First road bike - advice needed

Zane81

Hi, just joined here and was hoping to gain some good advice on getting my first road bike.

I am currently away travelling overseas for another month or so, but looking to get fully clued up and ready to test out the shortlist I can hopefully create as soon as I’m back on home soil.
I am very keen to get into road riding, both for part of my exercise regime, daily commute and possibly for future longer rides.
I have a budget of £1000, but this includes the cost of equipment I’d also need. (I might be able to stretch a tad if a particularly good bike was available).
Also, I don’t have access to any C2W Scheme unfortunately

So I was looking for a good idea first on what gear I should be getting and also roughly how much I should look to spend on these things – giving me a better idea on how much I’d have left for the actual bike.
Items such as; helmet, lights, pedals, shoes, computer etc. (pretty much all the essentials I should get).
I have 2 LBS available to me which stock the following bike brands. I am open to purchasing the bike online if a better price is attainable, but would prefer to stick to the LBS’ brands - then service the bike etc there.

• Bianchi
• Cannondale
• Giant
• Massi
• Specialized
• Trek

I have seen 1 or 2 bikes from each of the brands that are roughly I think in my price bracket, but was hoping to hear some opinions and experiences on any of them.
I am also not opposed to the idea of buying a 2008 model if I could obviously get more for my hard earned.
I have read a few threads on here and it seems there’s a lot of advice and opinions offered, so I hope I can get some good responses to help me along in the decision making process – any help will be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance

geerfree

personally I would go for a much cheaper first road bike for your first one, just so you can get used to it a bit and decide whether its really worth paying for an expensive bike that you might not use as much as you think you would now.

you might disagree but just my opinion, good luck with the selection and don't blow the budget if you can help it!

oscarbudgie

I had the same budget and similar criteria recently - went for a 'dale CAAD9 with 105 at just over a grand from my LBS. TBH I could have got a budget full carbon bike cheaper but the Cannondale just felt 'righter' and seemed to ooze quality in comparison.... someone on here described the CAAD9 as 'da bom' recently - I have no idea what that means but it can only be good

Rouge Penguin

have you ridden a road bike?

At that budget, mot of the LBS's should let you try a couple out to find the 'one'.

As the OP said, maybe start cheaper and see how you get on. Or spend less or a 2nd hand bike from here of the same quality, to see if its your kind of thing.

MikeWW

Well

IMO you will need helmet/gloves/pedals(clipless)/shoes/shorts/top/small pump/track pump/multi tool/tubes/tyres levers) About£300

Leaves about £700 for a bike-won't go wrong with any of the makes you have listed. Personally wouldn't spend too much until you have been riding a while

pianoman

Well, for £750 you could get a Bianchi, with CAMPAG groupset

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bia ... e-ec016953

Says it all really (and yes it DOES also come in white).

I think that's also about the most you really want to go spending at the moment, I agree with those who say spend less than your £1000 limit for a first road bike.

Zane81

Thanks for some quick responses guys,

i do see your point in not going to the limit on budget for a first bike. i have ridden a friends before just twice (which was probably too big for me) but i did enjoy using it and have since wanted my own (correctly sized too!). And knowing my mindset, once i put down the money i will definitely find myself quickly becoming addicted to riding.

following the limit advice the, there are a few bikes under £800 that i've seen which could be considered - and yes Pianoman, i do agree that the Bianchi's do look the business! (I like the Celeste colour ) But are better specced bikes available for the same money?
and how does Campag setup compare to shimano?

The following are probably my most realistic options (all under £800). Does anyone have any opinions or experience with any of these?

Bianchi C2C Via Nirone, alu sora mix compact
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-C2C-Via ... _22813.htm

Bianchi C2C Via Nirone, alu xenon mix compact
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-C2C-Via ... _22814.htm

Giant Defy 2.5
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-2.5- ... _20149.htm

Defy 2
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-2-20 ... _20148.htm

Specialized Allez Sport
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-All ... _27268.htm

Specialized Allez Elite
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-All ... _27267.htm

Trek 1.5 double
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Trek-1.5-Double ... _20728.htm

how do you feel these stack up against each other?
I do like the look of the Bianchi's and the Trek, but thats just on looks!

