Road bike for £1000 - £1200

gingernash

Hello all,

I am looking to get into road cycling much more and am keen to go on weekend rides with a view to building up to entering sportives one day.

I am thinking of spending about 1000 on a bike and have had my head stuck in magazines and websites researching bikes. Have also read Canterbury's post on the forum at the top.

The prime candidates appear to be:

- Boardman Team Carbon
- Focus Cayo

But, I have half an eye on Scott CR1 Comp which is about 1200 at the moment.

Would be very grateful if anyone has anything to add in respect of the Scott or any other candidate bikes. I have read a lot on the review pages on the Boardman so well aware of the Halfords difficulties. Happy to hear if people think should spend less!

father_jack

You really don't need to spend that much on a first bike, buy something a bit cheaper, use it wear it into the ground then if you're really into cycling get a really nice bike. Some around £500/£600 (sales) are just as those double the price, might be about 1kg lighter overall.

bendertherobot

Father Jack wrote:

You really don't need to spend that much on a first bike, buy something a bit cheaper, use it wear it into the ground then if you're really into cycling get a really nice bike. Some around £500/£600 (sales) are just as those double the price, might be about 1kg lighter overall.

Hang on, if he does that he'll spend £600 now. Then probaby £1600 the way inflation/currency is going when he gets his better bike.

False economy IMO.

father_jack

But it could be just a fad or might not get into it.. I don't think it is false ecocomy, he'll still have the first bike so that can be converted to wet/shopping bike, and whilst he's using the first bike look around for a new carbon jobbie.. I got a couple of £700/£800 bikes and they're very nice looking at a third one day.

bendertherobot

Father Jack wrote:

But it could be just a fad or might not get into it.. I don't think it is false ecocomy, he'll still have the first bike so that can be converted to wet/shopping bike, and whilst he's using the first bike look around for a new carbon jobbie.. I got a couple of £700/£800 bikes and they're very nice looking at a third one day.

He may not need to go +1

father_jack

If you don't have more than one bike, you're not a tue cyclist :P oh there's the £1400 focus team replica, but IMO too nice for a first bike...sold but they had full 105/alu frame/carbon fork. More than nice enough for a first bike (in fact Tiagra will be sufficient)

bendertherobot

IMO, Tiagra is essential, else you might as well go Xenon. The Pinnacle at Evans is mega good value at the moment.

father_jack

also if you go clipless and fall over, you'll be pretty annoyed if you damage the £1200/£1400 bike, if you learn on a cheaper bike you won't cry so much when it happens. So a basher bike is good idea imo. I've fallen over three times with clipless.

bendertherobot

I've never ever fallen with clipless, SPD or SPD-SL. In 15 years.

father_jack

bendertherobot wrote:

I've never ever fallen with clipless, SPD or SPD-SL. In 15 years.

lol...you know what's going to happen now?

bendertherobot

Father Jack wrote:

bendertherobot wrote:

I've never ever fallen with clipless, SPD or SPD-SL. In 15 years.

lol...you know what's going to happen now?

Oh yes. And they're black Ultegra. So it's them or my force derailleur that will get it.

Bar Shaker

The two bikes you have chosen are the best two in the group and are hard to choose between. I think it will come down to aesthetics and if you want a naked carbon frame or a painted frame.

Both are remarkable bikes for the money. Light, stiff and well specc'ed. Both get group test winning reviews.

Buying a cheap bike to see if you like the sport is pointless. If you are looking to spend £1k+ you have made your mind up and will be more likely to get the best from your bike as it is a bike you can progress on.

Buy either of your two choices in confidence.

father_jack

Buying a cheap bike to see if you like the sport is pointless. If you are looking to spend £1k+ you have made your mind up and will be more likely to get the best from your bike as it is a bike you can progress on.

I disagree with those points totally, how many people with disposable income buy something they're not really into or don't like it when they actually do it? A £600-£800 bike isn't "cheap" I'm not talking about Halfords Apollo. A Tiagra/105 equpped bike will be just as reliable as a more expensive bike.

If this is the OP's first real bike I wouldn't get something too fancy for now..

gingernash

Thanks for all responses.

A few points in response:

- I think I will enjoy it and keep up with cycling habit, the only issue is being able to commit enough time to it due to work etc.

- I have not ridden a clipless bike before; is it hard to get used to?

- I have definitely considered a cheaper option, such as Trek 1.2.

father_jack

Some people don't get on with clipless. My mate finds it difficult to unclip on 520 even with tension setting to minimum, probably because he's damaged his ankles in the past. Apart from a couple of times falling over, I've got used to them. Have used MTB's, now tourer 520 and SPL-SL. I'd recommed you start off with MTB SPD then move up like what I've done. I wouldn't get SPL-SL for your first pedals. I think because this is first time you're going clipless then renforces my opinion to get a cheaper bike...a carbon bike bike not take to be being fallen on so much :P

gingernash

Thanks for advice on clipless.

In the £500 - £600 bracket, I guess I am looking at a Specialized or Trek to be getting on with. The reviews on the site are for the 08 Spec range, and it appears the 10s have got lower scores. Are they still a good bet for a starter bike at that price?

father_jack

Darn shame you missed these...bargain

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus ... e=googleps

bendertherobot

I didn't. That's my winter bike, and I'm taking care of the wheels by sticking my spare Ksyriums on.

Hey presto sub 9 kg bike.

gingernash

damn, that is a shame.

italiafirenze

If you want something different to the norm for your £1000;

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=1819

Anodized, good kit, and you won't rack up next to three of them like you would with a ribble or focus or boardman.

P.S. as for the spending a little and trying it thing, I did that. I wished I hadn't as for a little more I could have saved in the long run. I say get the best you can afford and look after it, if you really want to sell it, it'll probably hold it's value better anyway.

Of course I kept the interest up, if I hadn't I'd probably tell a different tale...

father_jack

hmm this looks nice how much?

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=1924