What carbon road bike?

Dick Scruttock
Dick Scruttock Posts: 2,533
edited October 2009 in Road buying advice
I have a budget of around £1700 to buy myself a carbon road bike. I have been looking at the following brands, planet-x, focus and raleigh. Can anyone advise me where they would be spending there money and why on that brand?
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Comments

  • Of those three the Focus is a million miles ahead. My views on Planet-X have been well-aired on another thread. Raleigh use generic Asian frames that are painted up in Raleigh colours. At that price point there are plenty of others. Do you want a complete bike or are you getting frame and forks and speccing it yourself?
  • skinson
    skinson Posts: 362
    Raleigh use generic Asian frames that are painted up in Raleigh colours.

    As do 90% of other bike manufacturers!! Try before you buy is the best method. Don't take to heart what people say on here. If they have a particular bike than obviously they are going to say that's the best. I ride a Ribble sportive, it's a decent bike, but there are probably better bikes out there, but at the price I paid, they will be few and far between. It's like anything you buy, some one, somewhere will have a better, cheaper, faster, newer version. Just make sure it's what YOU want and not what someone else has told you to buy.
    Dave :wink:
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Planet x - always seem good value, without the delay problems at Ribble - although that may be better now we are outside the summer peak.

    Those seem the value for money options.

    Boardman - always get good reviews

    Cannondales - seems to be good deals at the moment

    Kuota Kharma, - what I brought !! - Im certainly pleased with it.

    Cannondales - seems to be good deals at the moment

    The giant TCR (i think) won a couple of bike of the year awards

    then theres Specialized and Trek.

    I doubt any are bad bikes, its all about whats important to you. I sacrificed a bit of weight, for a bit of bling ! for example.
  • skinson wrote:
    Raleigh use generic Asian frames that are painted up in Raleigh colours.

    As do 90% of other bike manufacturers!!

    Once again another stupid and 100% WRONG statement. What I've come to expect since checking out this forum. Key word here is 'generic' (look it up),

    It is true that most carbon frames originate in Asia but the vast majority are made for companies (Pinarello, Ridley, Kuota etc) to their own designs and with exclusivity of mould etc. Big companies like Pinarello spend a fortune on R&D whereas Planet X and Raleigh have mmerely bought an off-the-production line 'generic' fframe and had it painted.

    Ribble's Sportive is of course the same. It's a frame that is also sold by Pedalforce among others.

    Please don't post rubbish like this as it misleads people who are seeking genuine information. If you don't know what you are talking about (and you obvoiusly don't) can I suggest you say nowt.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    I have the Giant TCR - nice bike.

    If I was buying again - I'd probably be looking at either a Planet X or the Boardman bike.
    Good reviews on the Boardman, and lots of happy buyers of Planet X.

    I dont think you'd go far wrong with any of the bikes really - but with £1700 to spend - I'd prob spend a grand on the bike and then organise a few weekends in the alps with mates. Much better way of spending the extra £700.
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    edited September 2009
    Tacx Boy has a point the Ribble Sportive Racing, Planet X, Fondriest FP3 (same frame as the Ribble) are mass produced generic frames with different paint jobs (part of the reason they role'em out so cheap).

    That is to say that they are not regarded as bad frames by many.

    Personally, I wouldn't get a Raleigh as there are better bikes in the range. That said, I can't say that there is a bad bike in that price range either.

    Bikes I would reccommend considering even if it's just to look at:

    Kuota Kharma - what I've got and I don't think I'll buy a different brand again
    Boardman
    Wilier Mortirolo
    Ribble Sportive Racing
    Bianchi Infinito - sex on a bike
    Cannondale Synapse
    Bianchi 1885
    Planet X
    Focus Cayo
    Planet X (you might be able to get full Dura Ace at that price)
    Giant TCR
    Trek Madone
    Scott CR1 or Addict
    Viner

    There is no substitute for trying them out, each bike will likely have it's own geometry and ride characteristics, they'll fit differently and offer different levels of comfort. It's important to try and buy the one that suits you.
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • galatzo
    galatzo Posts: 1,295
    You have to do a hell of a lot of riding on different bikes to find a bad one.
    Nobody ever comes on here and says my bikes a bad one. You chose it because you liked it.
    As long as you make sure it's the right size then consider tyre type and pressure you won't go far wrong as these have the biggest effect on a ride. Bars and seat are a doddle to change if they really don't suit after a while or if you already know what you like.
    Consider these then decide if you like the colour scheme etc - if you like the look of it you'll ride it more

    I've just bought a Focus Cayo Campa and of course I think it's the best bike going for £1700 (well under£2500 actually) because it fits, I've put the tyres, wheels, seat and bars on I want, it looks good and I chose it.