Thanks for the help!

kevinb

Hi

Just a quick Big up for LBS.

I have just taken the plunge myself (TREK 1.7 if it interests anyone) and after spending weeks online trying to get info on the best deal, strolled on into my LBS who undercut everyone online by a substantial amount - and did a deal on all the gear i needed to.

Go talk to them

Infamous

I'm currently looking at the same bikes and tbh nothing really stands out... here's some of my notes...

If you like the trek, I'd go for the cheaper 1.2 and if you want, spend the money you save on some wheels... the 1.5 is practically the same as the 1.2 but with different wheels. Also you'll have to wait till 4th july for the new treks.

The allez is ok but the red elite looks rubbish. Bianchi looks about the same as the allez.

You will get the best groupset with a Boardman Comp (£650) but I think you might have to wait a while for one in stock.

Ignore the campag vs shimano, there is no difference.

Philby

All are good value for money bikes - see if you can get test rides on as many as possible as fit and how you feel on them is critical. When I did this recently I found many of the bikes I tried felt a little too stretched out for my liking, and in one case too upright. In the end I went for a Bianchi C2C Via Nirone which has the ideal geometry for me and is eminently upgradeable - and I thought it stood out looks-wise - but you may be different.

With the first 2010 bikes due in the next couple of months, you might find a discounted bargain. Also expect to get at least 10% off accessories such as shoes, pedals etc. and/or get some things thrown into the deal.

I note that all the bikes you link to are from Tredz, who are offering a couple of interest free credit options which might enable you to get a higher-specced model now and save up for the next few months for the difference.

I think the Campag v Shimano debate is fairly irrelevant at this level - both change gears well and both have a strong technical heritage - the main difference is whether you feel comfortable changing gears using a thumb shifter on Campag.

Again might be worth looking at Halfords as their Boardman range is highly rated and very well specced for the price.

Zane81

I think the general consensus is to first of all go and have a look/test on them, especially with regards to the different shifters.
Maybe i will e-mail Tredz then and find out some more information on when they receive their new stocks in.
A 2008 modelat a higher spec would be an option if i were able to find one. Or perhaps make use of the finance scheme there to get a better bike.....

The Boardman bikes do look well specced, but at such a low price is the quality good?
And I thought H*lfords was a dirty word in many cycling circles? lol.

hmm.... i think i'll look for an LBS here in Brisbane this week and see what they stock, see if i can sort myself a test ride too

fungus_the_muffin_man

Infamous wrote:

I'm currently looking at the same bikes and tbh nothing really stands out... here's some of my notes...

If you like the trek, I'd go for the cheaper 1.2 and if you want, spend the money you save on some wheels... the 1.5 is practically the same as the 1.2 but with different wheels. Also you'll have to wait till 4th july for the new treks.

The allez is ok but the red elite looks rubbish. Bianchi looks about the same as the allez.

You will get the best groupset with a Boardman Comp (£650) but I think you might have to wait a while for one in stock.

Ignore the campag vs shimano, there is no difference.

I thought the 1.2 had a different frame to the 1.5 which has the same as the 1.7 and 1.9? IThe 1.5 also has different forks and tiagra mech instead of sora

Infamous

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

I thought the 1.2 had a different frame to the 1.5 which has the same as the 1.7 and 1.9? IThe 1.5 also has different forks and tiagra mech instead of sora

Yeah I think the frames are a little different, but are they worth the extra money? And you could upgrade the rear mech for not very much... the rest of the bike is still sora.

Then again you get 105 on the 1.7 so it's probably worth spending the extra to get the 1.7 anyway.

oscarbudgie

I have to disagree that you should economise on the bike to buy accesories. I would say get the best frame / groupset you can and buy cheap accesories / clothes (except shorts) until you can upgrade + when you do you'll have spares.

rinko

Infamous wrote:

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

Then again you get 105 on the 1.7 so it's probably worth spending the extra to get the 1.7 anyway.

