Best value bike out there?

mconnaughton

Had lots of very useful advice last time I posted but never got round to actually making a purchase, so still battling it out with gravity and my 1993 Raleigh Hybrid. For training purposes I guess no real disadvantage to lugging 35lb of steel up an incline.
However, she who must be obeyed has now told me to go out and buy something proper, and budget may be aided as the taxman may be giving me a refund...(shome mishtake surely!).
Major surfing has failed to find a particular favourite, but I'm struck by Hargroves offering 2009 Scott Addict R3 for £1600...that's more than a grand off RRP. Seems like a top spec bike, and I didn't quite want to spend more than £1500, but with such a huge discount is there anything better to consider?
OK...I'm 49, and will not be knocking anyone off any podium. This is mostly for fitness, and the limit of my ambition is likely to be sportif riding in the summer. I try and do 50-60 road miles a week, and other bits of training if time and laziness permit, and frankly I have huge difficulty in doing better than 14 mph on anything other than a fairly flat circuit. I'd hope a lighter more modern bike would help improve that, but I doubt by more than 1-2 mph.
The usual suspects? Well, Planet X bikes never really grabbed me visually, and somehow Boardmans don't do it either, but do seem very good value. Ribble I could live with but not passionate about. Could live fine with Focus. Sexy Italian would be wonderful, but yet to see similar spec at anything I could afford.
Living on the Isle of Wight is good fun for lots, but not for trying out a wide range of bikes, and I had lots of very good advice to say this was near essential. So should one pay for a fitting somewhere, and buy on the predicted size/geometry or just buy a best guess bike and pay for a fitting on the bike. Or bite the bullet, and travel for trial rides, and pay the LBS the going rate?
All ideas very gratefully received...and do let me know what you think about the Addict- as a deal it looks pretty tempting.
Thank you all
MC

dbb

that scott sounds great.
do you like the look of it?

if you are spending that much money all bikes will feel fantastic from the bike you are moving from. if you plann on keeping it for a while - does it really matter if you don't get the absolute cheapest price?

Monty Dog

FWIW the Addict is set up with quite aggressive race geometry and is very stiff so I would strongly recommend you test ride it first - a quick blast around the block might give quite a buzz but after 4 hours in the saddle and every muscle and sinew aches because you feel every stone in the road might give you a second opinion.

maddog 2

price up a Van Nic Mistral/Euros build with, say, 105 and some half decent handbuilts.

Should be doable in budget. Comfy, long lasting, good vfm. Ti is a strong bet for recreational riding. 'Tougher' than carbon and the ride suits day rides.

[I have a carbon and a ti bike, and the ti is nicer for day rides, even though the carbon is lighter and faster]

pontarlier_pete

If you're partial to a bit of Italian, may I suggest a Bianchi? You can get good spec alu framed bikes from about £700 upwards (the Via Nirone), or alternativley may I suggest this:

http://www.beelinebicycles.co.uk/bianch ... path=,2092

Steveorow

Why not go over to the mainland and visit primera in bournemouth . They have a great selection ; bike fitting and most important a price match scheme and you can see them ; touch them etc . Looking at there site they have

Cannondale SIx carbon and SYnapse
Willier Mortorolo
Kuota Kharma
Specialised Roubaix

Do your home work before going and see what prices are being offered on the internet and then ask for the price match .

As said above the Addict maybe a little unforgiving for what you want it for . Better to get a bike that fits and matched to the purpose it is to be used for than something that appears a bargain . For your budget your at the point of diminishing returns ie adding another 500 notes is not going to get you a bike thats a 1/3rd better .

pontarlier_pete

Pontarlier Pete wrote:

If you're partial to a bit of Italian, may I suggest a Bianchi? You can get good spec alu framed bikes from about £700 upwards (the Via Nirone), or alternativley may I suggest this:

http://www.beelinebicycles.co.uk/bianch ... path=,2092

or this:

http://www.beelinebicycles.co.uk/bianch ... path=,2093

chriskempton

The Addict looks a great deal at that price. It has Ksyrium Elite wheels which would be great for your purposes - unusually good on a £1600 bike, and better than those on any of the alternative bikes suggested so far.

Sometimes your first choice is the right one....

term1te

maddog 2 wrote:

price up a Van Nic Mistral/Euros build with, say, 105 and some half decent handbuilts.

Should be doable in budget. Comfy, long lasting, good vfm. Ti is a strong bet for recreational riding. 'Tougher' than carbon and the ride suits day rides.

