Advice wanted... carbon,steel or something else

Atz

I've decided to cross to the "dark side" as winter is approaching and I did a lot of road riding last winter to keep fitness up on my SS. I'm going to drop into the bike to work scheme and probably going all in and getting 1k.

I've looked at the following, all of which seem okay but I need to narrow things down as test riding 4 or so bikes isn't going to be practical so any advice or indeed comments would be appreciated

1. Planet-X SL Pro Carbon Red
2. Boardman carbon team
3. Spec Allez
4. Spec Secteur
5. Genesis Equillibrium

Not fussed on any particular material, just want a good, comfy bike for a relatively new road rider (not beginner rider though, I ride offroad a fair amount and have my road SS)

FransJacques

If the numbers on your list imply priority then the Planet X and Boardman occupy the right spots.

Why not go for a carbon frame if you can? Will generally be stiffer and lighter than a mass market alternative around the 700-900 mark.

Test ride is key which helps the Boardman's case.

Remember to get the smaller of whichever 2 frame sizes fit you. Get the shop to put on a longer stem if poss.

Remember, buy the bike for where you will be in a few months time, don't buy one for where you are now. We can always improve our cycling ability!

That said, choices 3-5 will be better for fender mounts and clearance should you want an all-season steed. But some have luck with the Crud II fenders.

Atz

Shame PlanetX don't have a place somewhere in the south to do a test ride... looks like I may need a trip up north if I want to see one in the flesh. Will try to find a local Halfords though

father_jack

Fender Mounts?

Buckled_Rims

These are my pick and reasons.

1. Planet-X SL Pro Carbon Red. Great frame, not so sure about the faux Red, it's not a complete groupset, just bits of it. Still great value for money.

2. Boardman carbon team. I know a cyclist with one and he thinks its sublime. Shame it's from Halfords, but he can service the bike himself.

3. Genesis Equillibrium. I was going to buy one but ended up with a CAAD9 as the 2010 had sold out. New 2011 model would be my favourite, but you'll only get a Tiagra for £1k.

Atz

Any more thoughts?

pmannion9

Wait for the CAAD10 !!!!

cal_stewart

Don't GB cycles in london sell px