Need help choosing a new bike - we can help?

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  • fly fifer
    fly fifer Posts: 1
    Would be grateful for some advice - looking to buy new road bike around the 3k mark. Had considered Canyon SLX with Durace and good Mavic wheels however, friends have been strongly recommending electronic shifters so also looking at the Cannondale super six Di2 - equivalent price but better overall spec on the canyon, lighter and better wheels.

    The Canyon cannot, as I understand, be upgraded to Di2 but obviously could upgrade bits of the Cannondale.

    The other option is the Canyon aero road Di2, bit cheaper but looks a bit heavier at 7.5 kg.

    Any thoughts?
  • jtanner2000
    jtanner2000 Posts: 1
    Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. New to forums (first post).

    I have been looking at the 2012 Trek Madone 5.2. I have noticed the 2012 Giant TCR Advance has Ultegra (except 105 cassette, chain and brakes) for about $1000 less than Madone. I will not be racing. Should I save the money to upgrade the Giant wheels and 105 components or should I stick with the Madone?

    Thanks
  • andycoventry
    andycoventry Posts: 1
    I wonder if you can help me - I am looking for a new road bike around the £1500 mark and can't decide which to get.

    I am swayed towards the Cube Agree GTC Pro 2012 - http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-bikes- ... duct/41561

    But I have also looked at the Focus Cayo 2.0 - http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/Product/221 ... e-2012.asp

    Any help / personal opinion or other suggesttions would be very much appreciated.

    I have also considered speccing a Ribble but I would not be confident which components to choose.

    Many thanks for your help in advance.
  • TgNewbie
    TgNewbie Posts: 14
    Hi

    Any advice on any of the below. I ride probably about 100 miles per week, with longest single rides about 50 miles at the weekend. So, really leisure and fitness - I am not an out and out racer by any stretch of the imagination. Can anyone provide any recommendations on any of the below, or whether I should be considering something else? I have in the region of £1700 as my budget:

    Cube Agree GTC Pro
    Wilier Izoard
    Ribble Gran Fondo
    Ribble Sportive Racing

    Any advice much appreciated.
  • Russell1973
    Russell1973 Posts: 1
    Help...

    just signed up to do Great Cycle Manchester and need a new bike my existing bike isn't up to the task Btwin Sport2, looking to spend upto £1500 for a decent bike currently got my eye on a Cube Peloton SL with Ultegra Compact gearing or a Ribble not sure which yet, struggling to get a test ride on the Cube, any suggestions welcomed
  • nzcyclist
    nzcyclist Posts: 3
    Hi Im looking for a new bike and have found a Jamis xenith sl 2010 with sram force and zipp wheels (below the 101's) for $2800 NZD and the a Giant tcr advanced 1 2011 with shimano ultegra and shimano rs-80 wheels for $2200NZD. What one do you think I should get and why do you thinks so?
    Thanks
  • grit2222
    grit2222 Posts: 1
    Hello

    First post so take it easy. 8) Buying a new bike choosing between a

    Felt AR5 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fel ... felt%20ar5

    Fuji Gran Fondo http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuj ... an%20fondo

    Fuji Altimera 2.0 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuj ... 20altimera

    Trek Madone 4.7C http://www.evanscycles.com/products/tre ... e-ec029964

    I rode the AR5 and was not impressed. Frame is a looker but the buzz of the road and lack of acceleration left me underwhelmed. This may also have been down to the wheels. I also rode the Trek Madone 4.7c and was really impressed with the ride. Very smooth and response seemed to be instant. I have been told this was down to the BB90 bottom bracket and not my ability :)

    I really like the look of the Gran Fondo but the Altemira is on offer and has a Ultegra Groupset as does the Madone.

    I will be riding the bike as my main form of transport. Hope to start riding sportives and planning to do a ride for charity as well as ride to Mallorca in the summer. Never bought a road bike before just a bit sick of all the bad looks I get from Roadies plus them riding past and putting a distance of half a mile between us in 10 seconds:) plus once I test rode a road bike I was hooked :) but lycra now that is a different question.

    Seriously would really appreciate some advice comments from those with the experience of road cycling/bike buying from what I read most experienced roadies tend to have a couple of bikes and frame/groupset/riding style is important. I really want to get this right because I will have this bike for a long time and use it on a daily basis.