I considered the 1.5 after reading the reviews, but decided to stump up a bit more and get the 1.7, mainly because of the 105. Deffo no regrets, but do work out how much all the accessories will cost before you blow your budget completely. SPD's and shoes and a computer etc soon add up.

Speedykid

If your going up to the 1.7 then mabey you should sterch to the boardman team carbon. As you probably know it is the best bike for under(ish) a thousand £s it got Cycling plus's prestigious 10/10. And that is special so you and person who added before me ( when I stated to write if somebody has posted already) get this bike it's brilliant!

rinko

Speedykid wrote:

If your going up to the 1.7 then mabey you should sterch to the boardman team carbon. As you probably know it is the best bike for under(ish) a thousand £s it got Cycling plus's prestigious 10/10. And that is special so you and person who added before me ( when I stated to write if somebody has posted already) get this bike it's brilliant!

I was looking at the Boardman ... but the biggest problem with them is stock. I was looking at ordering a month+ ago and they were saying I wouldn't get the bike until August.

GregV

I had the same search earlier this year. I settled on the Bianchi c2c for its price and value. It has been an awesome bike, responsive, smooth and very comfortable. I've gotten a few things for it like the eggbeater pedals, shoes, and water bottle holders, but the bike is impressive.

I purchased the bike online via Jenson USa but I used the bike fit calculator I found online:

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CC ... ATOR_INTRO

vision267

Why not think about a focus cayo as well.A little over your budget, full carbon frame climbs well wiggle give you 7 day test run.Just a thought the cannondale is suppose to be a great bike as well.I think all the bikes mentioned are good bikes just a matter of choice on your part.Oh forgot to mention i have a focus cayo and i am a very happy camper.

RR75

I started out last year - I have a Specialised Allez which I think suits me well. It was a snip at £550. I've been doing a few sportives and have no problem at all thrashing some of the guys on 2 grand machinery, which gives me enormous pleasure. The differences in stiffness, weight and aerodynamics are easily undone by being 1.5kg overweight! So think carefully before spending more than I did.

My only regret is that I didn't get properly checked for fit or seek expert advice. The bike shop (some on this forum will guess which one) just put me on, told me it looked right, it felt OK, that was that. I get some minor back pain and I'm never quite sure if it's poor fit or poor posture. Moral? A correct fitting bike (and all the ones you've mentioned are slightly different shapes) is better than spending ££££.

zoglug

+ for for the Specialized Allez as a first bike!

I thoroughly enjoy being out on mine, it is absolutely fantastic, extremely responsive and very resilliant (and im a lot over weight!). Also, for the money youve got to spend, youd be able to upgrade the brake pads, as the stock ones really dont want to sto you and upgrade the tyres too (i just dont feel confident on the stock tyres!

I do however agree with RR75! I didnt have my bike fitted to me, i purchased it from Evans, as nowhere else had any stock, all they did was heighten the seat and send me on my merry way, i didnt really feel like a valued customer. So once ive got the money, i plan to visit a recommended place to have a proper fitting.

fungus_the_muffin_man

zoglug wrote:

+ for for the Specialized Allez as a first bike!

I thoroughly enjoy being out on mine, it is absolutely fantastic, extremely responsive and very resilliant (and im a lot over weight!). Also, for the money youve got to spend, youd be able to upgrade the brake pads, as the stock ones really dont want to sto you and upgrade the tyres too (i just dont feel confident on the stock tyres!

I do however agree with RR75! I didnt have my bike fitted to me, i purchased it from Evans, as nowhere else had any stock, all they did was heighten the seat and send me on my merry way, i didnt really feel like a valued customer. So once ive got the money, i plan to visit a recommended place to have a proper fitting.

