Help Choosing Flat-bar road bike - £450-550

onlyonearrow
onlyonearrow Posts: 157
edited June 2009 in Road buying advice
I'm looking to buy a flat-bar road bike to use on local unclassified and B-roads. I currently have a Genesis Core moutain bike, which I run with semi-slicks when on the road. But since I'm doing more miles during the week on-road I want something faster and lighter.

I want the familarity of a flat-bar, but want to lean on the sportier side of hybrids.

So far the bikes that have caught my eye are:
Giant FCR 3 or 4.
Ridgeback Flight 01 or 02
Marin Belvedere.

The Specialized sirrus range looks a little too upright - but I haven't tried sitting on one.
I've tried an FCR for size and it felt good - if a little cramped.
I'm leaning towards the Ridgebacks - they do seem to have a good standard of equipment - but this maybe influenced by my MTB choice.

I would also prefer MTB style shifters rather than twist-type.

Has anyone any experience of these bikes or other options?

Thanks for any help.

Comments

  • baldspot
    baldspot Posts: 38
    edited June 2009
    Got the Ridgeback Flight 01 for £400 and have been very pleased with it.

    th_Picture139.jpg

    Good clearance for mudguards, can take a rack, can take wider tyres. It's a good commuter but I've also did a few 70kms runs on it with no problems.

    Flat bars on this type of bike are a compromise as you feel you could get a lot more out of it with drops.

    However, I had to be a realist when I bought this bike and flat bars where the best solution for my requirements.

    It has given me a taste for road riding and looking to buy a proper roadbike for Sportive's etc.
  • TheScouser on an Italian
    TheScouser on an Italian Posts: 29
    Hi to all considering this notion,and in particular:-onlyonearrow.I have a very nice little Italian Job,but for a more leisurely but not sluggish ride I have a 2009 Claude Butler Levante,bought with a discount from my local dealer.Nice, frisky,agile machine.Stricking Paint Job.Trusted Shimano 3x8,slick & quiet.Not so keen on the Ritchey Saddle;that's been changed for a new Gel with moulded pressure relief channel.A thoroughly nice spec for not a lot of money.
    Hi,I am returnig to pedal power after a longish period of drying out my Vega+nail on plates.My first serious bike was a 1937 Hetchins Curly(track frame)My current rocket is a Bianchi Reparto Corse,Gold Race 600.A nice little Italian.
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    all those you mention look good. If you can try some for size theat would be a good idea.

    See the Evans website for a big list of alternatives, and some dscounted bikes.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • akcc05
    akcc05 Posts: 336
    Have you looked around for a 08 Specialized Sirrus? Much less upright and more aggressive than the 09. I have a 07 Sirrus that I love more than my road bike and MTB.
  • onlyonearrow
    onlyonearrow Posts: 157
    maddog 2 wrote:
    all those you mention look good. If you can try some for size theat would be a good idea.

    See the Evans website for a big list of alternatives, and some dscounted bikes.

    That's the problem too much choice! I agree no substitute for trying some for size.
  • onlyonearrow
    onlyonearrow Posts: 157
    akcc05 wrote:
    Have you looked around for a 08 Specialized Sirrus? Much less upright and more aggressive than the 09. I have a 07 Sirrus that I love more than my road bike and MTB.

    That's a good idea. Is it the stem and handlebar that has changed between 08 and 09, rather than frame geometry?
    The specification of the Sirrus range does appeal.
  • akcc05
    akcc05 Posts: 336
    it's the frame geometry that has changed. head tube length, head angle, seat angle, top tube length etc...the specialized website should have the geometries available for all production years. the pre 09 sirrus is an awesome bike, it's like an SUV bike, it's fast handling with a steep seat angle but can take fat tires too, highly recommened. i love mine, too bad they ruined it for the 09s.
  • biondino
    biondino Posts: 5,990
    On the Commuting forum the Trek 7.5FX is getting a lot of love.
    My Focus / My Bob Jackson
    Blog (incl. bikes)
  • Masala
    Masala Posts: 6
    Agree with comments about upright position of Secialized Sirrus 09 - bought a Sirrus Sport from Evans who knew that I wantedd it for a fast commute (11 miles each way) and for triathlons (not to win them though!)
    It's great for commuting as quite fast and takes pannier rack but is very upright. Plainly not suitable for tris - so much so I've just bought a Bianchi via Nirone 09 and love it!
  • Mastineo
    Mastineo Posts: 182
    I ride a Giant FCR 2 and really enjoy it. Done over 1700 miles on it this year, the longest single ride being a smidgeon over 100 miles @ 14.5 mph. If I was going to buy another flat bar road bike, I'd definately be looking at the FCR range.
  • onlyonearrow
    onlyonearrow Posts: 157
    Well, I took the plunge today and have bought a Giant FCR 2. Will pick it up later this week.
    I was at the upper end of my budget, but the shop included the SPD pedals (Shimano A530) I wanted for free. So thumbs up for LBS!

    I tried a number of dealers and all indicated that availability of the FCR & Defy from Giant in the full size range was becoming restricted - too few imported by Giant UK for 09.
    Indeed one shop was converting an FCR 3 to drop-handle bars as they couldn't source a Defy in the correct size.

    Thanks for everyone's advice.

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