    Thanks
  • Salsatart
    Salsatart Posts: 1
    I'm looking for a road bike to cycle to work and also to take for typically 25 miles on a weekend but with the potential to do a very occasional 100 miler. Most of the roads are rural and pretty bumpy. Budget £1000. Looking at Cannondale Synapse 5, Carrera Virago and Giant Defy 1. Any comments or suggestions?
  • tabscat
    tabscat Posts: 9
    Hi

    My wife is buying a bike via the cycle2work scheme. She says she wants a hybrid. She is going to be cycling to work on it ( about 3 miles with one short steep uphill section) and be doing some cycling at weekends mainly on towpaths. Being able to fit a pannier would be nice.

    I know a bit more about bikes than my wife but not a lot. After doing a bit of reading we are looking at the "Ridgeback Velocity womens 2011" which will cost her about £250 although its priced at £340 . Will this do the job? Going one model up the Ridgeback Momentum would be £275 ish.

    It doesn't have to be Ridgeback, they also offer Dawes, Giant, Claude Butler. Thanks for any advice
  • Philbolger
    Philbolger Posts: 4
    Hello all. I am buying my first road bike and have a budget of £2500. Having tried cube (poor fit) and trek madone 5.2 having too long a reach on a 56 and too small on a 54 leg wise, I feel like giving up. I am due to ride 450 miles for a kids charity so I need a good bike. The best fit so far is a kuota kebel but don't know the brand, can you advise please. I don't aim to race but do intend to do up to 50-70miles of and build up from there . Also SRAM force Vs ultegra please. Last ask, what wheels, options are, spinergy, Mavik aksium or Reynolds shadow are all available as standard. With Reynolds assault as a £400 upgrade. Decisions decisions???? Help
    Other considerations are
    Moda stretto
    Eddy Merckx 3
    Colango clx
    Litespeed c3
  • ALaPlage
    ALaPlage Posts: 732
    Can you help? Ready to upgrade/update my 2007 Madone 5.9 but don't know where to start with a short list of bikes to try. With a budget circa £4k my first thought was the latest 5.9 with di2 as I love my old Trek. What else should I consider? I ride for pleasure and usually 50 to 100 miles at a weekend and a midweek 40 miles. A few Sportives per year plus this August I am riding around Britain on a 1500 mile charity ride. I also hope to start time trialling this year.

    I love the geometry of my current Trek and the light weight. What will give me a lighter bike and the same comfortable ride? Any suggestions?
    Trek Madone 5.9
    Kinesis Crosslight T4
  • wors
    wors Posts: 90
    You can try and help me! I'm currently torn between a Giant TCR composite 3 and a Genesis Equilibrium 20. Used for long rides in the hills, a few sportives I have planned, commuting the long way home! Similar spec same price, different frame material. HELP!
  • ddasilva
    ddasilva Posts: 1
    Looking to buy my first Road bike and my main criteria would be for a Comfortable riding bike.
    Planning on joining a local cycling club and riding for "Fitness" : 50-80 km (30-50 mile) rides twice/week.
    I have started looking at some bikes:
    1) Canondale Synapase 105 : $$
    Vs (
    Canondale Caad 10 105 : $$

    2) Cannondale Supersix 105 : $$$
    VS
    Specialized Roubaix 105 :$$$

    These are priced from Low-High.// The Roubaix is by far the most expensive as it is all Carbon and it is very comfortable as I test rode this bike.
    I want to know if anyone has any thoughts on the 2 comparison Groupings. First 2 being Aluminum and the other 2 carbon. Should I buy from the lower priced 1st group or Higher priced 2nd group and which bike of each group.

    I'm looking for comments on "Geometry comfort" as well as frame material comfort.
  • ironman69
    ironman69 Posts: 40
    Hi
    No luck so far by starting a separate post so : -
    Two models ie Giant Defy Advanced 2/3 and the Willier Granturismo Athena.
    I am currently looking at both, do you think I will get more 'bang for your buck' with the Giant?? But that Willier is a stunner!!
    My LBS stocks both makes -I haven't had chance to get thier view yet or test ride as I am working away, so any opinions would be much appreciated!!

    Cheers

    IM
  • Doune Linda
    Doune Linda Posts: 4
    Looking at a Scott Contessa 35 Speedster. First road bike, what do you think?
  • aaronl87
    aaronl87 Posts: 1
    Afternoon,
    I have just upgraded my specialized allez 2011 to a 105 groupset and some dura-ace c50's and was looking at buying a new frame For a maximum of £1000. Have been looking at planet x x2na, look 566 and wasnt really sure what else to look at. Also found a 2011 s-works sl3 for 1300. Please advise!!!! Cheers
  • Fincycle
    Fincycle Posts: 1
    I am Seriously thinking of buying the Canyon CF 9.0, has anyone ridden this / or reviewed it
  • carlodpl
    carlodpl Posts: 1
    Dear BikeRadar.com staff,

    I'm going to buy a new road bike, but I still have my doubts about the final choice. My maximum budget is 2.500 EUR = 2.000 GBP = 3.200 USD and I do like a 100% carbon bike with Shimano Ultegra or Sram Force Gruppo.

