Sorry another new bike Question- how boring!

Nasher2u

Ok, currently riding a plain simple Trek 1000. I like it but its time for an upgrade as I have got the bug! Doing my first 100 miler this year and want something a bit more speccy/interesting. I will go upto one thousand pounds or so. Been looking so far at

Bianchi 1855 Carbon Ultegra Evans - 1050 pounds
Specialized Tarmac Elite 2008 with 105 shimano - 899 pounds
Ridley Triton C - 1050 pounds
Trek 2000 - 1150 Pounds
Boardman Team Carbon - 999 pounds (only 1 year G'tee?)

Any views - i tend to cycle on average between 50-100 miles per week at the moment but will be ramping it up in coming months with 100 miler in August. I am testing these over coming week but any information beforehand appreciated.

Thanks.

on-yer-bike

Nasher2u wrote:

Ok, currently riding a plain simple Trek 1000. I like it but its time for an upgrade as I have got the bug! Doing my first 100 miler this year and want something a bit more speccy/interesting. I will go upto one thousand pounds or so. Been looking so far at

Bianchi 1855 Carbon Ultegra Evans - 1050 pounds
Specialized Tarmac Elite 2008 with 105 shimano - 899 pounds
Ridley Triton C - 1050 pounds
Trek 2000 - 1150 Pounds
Boardman Team Carbon - 999 pounds (only 1 year G'tee?)

Any views - i tend to cycle on average between 50-100 miles per week at the moment but will be ramping it up in coming months with 100 miler in August. I am testing these over coming week but any information beforehand appreciated.

Thanks.

Are they the weights or the prices?

If you have to buy a Boardman from Halfords, I wouldn't.

jrab

Depends to some extent which suits your style and riding plans? Are you more likely to do town-centre criterium races or the Etape du Tour?

The geometry is important - is the front end low and racy or a bit higher for more comfort? Which one comes with the gearing you want - "race" 53/39, "compact" 50/34, or triple?. Eg I think the Spesh & Bianchi come with 53/39 chainrings rather than a compact - would make many sportives hard work (unless you can manage 250+ miles a week to get fit.....)

As far as I know Ridleys tend to have quite a firm ride - fast and direct handling, but not so good for long-ride comfort (doesn't help if you just want to get off after 80 miles of a 100, or if you pick up neck/shoulder strain which limits your mileage).

Boardman is a good bike - pretty irrelevant whether it comes from Halfords, all the bits are quality the only thing Halfords could mess up is the build and set up. If you're half-confident with a set of allen keys you can set it up properly when you get home or take it to LBS. You never know, Halfords could actually do a good job...! The Boardman range does seem to have a racy emphasis, with quite a low front end.

Of the bikes you mentioned I would put the Spesh, Ridley & Boardman at the racy end of the scale, with the Bianchi & Trek more "sportive". Out of those, I'd probably go for the Boardman, but that's personal.

I would also consider Ribble Nero Corsa & Sportive, Jamis Xenith, Dolan Mythos, Raleigh Airlite Carbon Comp (some silly prices on web).

Richard

Nasher2u

Figures quoted are prices (have lost my pound sign)?!

Richard, thanks for thoughts, thats helpful. Just had a nose and a wizz round on the SpeshTarmac Elite. Loved it, I just think for below 900 quid its a great bike.

Have tracked a Boardman down (one left in my size) so hope to look at that tomorrow. As you have a guessed cycling is not my first sport but I am v fit in terms of other activities and have good leg strength and endurance (rowing/running) . The Spesh is a 53/39 your correct, my longest ride to date is 30 miles in one hit so only on short rides at the moment. Could you advise in your experience how much difference a 53/39 V Compact would make? I dont expect to really max out over 150/200 miles per week, I am a cycling commuter and fun training rider with the odd competitive multi challenge event now and again. Is it worth me worrying about the Compact V Race?

Also take your point on the Ridley which is helpful because I do struggle with neck stiffness generally (desk job!!!).

Having looked at the Spesh in the flesh I was suprised how much more "racey" it was than my Trek, so think your right in terms Sportive v Racey, although I need to see the Bianchi and look into the other models suggested. Thanks again for your input.

Si.