How much do I need to spend ( to notice a difference )

chrisba
chrisba Posts: 91
edited February 2010 in Road buying advice
I have a Decathlon 7.2 road bike which, when I bought it 4 years ago, was rated by C+ as the best bike available under £400.

It weighs about 11 kilos all up, has 8 speed Sora triple gears and rather industrial wheels, all aluminium including the forks.

As I have a big birthday coming up, I was considering getting Mrs B to buy me a new bike, but am a little unsure as to what kind of bike I would need to buy to notice a significant difference.

I never race, but aim to do a few sportives and possibly an Alpine trip this year and next.

I could just put some lighter wheels and carbon forks on my current steed, but that wouldn't be much of a present, would it ?

Do people think I need to go Carbon ( and therefore £1200+ ) or would a higher spec Alu bike ( £800-£900 ) be a noticeable step up ?

I'm after general guidance rather than specific models, but any views are welcome.

Comments

  • bobtbuilder
    bobtbuilder Posts: 1,537
    An improvement in groupset and wheels will be a noticable improvement on either an Alu or Carbon frame.

    I would go for carbon if you or the Mrs has the budget for it.
  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    At that price range you have some good options:
    Aluminium = CAAD9
    Carbon = Boardman Team.
    Both with better groupsets and wheels.
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    My carbon frame was a huge improvement over my steel 853 frame with CF forks. Same wheels and groupset too.

    The CF boardman for 999 cant be sniffed at I reckon. Keep your old bike for a winter hack ?
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    My carbon frame was a huge improvement over my steel 853 frame with CF forks. Same wheels and groupset too.

    The CF boardman for 999 cant be sniffed at I reckon. Keep your old bike for a winter hack ?
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    you can add the PlanetX to hoppers suggestions

    you need a new bike really.

    have a look at some s/hand options - eg. Giant TCR?
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • dboden
    dboden Posts: 349
    You can pick up a planet x with the old dura-ace for about £1200 at the minute I think.. bargain.
  • TimoH
    TimoH Posts: 120
    dboden wrote:
    You can pick up a planet x with the old dura-ace for about £1200 at the minute I think.. bargain.

    ... and yes: you would certainly notice a difference :lol:

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