Was it Evans at the chill factore? I got my Trek 1.5 from there as it was the only place which had it in my size. And felt very much the same way as you. The guy tried to push me towards the more expensive Specialized Allez sport and the other 2 bikes they had made up in the top end of my price range. I really wanted to deal with my LBS in Whitefield but they couldn't get me anything in my price range and the only Trek 1.5 they had was to small. They were trying to help me as much as possible to bring down the price of other bikes but 700 was my top ceiling unfortunately. So I had to deal with Evans. They were as you said - have a ride ooohhhh you look great on that etc etc

fungus_the_muffin_man

Zane81 wrote:

Thanks for some quick responses guys,

i do see your point in not going to the limit on budget for a first bike. i have ridden a friends before just twice (which was probably too big for me) but i did enjoy using it and have since wanted my own (correctly sized too!). And knowing my mindset, once i put down the money i will definitely find myself quickly becoming addicted to riding.

following the limit advice the, there are a few bikes under £800 that i've seen which could be considered - and yes Pianoman, i do agree that the Bianchi's do look the business! (I like the Celeste colour ) But are better specced bikes available for the same money?
and how does Campag setup compare to shimano?

The following are probably my most realistic options (all under £800). Does anyone have any opinions or experience with any of these?

Bianchi C2C Via Nirone, alu sora mix compact
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-C2C-Via ... _22813.htm

Bianchi C2C Via Nirone, alu xenon mix compact
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-C2C-Via ... _22814.htm

Giant Defy 2.5
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-2.5- ... _20149.htm

Defy 2
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-2-20 ... _20148.htm

Specialized Allez Sport
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-All ... _27268.htm

Specialized Allez Elite
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-All ... _27267.htm

Trek 1.5 double
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Trek-1.5-Double ... _20728.htm

how do you feel these stack up against each other?
I do like the look of the Bianchi's and the Trek, but thats just on looks!

Thanks for the help!

If you get the trek 1.5 spend an extra £20 and get the triple. I'd be lost on the double :oops:

zoglug

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

Was it Evans at the chill factore? I got my Trek 1.5 from there as it was the only place which had it in my size. And felt very much the same way as you. The guy tried to push me towards the more expensive Specialized Allez sport and the other 2 bikes they had made up in the top end of my price range. I really wanted to deal with my LBS in Whitefield but they couldn't get me anything in my price range and the only Trek 1.5 they had was to small. They were trying to help me as much as possible to bring down the price of other bikes but 700 was my top ceiling unfortunately. So I had to deal with Evans. They were as you said - have a ride ooohhhh you look great on that etc etc

Bingo! I originally went to Harry Halls, as when i got my Mountain bke they were fantastic. But unfortunately they had no stock of anything under £600 and they told me it wouldnt be until the end of July till they did. I ended up at the Chill factore, and got the usual sales patter about a couple of hundred pound more could get me this or that, before they eventually built the Allez i wanted. And it was as you say, that looks fine, bye!

punkypossum

I got a trek 1.7 from Harry Halls for £800 - they had a 10 percent discount on and a bit of bargaining did the rest. It's the triple...

Zane81

Hey guys, sorry i havent been on fora short while,
well i still havent managed to test any bikes out here - the weather has been a little wet - although i did call in to see what they had in stock there, and there wasnt a great deal for my price range (if only i had AUS$4000+!!!)

1 store has Trek and Bianchi (Trek 1.2s and 1.5s) which i will try, but bianchis are all carbon monocoque frame jobbies (all AUS$3500 upwards!) - no Via Nirone 7s
The other store stocks Giant and Scott, but Giants are all TCR and Dfy advanced with carbon frames, so priced out of them too! (1 model strangely enough had Sora gear on it, priced AU$2000!) Australians definitely pay more for all their bikes than us in UK!!

so.......i will definitely go fora test on both the Treks. I am dissapointed with the Bianchi stock as i would want to compare the Trek with a Via Nirone, and i refuse to test any superior Bianchis there as i will no doubt only depress myself with unattainable desire! lol. And i was thinking i may decide to test a tiagra equipped Giant - just to see how they feel(?). Scotts i dont really like so will bypass them :roll:

Anything i need to know about trialing bikes before i head out?

Thanks