    Please don't get one if you live in Derby though. :wink:
    25th August 2013 12hrs 37mins 52.3 seconds 238km 5500mtrs FYRM Never again.
  • eh
    eh Posts: 4,854
    Not a Planet-X for that money. Fine if you are on a budget and like compacts (I don't, think they are sh*t).

    For that cash I'd be looking at the Giant range first and thats coming from a Focus owner.

    Tacx Boy has a very good point about the difference between generic far east frames and built to specific designs, don't confuse the two. Although thats not to say a generic design can't be good of course.
  • One of my friends has a Focus Cayo Campo and the other has the Planet X Pro SL carbon and both are very happy and impressed with them. Just had a look at the Giant range and not sure i really like the style of the frame.
  • Galatzo wrote:
    You have to do a hell of a lot of riding on different bikes to find a bad one.
    Nobody ever comes on here and says my bikes a bad one. You chose it because you liked it.
    As long as you make sure it's the right size then consider tyre type and pressure you won't go far wrong as these have the biggest effect on a ride. Bars and seat are a doddle to change if they really don't suit after a while or if you already know what you like.
    Consider these then decide if you like the colour scheme etc - if you like the look of it you'll ride it more

    I've just bought a Focus Cayo Campa and of course I think it's the best bike going for £1700 (well under£2500 actually) because it fits, I've put the tyres, wheels, seat and bars on I want, it looks good and I chose it.

    Please don't get one if you live in Derby though. :wink:

    Galatzo

    I'm considering the same Focus Cayo myself. My only concern is I've read reviews that say it isn't especially comfortable. Interesting your comment about "it fits" as you can only purchase on line. What size did you go for? I am 6'1" with 32" inside leg and I am assuming I would need a 56cm?

    Thanks
  • I understand that you specifically said Carbon. But Halfords Bike Hut have the Van Nicholas Zephyr (Ti) on sale at around £1600 at the moment. Ultegra throughout with Fulcrum wheels. When I spoke to them they had a few left in stock around the country in 54cm and 56cm frames.
    Marin Highway One
    Trek 7.5FX
  • DonDaddyD
    DonDaddyD Posts: 12,689
    Considering everyone agrees that its (i) down to personal taste (ii) there isn't technically a bad bike in the range well...

    Personally I'd get online, look at the bikes recommeneded here/elsewhere make a short list of the ones that look nice/I like looking at and then go see those bikes in the flesh and test ride them.
    Food Chain number = 4

    A true scalp is not only overtaking someone but leaving them stopped at a set of lights. As you, who have clearly beaten the lights, pummels nothing but the open air ahead. ~ 'DondaddyD'. Player of the Unspoken Game
  • Can i add the Orbea Onix to your ever growing list of bikes to look at.
    SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES; NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS
  • galatzo
    galatzo Posts: 1,295
    Man2wolf

    I'm 172cm and went for a 54cm without any hesitation, I've always had variants between 53 and 54.5cm toptubes and then used a stem according to toptube length, headtube length and angle eg with the Isaac 54cm I used a 12cm newton 31/86 stem and no spacers as this pulled bar height up and back (Issacs have a very relaxed headtube angle). I used the same stem with a Giant TCR with spacers on a shorter frame to give more length. This stem is too long for the Focus as the headtube on it is almost vertical compared to the Isaac.
    What size have you ridden previously and how was it ? There's always going to be some degree of modifications needed on a complete bike. If you like a long tt go for a 58cm, or 56cm if you like it shorter just be prepared to change the stem for perfection. The 42cm bars that came with it are the same as the Deda 44cm I've put on so quite wide, not sure what come with 56 and 58cm.
    As for comfort it feels fine to me. I got it Friday, put my bars, saddle and carbon seat post on then did the Tour Ride on the Sunday 90miles and was no more battered than I'd have been on any of my previous bikes. I used Mich Pro 3 but the Contis it comes with should be comfy as they are 24mm. A small change in tyre pressure makes a massive difference to comfort levels.
    Wiggles return facility for Focus is excellent. Try it for a week and if its not right and undamged they'll arrange collection and send a new one out or refund you once they have it back. Mine was damaged when I first got it so I know how the returns system works and it works well, very fast turn around, usually the same day. I'm selling the wheels on mine as I have some Easton Ascent II which are a fair bit lighter but the Fulcrums have been fine for a couple of weeks.
    I've made quite a few changes but I had the other bits already and knew I liked them. I'm selling the wheels etc to go towards paying for it but for £1699 its a steal. Chorus groupset is at least £800.
    Chorus is ace, lighter than my 2006 version but getting used to it. 12-27 and 39-53 is going fine after having a 34-48 12-25 for 4years.
    Very happy all in all.
    25th August 2013 12hrs 37mins 52.3 seconds 238km 5500mtrs FYRM Never again.
  • Although you didn't say you were interested in a Ti bike you could consider a Planet X titanium bike with the new Ultegra 2010 kit for your budget.
    "The only absolute statement is that everything is relative" - anon
  • How are the Chorus and the Sram Red group sets comparison wise?
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    Tacx Boy wrote:
    skinson wrote:
    Raleigh use generic Asian frames that are painted up in Raleigh colours.