[I have a carbon and a ti bike, and the ti is nicer for day rides, even though the carbon is lighter and faster]

+1

blorg

The Addict sounds good to me. Make sure to test ride to see if it suits. They are certainly nice light frames. Have never ridden one so don't know about the ride quality. TBH I think an Addict would be quite a step up from a Van Nic Mistral or Euros... I have a Litespeed race bike and Van Nic tourer myself and love them but carbon can be just as comfortable while generally being lighter and cheaper. If you don't like PX or Boardman aesthetically then you will never love the bike, great value though they are.

theblender

+1 Wilier Mortirolo, a bit different from the usual suspects, stunning looks, great value spec on a decent carbon frame.

mconnaughton

Thank you all, very much - all of this appreciated, and pleased to say that I pretty much understand where you're all coming from. I did enjoy blorg's point that unless you like the bike aesthetically you will never love it - made a lot of sense. Appreciate too the advice about a test ride - it IS difficult here, but hell, if I'm spending over £1500 perhaps I should put myself out just a little.
I had wondered about the comfort/raw speed trade-off, and at the end of a day I guess I'd rather be able to walk than know I'd squeezed an extra 2-5% performance. Being realistic, my longest non-stop has been about 3hr 15 and my longest with stops was 5hr 45 - Mr Audax I am NOT - so how much comfort do I need.
Liked at least one of the Bianchis, and have noticed them before - Wilier, I have mixed feelings about, but clearly an impressive package.
Oh, and the Revenue have confirmed they owe me money, but about £300 less than my accountant thought - funny that!
Thank you all again
MC

Philby

How about an Orbea Onix - dealers in Hampshire - http://www.orbea.com/en/distribuidores/ ... =HAMPSHIRE - look great and apparently a lovely ride.

mconnaughton

Any thoughts on this new offering via Wiggle...similar spec to the Addict in many ways with SRAM Force gruppo, and Ksyrium wheelset, but obviously much more of an unknown quantity - similar price with ctc discount.
http://www.ctcshop.org.uk/cycling/p/CTC ... 360048369/

bigpikle

the recent Radar review Boardman Carbon Pro at £1k looks a great bargain... I know you said you were a little cool on those, but the saving would buy a lot of kit and other bits.

bompington

mconnaughton wrote:

However, she who must be obeyed has now told me to go out and buy something proper

Man, that's tough. Still, for the sake of domestic harmony, you'd better do like she says

bobtbuilder

Monty Dog wrote:

FWIW the Addict is set up with quite aggressive race geometry and is very stiff so I would strongly recommend you test ride it first - a quick blast around the block might give quite a buzz but after 4 hours in the saddle and every muscle and sinew aches because you feel every stone in the road might give you a second opinion.

+1 for this. The Addict is a real speed machine, and has the geometry to match as Monty says. There is a very good chance that you will find it uncomfortable after a couple of hours, and you may be better off with the CR1.

You need a test ride. On this or any other bike you are interested in. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive, would you?

mconnaughton

bobtbuilder, thanks and I'm sure you're right, but I don't see how one gets round the "problem" of finding out whether you'd be uncomfortable after a couple of hours - I'm sure someone is only going to let me out with their precious hardware for a mile or two. I'm also sensitive to dbb's point that after my present steed anything will feel pretty amazing. I'm sure some bikes do feel just right however, and if I didn't like the Addict after a couple of miles I'm sure I wouldn't be likely to change my mind.

Wiggle do the 7 day trial which seems as fair as it could get for an online supplier, although I struggle to see how you can give a bike back after 7 days in truly "as new" condition - anyone ever sent one back and seen the reaction?

Planning to go and look at a few things on Saturday time permitting - anyone got any thoughts on the most helpful shops within driving/train distance of Portsmouth?

mconnaughton

Well, he who hesitates is lost - all 6 of the advertised R3 stock at Hargroves the other day have now been snapped up. They have an R4 at £1499, still with Ksyrium wheelset, but perhaps not the same ace bargain. Still...that's life.
For nearly the same price as the R3 was, ctc/Wiggle have this little number
http://www.ctcshop.org.uk/cycling/p/CTC ... 360048601/
Any thoughts? - I LOVE the look of it, but don't know anyone who has one or has offered an opinion on a Battaglin.

mconnaughton

Well, finally got my ass into gear and did some test riding...

Absolute 10/10 top marks to Ronan at Evans Cycles in Waterloo - rang him the day before and said provided I got there earlier rather than later no problem - he talked me through things and personally changed pedals on every bike I rode - top customer service...I felt guilty leaving the store without actually having made a firm decision and handing over the readies.
For the record, they provided...
Felt Z35
Fuji Team Pro
Bianchi 928 Veloce
Trek Madone 4.5
BMC Road Racer SL01
Scott Addict R4
Now bear in mind this was my first time EVER on a 21st century road bike, never dealt with modern shifters or a non-steel frame. Also it was drizzly, flat, poor road surfaces, and of course London traffic and traffic lights. Plus most test bikes were 56 cm frame and we were both pretty sure I'd be better with a 54 cm.

Had no real idea what to expect but apparently I had an unusual set of preferences. I hated the BMC - felt quick enough, but rock hard even on 10 min test, so guess that I probably wouldn't fancy aluminium frame, with or without carbon stays. I may not have done the Felt justice as it was first ride out, and Ronan said he thought it was an "awesome" frame and would be very comfortable for a long ride...was comfy enough but felt riding position was a bit cramped - wasn't sure if that was just contrasting with my more upright position on ancient hybrid. Fuji felt similar and certainly not deep love.
Didn't expect to be turned on by the Trek but felt very assured and capable and could see myself living happily with it. Addict felt similar, but just not turned on by it.

