Another Newbie, what bike question! (Sorry)

mitchgixer6

Hi all,

Been hiding on here as a non member for a while. Stuffed full of usefull info.

Basically I'm a road bike virgin! Only had a few short tries on a few models, mainly mid price (£600 approx) bikes. I've been into MTB, mainly XC, for a good few years now after a long lay off from cycling, and I'm really wanting to get back into it big time and am very interested into starting to ride on the road, with the ultimate goal of joining a club and maybe trying out some races. I used to run alot in races, but my knees have finnaly given up the ghost, so I miss that race buzz and excitment!

So I'm between 2 bikes as of now. Got about £1K to spend, so am between a discounted Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105 Compact, or the Planet X Carbon build for a grand. I know the Planet X has a higher spec, but I've got a test lined up on the Cannondale, and if it fits I'd much rather go for a bike that I've tested. Plus it's from the LBS, another plus.

Any recomendations for me? Or do you think I'm spending too much? Thing is I won't have the £ to spend that amount on a bike for a while if I don't buy now, so my theory is buy the best I can afford, and if I don't get into it I can alway sell on.

EDIT Just want to add being new to all this I'd rather a bike that's not too racey and fairly comfy. Hence the reason for prefering a Carbon frame. Although I know if I want to get into racing then I'll need a sharper riding position. AFAIK the Cannondale has a fair bit of adjustment in the headstck, is the Planet X the same?

ShaunL

I liked the look and feel of the cannondale when i was in the LBS recently as I'll be looking tis year to replace my current model. The guy there said that bike prices would be rising for 2009 sepc models so a last years model with 105 would be a good choice. I have 105 on my current bike and have found it rock solid and super smooth. I epect ultegra and dura ace are only upgrades due to reduced wieght I can't imagine they are any smoother.

I say if you like the Cannondale when you try it, go for it.

gtitim

For your first bike i'd say its always better to go for one that you can sit on and even take for a test ride, you'll soon know if it's right for you or not. Give it a try and see how you get on.

Good luck, let us know how you get on.

mitchgixer6

Cheers for the replies folks. Didn't manage to get a shot on the bike after all, but have taken the plunge on the Cannondale! I did see the frame in the shop, but was too big for me to try. As far as I see it I've never spent any time on a road bike before, so it would probably feel weird even if it was the perfect frame for me! So I've taken the gamble. Can alway sell it on if it's not right, as I got a good deal on an 08 bike (£250 off).

Thanks again, and I'll no doubt be on here alot more from now on with lots of questions. Just need to wait on delivery now..... Can't come soon enough!!

STEFANOS4784

http://www.questbikes.co.uk/acatalog/Sp ... ffers.html

Some guy on another thread posted this, seems an absolute bargain, dunno if the wheels are up to much but they seem pretty darn light, as does the whole shibang, anyone got experience with this bike?

STEFANOS4784

I'm bumping this as i think i'm guna buy a set of the wheels come payday, please ignore this

Justpush

mitchgixer6 wrote:

Hi all,



Any recomendations for me? Or do you think I'm spending too much? Thing is I won't have the £ to spend that amount on a bike for a while if I don't buy now, so my theory is buy the best I can afford, and if I don't get into it I can alway sell on.

Buy second hand.
If you don't get into it and want to sell you'll barely lose any money.
Buy new and it's likely to have lost half its value nearly right away.

passout

Cycle/Ride to work scheme?

mitchgixer6

Been waiting for the last 14 months to see if my work will sign up to the C2W scheme, but am fed up of waiting. Don't think it will happen. :x