    As do 90% of other bike manufacturers!!

    Once again another stupid and 100% WRONG statement. What I've come to expect since checking out this forum. Key word here is 'generic' (look it up),

    It is true that most carbon frames originate in Asia but the vast majority are made for companies (Pinarello, Ridley, Kuota etc) to their own designs and with exclusivity of mould etc. Big companies like Pinarello spend a fortune on R&D whereas Planet X and Raleigh have mmerely bought an off-the-production line 'generic' fframe and had it painted.

    That's just a snobbish attitude.

    Companies who have an exclusive mould have to charge more for the frames because of economies of scale, where as the likes of P-X etc share a mould, and so have to provide a smaller initial outlay.

    You would like to think these large brands spend more on R&D, but personally I doubt they spend that much, and I bet a far bigger budget is put into their Marketing.
    I like bikes...

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  • galatzo
    galatzo Posts: 1,295
    Went for the Cayo Chorus over Sram Red because (no particular order) it was a complete groupset, dont like the change down from a 50 to 34, only lost 2 gears going to 53-39 12-27 from previous 48-34 12-25, bit cheaper, better looking chainset, Chorus review in C+, I like Campag shifting although never used Sram and the new Chorus is really light compared to old.

    I do prefer the look of the Sram Red levers but I'm fast getting used to the new Chorus ergos.
    25th August 2013 12hrs 37mins 52.3 seconds 238km 5500mtrs FYRM Never again.
  • Takis61
    Takis61 Posts: 239
    So my guess is the poor poster is now more confused than ever !
    Personally (and I went for a Ribble Sportive) I think at the sub £2K price point you won't notice much difference in the frames, so choice of components & value for money are key, e.g. Boardman - (a.) any stock available (b.) do you want SRAM ?
    Ribble & Planet X offer by the far the best bang for the buck IMHO
    I was personally set on Bianchi (Coppi, etc) but only Alu-carbon available at my price point, and also loved the Wilier Mortirolo, but couldn't justify an extra £500 when I was only getting Veloce against Centaur from Ribble.
    Trying before you buy is a good bet, note one poster hated compacts - his opinion, he is entitled.
    Read the reviews on Raleigh & generally positive, but I think the componentry lets it down - glad they are back & I think they will get better.
    Good luck Mr. Draper !
    My knees hurt !
  • Thought i would update this thread.

    Been to my LBS today to have a look what range of road bikes they stock and can supply. After much chatting over various options and with me walking in with my budget in mind i have reached a decision. I am going to buy around the £6-700 mark initially to get me up and running. I had this in mind a while back but there is no way i would want to go out winter riding on a £1600 carbon bike really with all the salt and grit so buying a alloy framed with carbon forks which will be a good bike to start off on. The new range of bikes they will will be stocking are coming in over the next few weeks so going back then.
  • carrock
    carrock Posts: 1,103
    was going to suggest spesh roubaix at £1700 but allez or secteur would be fine at the lower price point

    Whichever, you'd be beter going for an 09 bike at a discount

    I got 2009 roubaix elite for £1350

    2010 model= £1700

    No-brainer
  • I owna Kuota so you should definately get one. Howver i once had a bad experience with a Specialized dealer so that means their bikles are rubbish :roll:

    Go to a shop and try 'em out, forums are nightmares for definitive answers, you maybe pointed in the right direction but one mans trash is another mans treasure :wink:
  • Tacx Boy wrote:
    skinson wrote:
    Raleigh use generic Asian frames that are painted up in Raleigh colours.

    As do 90% of other bike manufacturers!!

