Another "Which bike?" thread

HebdenBiker

Hi all,

Looking for a new road bike for commuting and for weekend rides, sportives etc. I have between £650 and £1000 to spend.

The problem is, I seem to have missed out on the good deals for 2009 bikes as everyone seems to be sold out of my size (53/54).

I've been looking at the Focus Culebro 2009 but don't feel the urge to pay for Ultegra as whatever I get will get hammered on the commute. Would rather take a hit on the groupset and get better frame and wheels. Plus I just can't seem to get excited about this bike.

Also Raleigh Avanti Carbon which seems very good value. But I'm not sure about the durablility of carbon for commuting? Plus is it shallow of me to be reluctant to be seen on a Raleigh?

Trek 1.7 2009 seems to tick all my boxes but can't find one in my size.

Bianchi Via Nirone Mirage - sold out of my size :-(

I've ridden Giant TCR in the past but I hate their current paint jobs.

I'm considering getting a Ribble alu frame built up with Veloce and Aksiums - seems excellent value.

Any comments on the above, or suggestions I haven't thought of?

Many thanks

tonyeynon

Hey, have you considered the 'Planet X' range by any chance? They are by far the best bikes avaiable for the prices....

Hahaha sorry everyone - couldnt resist!

ps

They are great bikes though!

HebdenBiker

Thanks Tony - yes I have looked at Planet X and they don't really float my boat. I think they're missing a price point. If they offered 105 groupsets then I would deffo look again.

tonyeynon

Yeash I'm in a similarish situation, and everytime I ask myself a question - I keep ending up looking at a planet grrr its so frustraiting! I'm trying to sell myself on something else but currently failing.

You have to love the heated debates that pop up over them though - its a real marmite situation!

hopper1

I think I'd buy a Planet X, if I was in the market for another bike...
I recently bought a Cinelli Willin', which I love to bits, but after several cross checks I think it's the same frame as Planet X SL Pro! :shock: Twice the price, though!!
Based on that, buy the PX, you'll love it and save a fortune at the same time!

I believe you can get the PX with new Ultegra for £999, if you build it yourself!

HebdenBiker

Thanks for suggestions but no, I don't want a Planet X. Any other comments or suggestions please?

I'm very tempted to drive over to Ribble later...

kingrollo

Cube do some nice bikes at this price point, as do Nibble,

hopper1

How about Kinesis?...
Very highly rated bikes that will take a full mudguard for winter, too.

STEFANOS4784

Kuota Kharma 105 8) :roll: :arrow:

HebdenBiker

Thanks all. I was just about to set off for Ribble when I thought I'd check out my LBS (an MTB specialist) first. Anyway they have a Trek 1.7 in my size.

He's going to let me take it for a ride tomorrow providing the roads are dry.

I had a sit on it on the turbo in the shop and it did make my arse sore, but that's another thread...

ColinJ

HebdenBiker wrote:

Thanks all. I was just about to set off for Ribble when I thought I'd check out my LBS (an MTB specialist) first. Anyway they have a Trek 1.7 in my size.

He's going to let me take it for a ride tomorrow providing the roads are dry.

I had a sit on it on the turbo in the shop and it did make my ars* sore, but that's another thread...

I was going to ask you which Hebden (the one near Grassington, or the one with a Bridge here in Calderdale) but it sounds as though you have just been down to Blazing Saddles in Hebden Bridge.

It's a pity you didn't have your bike in time to join us for Season of Miststomorrow!

HebdenBiker

Colin, yep it was Blazing Saddles and I've just been down there and ridden away my new Trek 1.7. I couldn''t be happier with Blazing Saddles, and John in particular. I asked for a cheeky discount and he gave me one, plus free first service. Use your LBS folks, or you'll miss it when it's gone.

Colin, afraid I'm not up to Season of Mists just yet, but next year definitely