Which road bike value / spec

Paul32uk

Hi,

I'm new to the forum but have spent a fair amount of time doing searches and reading through all of the information I could find. My company has just signed up to a C2W scheme so I am looking to use that to obtain the use of a road bike. I plan to spend the full amount available. Currently I'm riding a rather old Saracen mountain bike that has served me well and shall continue to be used for off road use etc. I've been working on my fitness levels for some time and whilst I enjoy running I've been struggling with shin splints, which cycling do not seem to aggrivate. So if I do an event in anything I plan it to be road cycling! So I'd like a road bike that will be OK for me to get used to road cycling on and with the potential to do some events. So far in my short list I have the following road cycles:

Trek 2.3 2010
Orbea Aqua T105
Wilier Lavaredo

After reading I decided I'd like the 105 groupset over the Tiagra. A smooth working groupset is a must. The Wilier has Campag which I'm not to sure on at all. Is its groupset as smooth as the Shimano 105 setup?

So are there any pros and cons to any of the bikes? Any info or insight on any of these bikes would be great.

Cheers
Paul

Anonymous

Why the hell isn't a Cannondale CAAD9 on that shortlist, you crazy fool!

Paul32uk

I have read about this bike in various threads. I didnt see any Cannondales in any of my local bike shops (ones I visited anyway) Maybe they'd have to order them in??

I did look into a Caad8 but I believe this has a different frame that isn't as good as the caad9? Could I get a Caad9 with a 105 groupset on it within or around the £1k mark?

The £1k Caad9s I've seen all have tiagra groupset and I have read that it is quite an aggresive riding position. Whilst this may be great for racing would it be OK for a first road bike? I'd assume only test riding will say if I am comfortable riding in the position.. Will a novice really feel the benefits of the Caad9 frame? The difference in a nice smooth groupset I know is instantly noticeable
Cheers

kingrollo

Try a few

Popular bikes in terms of VFM are

Planet X
Ribble Sportive
Boardman

and if you don't mind Alu - the CAAD 9

It all about whats suits you best - none of the bikes are bad at this price point.,

Paul32uk

Thanks Kingrollo.

I should say the other thing is I am 6'3 with a long inside leg and normal size torso. Ever bike shop i visited said I'd need a 60cm frame. None of them had a 60cm frame in to sit on in the manufacturers I liked!

The c2w scheme my company shall use is cyclescheme.co.uk therefor the boardman is out as that is halfords only. Not sure if I can get a ribble or Planet x using cyclescheme vouchers? I did read it possible in some places but you have to then pay the supplier an extra fee for using the vouchers.

I dont mind if the frame is alu or carbon. I do like how much weight the carbon bikes save over the alu ones. I'm just not sure I can get one due to the c2w scheme we're on.

Wish my LBS's had some 60cm framed bikes in so i could try them out!

Evil Laugh

Ribble use cyclescheme. Prob worth a look in terms of vfm.

rolf_f

Paul32uk wrote:

I should say the other thing is I am 6'3 with a long inside leg and normal size torso. Ever bike shop i visited said I'd need a 60cm frame. None of them had a 60cm frame in to sit on in the manufacturers I liked! !

Get a proper fitting - I am a bit long in the leg for my height and it has ruled out most frames. I only fit certain sportive type frames with relatively short top tubes (eg current Scott CR1). If you get sized on overall height, due to your arm length you could end up too stretched out with too much weight on your arms and not rightly placed relative to the pedals due to leg length.

kingrollo

Paul32uk wrote:

Thanks Kingrollo.

I should say the other thing is I am 6'3 with a long inside leg and normal size torso. Ever bike shop i visited said I'd need a 60cm frame. None of them had a 60cm frame in to sit on in the manufacturers I liked!

The c2w scheme my company shall use is cyclescheme.co.uk therefor the boardman is out as that is halfords only. Not sure if I can get a ribble or Planet x using cyclescheme vouchers? I did read it possible in some places but you have to then pay the supplier an extra fee for using the vouchers.

I dont mind if the frame is alu or carbon. I do like how much weight the carbon bikes save over the alu ones. I'm just not sure I can get one due to the c2w scheme we're on.

Wish my LBS's had some 60cm framed bikes in so i could try them out!

As others have said get a fitting....and my advice would be, be prepared to put a bit of effort in to get the bike you want - I travelled all over for test rides, viewing different bikes.

Be aware that ribble get very popular come May - so check them out early - if you want to avoid a a further 6 week wait.

Don't get to hung up on bike weight either - the bike I chose was one of the heavier ones - but it doesn't feel heavy

Where abouts are you ?

Paul32uk

I'm based in Southampton.

TimoH

Paul32uk wrote:

I should say the other thing is I am 6'3 with a long inside leg and normal size torso. Ever bike shop i visited said I'd need a 60cm frame. None of them had a 60cm frame in to sit on in the manufacturers I liked!

I'm not sure if a 60cm frame is good for you. I am equally tall & have long legs. I typically need a 58cm frame and even then the stem should be at max 100mm.

Paul32uk

By stem I take it you mean the length of the handle bar stem?