Entry level carbon road bike, whats the best?

bazbadger

Someone mentioned the reviews of the PX on this site and in the magazine. The problem is all the reviews seem to say something different. In the bike of the year one, they raved about the PX bike, yet in the web one on this site they mentioned a soft ride - yet in the mag said it was plenty stiff enough where they gave it a 9 out of 10, then in the group test mentioned about a flexy front end - which they never mentioned before...

So, my point being, Cycling Plus have contradicted themselves on the PX bike, which is a bit odd. Perhaps they have done the same thing for other bikes as well, but in order for reviews to be helpful - they should really just do one.

The main gripe you'll see about PX is that they are "cheap" or "scream cost was a big factor here".

I can't quite see the logic behind that myself.

A bigger issue is the fact you can't try before you buy, but the PX guys seem helpful.

Clockworkali

Hi

I think the price the PX is good value but in my experiance its not one of the best finished frames.. Its also worth mentioning the seat tube has an aluminium tube insert for the seat tube which is a be crude and if you go for the small frame you can only carry 1 bottle.

BrianTrousers

Just out of interest, what's happened to the OP?

Conspicuous by their silence!

passout

drdodds wrote:

I saw quite a few posts which said ribble was poor customer service where PX seems to get impressive reviews and the idea of getting a properly fitted package rather than an off the shelf solution like the focus cayo appeals a lot.

I bought from Ribble. Went to the shop, sat on the jigg or whatever it's called to get measured up, selected stem length, bar width etc - I've always found them excellent. Some people have had issues with build times and telephone/E-mail communication though. The bikes are great value.

alfablue

Clockworkali wrote:

Hi

I think the price the PX is good value but in my experiance its not one of the best finished frames.. Its also worth mentioning the seat tube has an aluminium tube insert for the seat tube which is a be crude and if you go for the small frame you can only carry 1 bottle.

There is no aluminium insert in my PX seat tube, and the frame is finished to a good standard (I couldn't find any fault at all).

kingrollo

bazbadger wrote:

Someone mentioned the reviews of the PX on this site and in the magazine. The problem is all the reviews seem to say something different. In the bike of the year one, they raved about the PX bike, yet in the web one on this site they mentioned a soft ride - yet in the mag said it was plenty stiff enough where they gave it a 9 out of 10, then in the group test mentioned about a flexy front end - which they never mentioned before...

So, my point being, Cycling Plus have contradicted themselves on the PX bike, which is a bit odd. Perhaps they have done the same thing for other bikes as well, but in order for reviews to be helpful - they should really just do one.

The main gripe you'll see about PX is that they are "cheap" or "scream cost was a big factor here".

I can't quite see the logic behind that myself.

A bigger issue is the fact you can't try before you buy, but the PX guys seem helpful.

You can't go by reviews - the only thing that a review would sway me is if it very bad - which not many at this price are.

the 105 would suit your needs - and perhaps allow you to better spec the wheels. Ulegra and Dura ace are nice to have - depends on how much dosh you have - maybe you should set a budget, and take it from that angle.

Clockworkali

Maybe i got a one off with the tube and the finish. Anyway Px where very good and gave me a full refund.

drdodds

went for the dura ace in the end, seems like a fantastic bargain and after a couple of hours of chatting to them getting fitted properly etc they convinced me it was worth it.

Really nice guys and very helpful, can't wait for it to arrive now

The Other McHoy

Excellent choice, you won't find another dura-ace specc'd bike anywhere near that price. The good thing about the PX set-up, including the frame, is that it has stood the test of time. By not constantly tinkering with the design they have kept the production costs low, they are not under the same pressure as Trek, Specialized etc. to put out a "new and improved" bike every year - that pressure comes from marketing, sponsoring large pro teams etc.

People get far too hung up on details that mean next to nothing for 99% of the cycling population. Have you ever heard a pro blame his bike geometry/stiffness/design for losing a race? Have you heard any of them bitchin' when their teams change suppliers?

Does Lance say he'd rather be on a Pinarello Dogma than a Trek? Does Contador think his TdF win is in jeopardy now that he's having to ride Specialized? Is Bradley Wiggins going to climb any faster than last year because he's changed bikes? Do the rest of the peloton throw in the towel because their TT bikes aren't as good as Cancellera's?

They know that all of their bikes are fit for purpose, the rest comes down to them, their legs, their engine.

We, on the other hand, are sucked into the marketeers game of believing one brand is vastly superior to the other, that if we just spend a bit more money we'll transform into eddy mercx.

A good fitting aluminium/carbon/titanium frame, a good set of wheels with good tyres, a reliable groupset and a comfortable saddle will work for you regardless of whose badge is on it. Personal choice regarding design and colours will ensure you get pleasure from how the bike looks and budget will dictate what is a sensible price to pay for it.

The rest is just the same old BS driven by the advertisers, it's Coke vs Pepsi, Apple vs. Microsoft, xbox vs. playstation etc. etc.

Enjoy your bike mate, it won't let you down.

Samson1

Hear hear.

willharris10

Second that.

cougie

If you have a small frame - you can get a side loading bottle cage. Its not the fault of the frame that you're a short arse anyway ? ;-)

Clockworkali

A guy i spoke to last year with a small px sl carbon frame only had room for a 500ml bottle on the down tube due to the mounts being quite high up the tube. There where no mounts for a bottle cage on the seat tube. I guess you could use a saddle bottle cage but these are not to everybodys taste. For me it's quite important to be able to carry 2 750ml bottles.