New Roadie - a few bikes to look at

MattMTB

Hi there, as you can probably tell from my username I have traditionally been an MTB'er, however I find myself getting out on the roads often as a way to keep up fitness. My main riding buddy has just bought a road bike (we have always road-ridden on our MTBs til now) and I feel it's about time I get one too as I've got no chance of keeping up with him now!

I was willing to spend up to £1000 on a bike, but I also need to get SPD pedals, shoes, and a trip computer. I think I have boiled it down to two options (I know there's millions of options out there but these are my two favourites at the mo!);

Boardman Road Team 2011 - 105 front / rear mech, tektro brakes, fsa crankset, nice Mavic wheelset. Claimed weight 8.43kgs. I can get this for £850 as my company get a 15% discount from Halfords.

Scott Speedster S20 2011 - full 105 groupset including mechs, BB, crankset, cassette, chain, Scott hubs and Alex Race rims. Claimed weight arond 8.8kgs. This is for sale at £1199 from Pedalon.co.uk but it includes 23 'podium points' which gives around £250 of 'free' accessories, from which I can get the pedals, shoes, computer and extra bits like bottle cages that I still need to buy. They also do interest free credit which is nice.

I haven't seen many user reviews of either of these bikes - does anybody have any experience of either? A guy at work has a Boardman team carbon which he loves; and I have ridden a Scott MTB which was very nice but this is not much to go on!

If anybody has any input on either of these bikes it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

noiseboyfeetman

I don't have any input on any of the bikes you've listed, but have you considered the Cube Attempt? It won the Cycling Plus best road bike for under £1000, here's the rundown in this years charts...... http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/b ... 000-29719/

luv2ride

I've got the Boardman Road Team (2010) and love it - saw the new model in Halfords the other day and it certainly looks the biz. Shame they're no longer kitting it out with SRAM Rival though...

That CUBE also looks real nice. Can't help thinking I should have tried their Agree model before I dived in for my Roubaix... :?

unixnerd

Maybe a Cannondale CAAD9 for 730 quid?
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... 3611&rs=gb

I'd not rule out used bikes on ebay/ gumtree, that's where I tend to find my bargains :-)

taimur

Luv2ride wrote:

That CUBE also looks real nice. Can't help thinking I should have tried their Agree model before I dived in for my Roubaix... :?

mine rides like a dream... bought the Agree SL 2010 model with Full Ultegra kit at 44% discount.. was looking for the CAAD9 but couldnt afford it, couldnt justify the CAAD 9 Tiagra at 999 when the Agree SL costed just 840 on discount.

For the OP: That CAAD9 is a good find! that too in team colors!!!
if the CAAD9 fits, you can not buy a better bike for that price!!!

MattMTB

Thanks for the replies guys, there's some nice looking alternatives thrown in there!

Cannondale CAAD9 looks very nice indeed.

The Cube Attempt looks good but very similar to the Boardman so I'd probably go for the Boardman over it if I can get it for £150 cheaper

I wish I knew somewhere where they stocked all these bikes so I could try them!

Has anybody used Pedalon? Their accessories offer looks almost too good to be true!

Cheers,
Matt

iplod

Bought my mountain bike from pedalon, got helmet, shoes, 3/4 trousers, shirt and a multitool free. Excellant deal.

noiseboyfeetman

A friend's used Pedal On, they're a well established and respected firm I wouldn't have any hesitation using them, they seemed nice and friendly as well the one time I have popped into their shop. The podium points offer does look good and nearly enticed me in for the kill!