    I was fairly convinced to buy the BMC SL01 Ultegra (MY 2012) also because the BMC dealer in my city has a good road bike team which I could join.

    On the verge of going for BMC I read your review of Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 (MY 2012) getting aware it has been awarded as Cycling Plus's Bike of the Year 2012. Looking into the internet I found many other enthusiastic reviews about the Izalco Pro 3.0 (not so many about the BMC SL01). The only issue about Focus in my city is that the local dealer is heavily focused on MTB and its bike team accordingly.

    I would really appreciate your advice for which I thank you in advance.

    Best regards.
  • flipovich
    flipovich Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I am military stationed in Germany and am looking to spend a little more on a bike than I have in the past as I plan on riding far more often. I road to/from work on a temporary duty I just returned from and enjoyed it quite a bit, so now I'm looking at one of the below options at the local military BX, unless you have a better suggestion. I also put the Facebook Post I made yesterday asking buddies of mine for assistance, that way you can see the details behind my purchase and such. Thanks in advance for your help.

    Facebook Post:
    BICYCLE EXPERTS!!!! I need help from all of you bicycle folks out there...gonna buy one of the below bikes, just don't know which yet...plan on using it for exercise rides as well as eventually the to/from work hike and probably long, relaxing rides around the wonderful roads of Germany :-) Not TOO worried about off-road stuff, but I like to keep my options open, hence why the hybrids instead of pure road bikes...let me know which one you think gives me the best value for my dollar...Also, don't forget that some below come with accessories and some don't, so factor that into their actual bang-for-buck value as well, please :-) If you happen to know of a better bike vendor near Ramstein AB, Germany than the BX (lol) that I can get a better deal for my money (under $700 USD), then please let me know. Or even an online vendor that'll ship to APO without costing an arm and a leg for shipping, that'd be awesome!! I already have a helmet, headlight, speedometer/odometer, pump, and repair kit. Thanks in advance for your help...

    Trek 7.3 FX - $589.00
    http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/to ... fx/7_3_fx/

    Cannondale Law Enforcement 3 - $639.95
    http://www.cannondale.com/2011-law-enforcement-3-16044

    HM Bike Cross Town Men - $519.00
    http://www.hmbike.com/dynasite.cfm?dsmi ... 5&JahrID=7

    Trek Men's 3900 Disc - $545.00
    http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mo ... 900_disc/#


    EDIT: Just added the following bike to the list from a local German bike shop. It's the only one they had in my price range with the details I wanted and such...let me know what ya'll think. Probably going to go with this one unless told otherwise in the next few days. Thanks for your help:

    Kreidler Raise RTS 24-Speed bike - 460 Euro (Approx. $590 USD)
    http://www.kreidler.net/wp_kreidler_bik ... -24-speed/
  • ls119
    ls119 Posts: 17
    I'm fairly new to the world of cycling, but really want to get into it and at some point in the distance future I would like to try long distance touring. However I would like to find a good beginner road bike to get me started and prepared before purchasing a more specialized tourer.

    I don't really have a budget anything between £200.00 - £500.00 I suppose as you can get quiet alot for your money with road bikes, however with tourers you can spend well over £1000.00 for just a basic model. I would ideally prefer a new bike rather than second hand, but am open to anything as Ebay have alot to offer.
    Also I was wondering can you use road bikes on cycle paths (loose gravel like surfaces) as there are alot around where I am and was wondering if I would have the option to use these aswel as the road.

    Any advise on my next purchase would be appreciated, for a good beginner road bike.

    :D
  • aronh
    aronh Posts: 7
    Hi Everyone,

    I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice.... having tried quite a few bikes in my budget range of £900 I have decided to go for the BMC SR01 Tiagra Compact . It felt comfortable, was fairly nippy and I liked its looks.

    http://www.bmc-racing.com/int-en/bikes/ ... iagra.html

    However, I have just noticed that the Boardman Road Team bike has been reduced to £800 (100 less than the Sr01) and has a much better spec (105 and FSA Gossamer BB30 compact crank , Mavic wheels).

    Is it just the case that I am paying more for the BMC because its a boutique brand and won the TdF last year whereas the BM is sold my Halfords? Is the BM a better bike?

    THanks for any advice...

