Help! Best beginner/intermediate road bike for under £1500?

Ozbradders
Ozbradders Posts: 2
edited September 2009 in Road buying advice
Hi there ... I'm about to buy my first road bike and would love some advice on the best make/model to get. So far I've narrowed down to four brands I like - Trek, Cannondale, Specialized and Bianchi. And I'm looking for something that is fast, comfortable - used mainly for sportives and the odd race, plus some commuting. I have a bad lower back from years of running so I'll need something probably more upright than most ... but I don't want to compromise speed too much because of this set back. Thanks heaps in advance for your help/suggestions.

Comments

  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Planet X
    Ribble Sportive
    Kuota Kharma\Kebel
    Boardman


    have a look at those for starters - but there aren't many bad bikes at this point
  • Leesykoi
    Leesykoi Posts: 338
    Would not discount Focus out of your decision making process, check them out on Wiggle.
    I like shiny bikes - especially Italian ones.....!!
  • matt.rochfort
    matt.rochfort Posts: 147
    Cannondale CAAD 9 ultegra. Awesome (for the money).
  • w1z8rd
    w1z8rd Posts: 1
    Really happy with my Pinarello FP2 :)
  • bazbadger
    bazbadger Posts: 553
    +1 for the CAAD 9 - especially the new 2010 Ultegra model with 6700 and BB30. awesome
    Mens agitat molem
  • paulieb2006
    paulieb2006 Posts: 318
    Just receved my Felt F4 SL from Wiggle. Class bike and great price at the moment which takes it under your price bracket.
    http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab26 ... C05883.jpg
  • Evil Laugh
    Evil Laugh Posts: 1,412
    I'll have to vouch for my bike here. What a surprise! :wink:

    2009 Cannondale Synapse Carbon 105, a bit under your budget if you shop around.

    Very comfortable, plush bike and handles beautifully. Could ride it as long as my legs could cope, it's got a more relaxed geometry which may suit your situation. I wanted to try a spesh Roubaix too but never got the chance, apparently a similar sort of bike.

    I only tried bikes at Evans so I can't compare it to brands like Focus, Planet X etc but they are probably better value for money spec -wise. I really liked the Trek Madone 4.5 too but got £400 off the Cannondale.

    It's my first road bike and personally I'm really glad I spent almost double my original budget as every time I get on it a massive smile erupts over my face.

    Good luck on your search and just try as many bikes as you can, other people's opinions are only worth so much.

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