£1000 to spend at lbs

Jake2.0

I was fortunate enough to win a raffle for a £1000 pound to spend at my lbs. They stock Giants, Specialized and Wilier i've always fancied a road bike but never had the disposable income to get one. So what i'm after is some general advice on best value for money out the 3 brands for a newbie. Unfortunately my lbs was super efficient at getting rid of the 2010 models so no bargains there. It seems very frustrating that all the 2011 models are lesser speced for more dosh and having no other choice of shop seems to reduce your negotiating options.
So i'm just after so owner reviews of the 2011 defys, tcr2, secteur, allez and which would be best for a newbie who once fit enough would like to look to do a sportive or 2.
Many thanks in advance

CiB

Buy the one that you thinks looks the nicest. You won't go far wrong buying a bike for that money. If you really want to, ask for a test run on your choices and see which one you like most.

paulbox

Ride the ones that take your fancy and see which one feels best to you.

Then enjoy!

But don't forget that you will need some basic equipment to get going if you're not already a cyclist (e.g. helmet, padded shorts, shirt, jacket, spare tubes, puncture kit, pump, multi-tool, saddle bag, lights).

Jake2.0

Thanks for swift reply. One thing that worries me, is it true that some sportives won't allow you to enter without mud guards? Are all 3 bike ranges ok for sportives/ distance riding?
I know a thousand pound isn't alot to spend on a bike these days but tbh if I get this wrong i won't be in a position to get another any time soon.

rick_chasey

Jake2.0 wrote:

Thanks for swift reply. One thing that worries me, is it true that some sportives won't allow you to enter without mud guards? Are all 3 bike ranges ok for sportives/ distance riding?
I know a thousand pound isn't alot to spend on a bike these days but tbh if I get this wrong i won't be in a position to get another any time soon.

You can get clip on mudguards which are made especially for road bikes - so no worries there.

Just remember the kit to go with the bike ain't cheap either.

Oh and £1000 is still a lot!!!

Jake2.0

Wow love this forum so quick again many thanks for replies. Last question i have a Carrea Subway i used to commute on and i have spd pedals and shoes for it, is it a big no no to fit them to a road bike or would i be better to use clipped pedals? Btw the pedals are shimano 545 i think :oops:

magoo289

As others have said, choose the one you like best, but make sure it's the right size.

The pedals and shoes will be fine. If in doubt take the pedals with you when you go to collect and the lbs should put them on.

And enjoy, if you are bitten by the bug, you might need a large overdraft :shock:

sheffsimon

Jake2.0 wrote:

Thanks for swift reply. One thing that worries me, is it true that some sportives won't allow you to enter without mud guards? Are all 3 bike ranges ok for sportives/ distance riding?
I know a thousand pound isn't alot to spend on a bike these days but tbh if I get this wrong i won't be in a position to get another any time soon.

Re the mudguards, think thats AUDAX rather than sportives, and I think some AUDAX events relax that rule also.

Dan_Giant

£1000 is plent of cash to get a good bike and all the gear.

I only had £600 budget when i bought my Giant Defy last year. I had to get the bike, and all the gear that went with it. I got a defy 4 for £475, then got some last season Mavic shoes half price to go with the new pedals i had them put on. Got all the helmet and clothes etc whilst i was there.

When buying the bike, i tried a couple in my price range, and both were excellent bikes, the other was a trek. Nothing in them really, so i went with the one i liked the look of best. Can always upgrade the components.

Jake2.0

Thanks for all the replies people
I'm swaying towards the sectuer apex elite the review on the groupsets in c+ this month has convinced me. The price will clear me out but i have clothing, lights and i'll use my pedals and shoes from my hybrid. Btw will test ride before buying but anyone have any views on reasons not to buy.

stifflersmom

^^^^ If you like the fit of this bike you won't be disappointed. I've had this bike since October and have been impressed with the SRAM apex setup. I may swap the cassette for something with fewer gaps between gears when I have a few more miles in my legs to cope better with the hills I encounter in the Peak District.

Jake2.0

stifflersmom wrote:

^^^^ If you like the fit of this bike you won't be disappointed. I've had this bike since October and have been impressed with the SRAM apex setup. I may swap the cassette for something with fewer gaps between gears when I have a few more miles in my legs to cope better with the hills I encounter in the Peak District.

So a cassete change is relatively simple? Do you mind me asking why you chose the secteur rather than one of the more sporty rides available?

stifflersmom

I wanted a bike that I'd be comfortable on doing 40-0 miles routinely. The more relaxed (upright position) geometry of the secteur suited me, and compared to my hybrid, it feels sporty enough, both in terms of performance and position. Plus, I got a great deal on the bike and accesories from my lbs.