Beginner Seeks Sage Wisdom on First Bike

MattJPaul

Two summers ago I rented a Giant Defy 4 (ick) and became hooked on road biking. After a mountain of research I'm in a position to purchase my first road bike proper on a £1000 budget, and just wanted a second (third, fourth...) opinion.

I'm pretty settled on the Cube Attempt 2011 because of the Shimano 105 and Fulcrum wheels. Also in the game, however, is the Focus Cayo full-carbon along with the Cannondale Synapse 105 and Felt Z85. If it isn't clear by the above, I'm looking for a two speed.

Cube: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/cubeattemptcompactracingroadbike2011.aspx?&id=15397
Focus: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=products
Cannondale: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/cannondalesynapse105cdracingbike2011.aspx?&id=15895
Felt: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/z85-2011-road-bike-ec024380?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

I like the ever-so-slightly more relaxed geometry of the Cube, love the Felt's looks (that's a major reason it's in the list, and therefore the first bike to be cut), Cannondale are always a name thrown around in terms of quality and the Focus is affordable carbon.

Any thoughts?
Is it worth venturing into carbon territory with a first bike?

Thanks for dealing with yet another beginner.

ForumNewbie

I see the Cannondale is listed at a low price of one pence reduction of the RRP - are they having a laugh?

At my age I also like the look of the relaxed geometry of the Cube. Have you thought about a Specialized Secteur Elite which retails at £999? It has a similar relaxed geometry and that is a bike that definately caught my eye.

jamm13dodger

I've just ordered the Cannondale Synapse. Loved it on the test ride, so much more comfortable than the Planet X carbon I borrowed from a friend. It's quite a relaxed geometry and includes mudguard mounts if that's something you're interested in?

Mr Dog

Why is there no Giant on the list?
Cube offer a lot kit for the money.. see if you can test ride any of the models. However buy the best frame you can afford.

Mr Dog

Get a 2010 model, better spec and save a packet.

MattJPaul

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

@ForumNewbie It may sound stupid but I don't like the styling of the Specialized. I figure if I'm spending £1000 it should be pretty in addition to well spec'd.

@jamm13dodger I'm not concerned about mudguard mounts as there's always the option of the Crud MK2's, but I do take on board your comfort with the Cannondale. Are you basing your results on how well the bike absorbs bumps, etc? I suspect a test ride may be my next move.

@Mr Dog I don't have a specific reason to exclude Giant beyond style (I like the TCR 1 but it's pushing the funds a little too far) and better components on the Cube. The Attempt isn't the nicest of the bunch so I'm already compromising there.

MattJPaul

An inadvertent thread bump perhaps, but wondered if anyone had owned/ridden the bikes and what you thought?

This may come down to my own sense of comfort but the prior experience of others is always a good barometer.

MattJPaul

New player:

Specialized Allez Comp 2010: http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/specializedallezcomproadbike2010-sale.aspx?&id=11590

Heavier than the Cube, but better by manufacturer reputation? I'm told Cube are running the show lately, so I'm at a loss.

Avanti Roman

It would be the Cayo or a Ribble Sportive with Apex for me:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/specialed ... ERC&bike=1

Lighter frame, fork and group set than the Focus and you can spec the stem & bar dimesions plus the gearing. Worth visiting Ribble to have a look & get measured up if you like it and see the other Ribbles in your price range.

It's easy to upgrade the wheels for either at a later date - easier than upgrading frame, fork or groupset.

MattJPaul

I neglected to mention that although my budget is £1000, I need to get it on finance, which excludes the Ribble (though, damn that's amazing for the price).

Anyone know anything about Hargrove Cycles? They have 24 months interest free on bikes over £1000, and they sell the Cube, so I'm leaning in that direction.

edhornby

have a look at the canyon website...