Please help me make up my mind.

Ghengis

So it looks like my C2W scheme won't get off the ground until at least August. I commute 62 miles round trip and want to cycle more than I do now. Currently using a Specialized Rockhopper with skinny tyres - about 2hours each way. I've looked at several road bikes -Giant Defy 2.5, Specialized Allez and Boardman. I have no real knowledge of road bikes and need to get one soonish so I can make the most of the summer. Budget will be £500-£1000. What do I buy? And yes I did ask this question last year but now I've given up on C2W scheme and expect things may have moved on since then.

kingrollo

There aren't many bad bikes in my opinion - its all about what is best for you. My guess is that whatever you choose you will notice a massive difference over those sort of distances - I use my MTB in the winter - and notice a difference when I go on my cheapy road bike in spring.

One to add to your list would be the new ribble sportive - which starts at £800, the Dolan Mythos, and Ribble Nero corsa are other popular buys at this price point.

The advabtage of the boardman is that you may get a test ride - before you buy. If you live near a decathlon store - these offer good value (if a little bland) bikes...

Hope that helps a little......let us know how you get on.

alfablue

For commuting those distances I would recommend something that will take full mudguards with clearance for at least 700x25 tyres, plus consider if you need a rack and panniers.

N0bodyOfTheGoat

A few "different" bikes for you to look at:-

Mongoose Sabrosa 3x9 (very nice ride, hoping I got the last large available at cycleworld for £325, rrp £500)
Gary Fisher Kaitai (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... itai-31957)
Trek Soho 4
Giant Escape R Sub Zero

All take 700c road bike sized wheels; have disc brakes; have full mudguard (I believe); some have the Alfine hub gear.

billy whippet

Agreed with alfablue - for commuting definitely get something that you can fit 25/28c tyres and, most importantly guards... don't thing you can with the boardman... I'd be tempted by a ribble winter trainer - vv good value, great for commuting, and if the bug gets you, longer rides...

Ghengis

Quite like the look of the Ribble. Has anyone used the bike builder or just bought off the shelf? I don't know that much about road components so it might be a faux pas letting me loose on the builder. Not sure what would suit best Sportive or audax/winter.

Mister W

My vote goes on a Planet-X Kaffenback. It'll take muguards and a rack and will handle pretty much any abuse you can give it. You can even race it.............. I did