    Aaron
  • ByersVictory
    ByersVictory Posts: 5
    Im looking for a decent road bike at a budget !
    Ive seen this at Winstanley is it any good ?
    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2010

    i do about 60 miles per week, and live in Saddleworth regularly riding some hills in and around the area.
    Any thoughts greatly appreciated, I can maintain my bike but iknow next to nowt about buying one ! By that I mean whats a good buy with good components.

    Thanks in advance.

    ps Although I want a bike I dont have much cash to buy one, budget £800 and im pushing it really.
  • kendo11
    kendo11 Posts: 10
    Knock 10% of Road Team price using NUSMAY12 promotion voucher.
  • sbovey
    sbovey Posts: 1
    Hi All

    I've spent a huge amount of time during the past few weeks scouring the internet looking at budget road bikes / reviews etc and have learnt loads!!!!

    However I still haven't decided on the bike to buy so after some opinions / advice. I currently have a Giant Cypress LX hybrid at 15.4kg I use for my daily 10mile hilly commute.

    Decided I want to replace with a entry level road bike and maybe take it for the odd longer spin / charity ride and see if I get in to it. Down to business any thoughts on these or others? budget was originally £350 but crept up to £4-450.

    Claud Butler Echelon or Milano (£410 ish)
    Raleigh Airlite 300 2011 (£450 on wiggle)
    GT GTR 5 2011 (£500 at LBS)
    Giant Defy 2 (2011 at £499 on winstanley)
    Giant Defy 3 (£475)

    Unfortunately can't stretch to a Specialzed or Trek and didnt really want to spend £500.

    Thanks for anyones thoughts on this and sorry if a bit of a wide option question!

    Scott.
  • gkd000
    gkd000 Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I want to buy a decent entry level road bike, I don't want to spend more than £600 at present. I have been looking around on the forums etc and have a few ideas, but I came across a Python RX1 for a decent price and it looks like it might suit me.

    I suppose my real question is, I can't find too much info. on this model and no reviews at all?

    Does anyone have any experience of or advice about this particular make/model?

    Would appreciate a quickish response if possible as the deal may end soon. They seem to be listed at about £700 everywhere I look, but can get one for £430.

    Appreciate your help.

    Graham.
  • sashwell
    sashwell Posts: 1
    I was in bike finder in a recent issue.

    My requirements were a bike for sportives and the RAID for £1k, with an MTB history.

    Giant Defy 1 was recommended and i'm fairly sure this is what i'll go for.

    But then i read a review of the Boardman Team Carbon - do you think it's worth stretching my budget to go Carbon?

    Other alternative at LBS is Mekk Poggio P20.
  • webbie1
    webbie1 Posts: 1
    Looking at buying a road bike for the first time in numerous years and things have changed a lot since I last owned one. Looking at circa 1k to spend. Have looked at some of the reviews but they all get a bit confusing after a while with differeing opinions. Ribble seems to come up quite well in the reviews but as its buying on line its difficult to "try before you buy". Any thoughts/advice would be appreicated.
    Thanks
  • jch
    jch Posts: 5
    Currently riding a trek7200fx (c.2005) hybrid for a 20-30 mile ride each w/e. Pleased to be getting fitter averaging 15mph on the flat, but enjoy a few short sharp hills where I live so occasionally need very lowest gear (calculated at 20inch).

    The hybrid felt right in the shop but once home it felt very sit-up-and-beg so I adjusted the bars downwards.

    I am concerned that I need a triple as a compact won't give me the lowest gear I need.

    My research leads me to:-
    Defy5 is available with triple at around 550 - not sure I liked the cross section of a defy frame I saw somehwere
    Spec allez or sectuer feel beyond my budget - I wouldn't expect a lowlevel pianist to buy a 10k piano, but I'm 51 and this may be the last bike I buy
    trek 1.1 seems only available with a compact - I've found my current trek gear change fantastic so am a bit loyal to trek
    airlite 100 has also been suggested but also only a compact
  • dortmunder
    dortmunder Posts: 101
    I am looking to upgrade to a new bike. I have a budget of about £2000. I have been cycling on and off for years but this is the first time I've done some proper training. I am going to ride some Sportives this year and perhaps and Alpine ride next summer.
    I currently have my eye on the kuota kharma race which I would upgrade to SRAM Force group and maybe upgrade the wheels from the Mavic Aksium. I currently ride a Focus Variado.
    Does anyone have experience (good or bad) of the Kharma and are there any others I should consider. I was looking at the Moda stretto but it didn't fair too well in Cycling Plus this month.
    Thanks in advance
  • Chopper Read
    Chopper Read Posts: 8
    Looking at buying a new road bike. Can't decide between a Cube Peleton Race and a Boardman Road Team.

    Any advice please?

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