    Once again another stupid and 100% WRONG statement. What I've come to expect since checking out this forum. Key word here is 'generic' (look it up),

    It is true that most carbon frames originate in Asia but the vast majority are made for companies (Pinarello, Ridley, Kuota etc) to their own designs and with exclusivity of mould etc. Big companies like Pinarello spend a fortune on R&D whereas Planet X and Raleigh have mmerely bought an off-the-production line 'generic' fframe and had it painted.

    That's just a snobbish attitude.

    Companies who have an exclusive mould have to charge more for the frames because of economies of scale, where as the likes of P-X etc share a mould, and so have to provide a smaller initial outlay.

    You would like to think these large brands spend more on R&D, but personally I doubt they spend that much, and I bet a far bigger budget is put into their Marketing.

    I don't think that's a particularly snobbish attitude.

    It's something that puts me off buying P-X etc. I don't think they're bad bikes but I place a high value on something that someone has spent time developing. Sadly not many of us really know how much work goes on in the Trek/Giant/Bianchi design office but as a stressman working in a similar environment I can imagine a fair bit goes into the design before prototype/production.

    This to me is the key difference. A team of people have gone into designing a bike to perform/handle in a particular way. This will be a characteristic that is unique (to some extent) to the company designing the bike.

    With a company like Planet X I'm not sure they have any design input to the frame at all. From the discussions on this board it would seem that they just buy the frames in so the only thing they really design is the paint job. What with group sets being pre designed there really isn't much more to do other than to assemble the bike and they don't always do that either.

    I'm not slagging them off as their bikes represent fantastic value for money but personally that kind of product engineering isn't for me.
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    On the contrary - PX are one of the companies who do have design input to their "generic" asian frames. It might surprise you to know that design input to such frames is far cheaper than you might think. Certainly far cheaper than the amount some big companies spend on marketing.

    Nowt wrong with any "generic" asian carbon frame apart from the label on the side - which is important to some people.
  • I stand corrected although it'd be interesting to know how much input the PX design office has with their generic frames. Is it a collaborative undertaking with another company like Raleigh etc ? If so there are no doubt compromises made in order to suit all parties as each will have a specific requirement that they want to fulfil. Thus as I said before the frame design ends up not being entirely what the designer intended.

    Like I said, I'm not slagging off what they do, it just isn't for me.

    There seems to much cynicism with the bke trade and is something I don't quite understand. In my line of work (aerospace) we market a product and then spend a great deal of time designing/stressing/manufacturing. I think I would feel insulted if people suggested that we didn't do a great deal and I sympathise with the poor sods that work for these bike companies. I'm not sure what the costs are but does this 'cheapness' you're talking about take into account the entire process from conception through to stressing, prototyping, testing, development etc. ? For sure aerospace projects are far more complex but considering the 12 month turnaround for a bike then I'd say that there's a lot of work to fit in such a short amount of time.
  • http://www.bikeradar.com/commuting/news ... year-21018

    Check the link for the "contenders" as there are a number of bikes that didn't make it into the shortlist by a narrow margin.

    That said, there's no substitute for getting on a few bikes and testing them.
  • dboden
    dboden Posts: 349
    Hey not one mention of the Felt F4.... and thats coz I've just got a 2009 at 1300quid... Its great & has great reviews. Carbon with Ultegra SL.. ;-)
  • You now just not want a carbon bike for winter? You could do a lot worse than the Boardman Team Carbon at just under £1,000. You'd then have the carbon frame you want (although a lesser grade(?)) and have some cash left over to upgrade, get better/winter wheels and accessories.
    I've just ordered one and very pleased with it
    Limited Edition Boardman Team Carbon No. 448
    Boardman MTB Team
  • aracer
    aracer Posts: 1,649
    Escargot wrote:
    There seems to much cynicism with the bke trade and is something I don't quite understand. In my line of work (aerospace) we market a product and then spend a great deal of time designing/stressing/manufacturing. I think I would feel insulted if people suggested that we didn't do a great deal and I sympathise with the poor sods that work for these bike companies. I'm not sure what the costs are but does this 'cheapness' you're talking about take into account the entire process from conception through to stressing, prototyping, testing, development etc. ? For sure aerospace projects are far more complex but considering the 12 month turnaround for a bike then I'd say that there's a lot of work to fit in such a short amount of time.
    The difference is that making bicycle frames got worked out a long time ago, and nothing much has changed. Even making carbon frames has been largely sorted for many years now. As such there's really very little to choose between different frames (much as people try to convince themselves there is when they've spent a lot of money), with the "generic" frames having much the same technology as the expensive ones, so it all comes down to marketing.