Looking for my first road bike (sub 1300ish gbp)
ypdude
Posts: 4
Hi folks,
I am looking to buy my first road bike after spending loads of fun time with my Kona Dew Deluxe doing approx 20-30 miles a day and a long(er) ride on the weekend.
My current budget tops at 1300 gbp (and a bit less would be nice) and I guess I am looking for a road bike mainly for fitness and doing longer rides than what I am doing right now.
I have shortlisted the following bikes:
Trek Madone 3.1
Specialized Allez Sport
Bianchi Via Nirone 105
Scott CR1
Cannondale CAAD10
The unfortunate thing is that I only got to try the trek and thats only for a ride around the block which I doubt that tells all that much. the other bikes weren't available for a test ride.
I liked the trek when I rode it even for a few minutes. However, I absolutely adore the looks of the Bianchi. I am not looking to buy a bike and start thinking about upgrading stuff etc. Basically I am looking for a road bike that would be fun to ride and I won't think about upgrading components for a while.
I wish I could test ride the other bikes and I guess that then I wouldnt have to ask for your help but unfortunately this is not possible (and I guess i dont feel very comfortable splashing over a grand on some bike that I have never riden).
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Y
I am looking to buy my first road bike after spending loads of fun time with my Kona Dew Deluxe doing approx 20-30 miles a day and a long(er) ride on the weekend.
My current budget tops at 1300 gbp (and a bit less would be nice) and I guess I am looking for a road bike mainly for fitness and doing longer rides than what I am doing right now.
I have shortlisted the following bikes:
Trek Madone 3.1
Specialized Allez Sport
Bianchi Via Nirone 105
Scott CR1
Cannondale CAAD10
The unfortunate thing is that I only got to try the trek and thats only for a ride around the block which I doubt that tells all that much. the other bikes weren't available for a test ride.
I liked the trek when I rode it even for a few minutes. However, I absolutely adore the looks of the Bianchi. I am not looking to buy a bike and start thinking about upgrading stuff etc. Basically I am looking for a road bike that would be fun to ride and I won't think about upgrading components for a while.
I wish I could test ride the other bikes and I guess that then I wouldnt have to ask for your help but unfortunately this is not possible (and I guess i dont feel very comfortable splashing over a grand on some bike that I have never riden).
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Y
0
Comments
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If you intend keeping it as it is you need to make sure you get it right. A decent test has to be a must.
On the bikes I'd just like to say the Allez Sport looks out of place there, at less than half of your budget. You would get the Allez comp with full 105 for £1100.
It's good to get the best you can - but remember you will need other stuff as well, bottle cages, computer, possibly clothing - so it's good to leave a little wriggle room.0 -
Pigtail wrote:If you intend keeping it as it is you need to make sure you get it right. A decent test has to be a must.
On the bikes I'd just like to say the Allez Sport looks out of place there, at less than half of your budget. You would get the Allez comp with full 105 for £1100.
It's good to get the best you can - but remember you will need other stuff as well, bottle cages, computer, possibly clothing - so it's good to leave a little wriggle room.
As I mentioned on my previous post i m alredy biking on a semi-daily basis so i have all the rest like clothes, bottle cages etc. pedals will be the only thing i ll buy to accompany the bike i guess.
thanks0 -
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CYCLESPORT1 wrote:
Its not stocked here unfortunately. I had other bikes in my list such as the Cube Attempt and the Focus Cayo but I cant find them in a local store and I 'd rather not get one on-line i guess0 -
How did you find the Madone 3.1? That was one of the bikes that I really wanted to try but my LBS didn't have one in stock. Around the block could be enough to if the block had a good hill and some potholes. But as other have said if you are spending over £1000 a test ride is a must. Also, if you do buy online then you are allowed to return it within 7 days (some shops 30), so if a bike doesn't live up to your expectations you can still change it (but the 2011 deals will dry up soon).
I do think with the Bianchi you are paying for the name somewhat. For those prices you can get carbon and over a kilo lighter.
The Allez does stand out a little budget wise, but allot of people have them and love them. One thing I would recommend is going for a better groupset than Sora. 105 is much better shifting & braking and saves some weight too.
I was in the same position a month ago and went for a CR1 Team which I love, it absolutely flies nomatter how crappy the road is.0 -
Honestly, I'd throw the Boardman Team Carbon into that equation too.
Sod the snobbery, it's one hell of a bike/ride.0 -
Given the OP's original choice, I'd take the Scott CR1 (hopefully not with Tiagra spec at that budget) - good all rounder.
Used to own a Scott CR1 Team and was always very happy with it - so much so that I've since sold it!!0
