looking for a frame with compromised geometry, or would a normal road racing bike prove to be perfectly comfortable for longer rides?

thanks again

il_principe

Well I reckon the comfort thing is a bit rubbish to be honest. I ride a Pinarello Prince which is an out and out race bike. I regularly ride 75 - 100 miles and have no comfort issues. The key is to get the bike fiitted properly and mess about with stem length, saddle height & position and model as well as investing in decent bibshorts.

Rich Hcp

Comfort comes from the fit, so you need to try various manufacturers to see which suits you best