Surprises? Well, given that I'm no Olympian, and ride a bike which weighs comfortably twice as much as these guys, I was quite taken by the fact that acceleration seemed subjectively little different...shame about no hills but again, wonder how much absolute difference there'd be given that the engine is still going to be the same! Shifters all basically fine, Campag seemed more finicky, SRAM double tap surprisingly straightforward so at least know I would basically be happy with any of the usual offerings.

Still not sure where the decision will go, but after this will definitely go and get measured up properly, and thank you all for badgering me to go and test.

And if any of you are in the position where Evans at Waterloo is a potential recipient of your business, all I can say is they gave a stranger top service and attention for no reward on the day, and everyone I saw was treated with courtesy and interest...fantastic to see in any sort of store, but I was truly impressed. Use them!

So now, what on earth do I actually buy? Hahaha!
Thanks again all
MC

cooper.michael1

Just one note, don't rule out all aluminium frames becuase of the BMC you rode. BMC bikes whether alu or carbon have the reputation of being extremely stiff.

I rode the 2008 version of that bike to test ride, and it is just hellishly stiff...the other Alu bikes i've owned ride nothing like it.

There is a common misconception the carbon is more 'comfy' than alu, when infact it has a lot to do with the design of the frame and how much compliance the designers build in. You can quite easily (more easily) build a super stiff carbon frame too.

If you test ride a Cannondale Synapse Alu, you will certainly see the difference.

mconnaughton

Thanks MC, I take the point - I was a little taken aback I could tell the difference so readily - bit like when someone gives you a really lovely wine and you wonder if it will be wasted on you but you realise it's something special. The BMC sure let me know about every single change in road surface and there are lots and lots of those in Lambeth.

And I've heard lots about Cannondale and aluminium so I'm sure my next bout of test riding should include one...
MC

mconnaughton

B*gger, B*gger
After indecision and regret - I get a second chance, well almost...
Drake Cycles in Leeds have the R3 at £1700 rather than £1600. Having now ridden an Addict I feel much happier in choosing one, and wonder of wonders the taxman sent me a refund today which will certainly sweeten the feeling as one clicks on the "pay now" button.
I am genuinely within an ace of doing this, having talked and procrastinated long enough, and Mrs C getting fed up of me looking and not doing.
So, ladies and gentlemen...your final opportunity for advice...
Do I
a) buy the R3 - preferred option at the mo
b) save myself £200, buy an R4 and accept that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference (I liked SRAM Rival perfectly well)
c) go for something else - please, please make a cast-iron case for any late suggestions or you will just make my procrastinate more. And I'm sorry - poster's prerogative - you are NOT allowed to mention CAAD 9 at this stage!

Thank you all
MC

N0bodyOfTheGoat

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/54cm-DHC-Racing-M ... 439e058ea1

£999 for Athena 11-speed bike... Not bad in this day and age, since the price hikes.

howiish

Be careful with the R3 from Drakes - looks like it has an integrated seatpost.

FWIW - I was in the same boat as you and plumped for the R3, read a lot about the aggressive geometry and stiff ride, but I was after something that felt quick. Luckily was able to get a quick go on a 2010 model at a local stockists - and it felt right. Had a couple of 30 mile rides on it so far and all feels well.

If you're sold on the Scott, hargroves still have the R4 in stock, different wheels and with SRAM @ £1499.

mconnaughton

Thanks howiish - can you please explain about the integrated seatpost? Does that mean there's no/little adjustment so it has to fit perfectly or that if the seatpost is damaged the whole frame is useless...or am I missing something else. If I sound ignorant, it's because I am! Is the frame basically the same as the R4?

I did ride an R4 at Evans last week and found it similar to a Trek Madone 4.7 overall, insofar as one can say on a flat 2 or 3 mile trial ride. Encouraged to hear you say that you've been happy with it on the sort of rides I'd be doing at weekends.
Thanks again
MC

howiish

As far as I am aware and I'm quite new to this too - the integrated seatpost means it is actually part of the frame, you need to cut it down then the seat sits on top of that, so once it's cut, that's it, get it wrong and you have a problem.

I would also assume resale value would be lower, as in effect you'd only be able to sell it to those that require an identical or shorter seatpost length than you.

Re the frames - as far as I can tell they are the same.

mconnaughton

Thanks again everyone - definitely getting to the point now where I just need to do something rather than continue procrastinating. I'm a bit put off by the idea of having to cut a seatpost, or indeed just order it without being able to ride it first - bike is in Leeds, I'm on the Isle of Wight! So the R3 is probably no longer an option.

Wiggle have 15% off at the moment, and so an F4 is £1700 which I think probably is the preferred option at the moment, having quite liked the Z35 in many respects and heard lots of good things about Felt frames. Option 2 probably the R4 which again has had lots of good things said about it and comes pretty well kitted out...

I'll let you know...and thank you again for all the advice - very welcome for the newbie.
MC