Bikes £800-£1000

PolyphonicBoy
PolyphonicBoy Posts: 68
edited December 2011 in Road buying advice
I'm sure this topic comes up a lot, and I've read the 2011 guide on Bikeradar, but would like some up to date advice...

My Boardman Hybrid Comp has been great, but I'm getting into my cycling and looking to get a full road bike. Looking at the £800-£1,000 range. For that I think I'm looking at light alloy frame, carbon forks, Shimano 105.

Won't get much cycling done over the winter, but thought it might be worth buying now and maybe getting a bargain. Last years model perhaps.

My initial thoughts are a Cube Peloton Race or a Trek 2.1. Any suggestions/advice?

Comments

  • Ribble bikes seem to be great value for money, but their 'bike builder' website seems like it's not working.
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Now let me think, bikes in the £1,000 range...can't be many because that is the optimum pricing point for the cycletoworkscheme...oh, hang on...

    Seriously, they are loads of bikes and you have a load of options and I think your basic list (good Alu frame, 105 and carbon forks) is a great starting point. I would just get along to a few shops and see which ones you like and excite you (C+ is a good read, gives lot's of good advice and helps you spot the good 'uns/bad 'uns but there is a line to be drawn for when it just comes down to a reviewer's opinion based on a bike he isn't going to be buying anyway...and the regular nonsense spouted in all magazines about this or that bike being "great at climbing" or "responding instantly to power" just makes me cringe).

    A lot of decent shops will do trial rides (or at least let you have a spin on a turbo). Fortunately your time in the saddle to date should help you to know what you are looking for (Compact, Standard, Triple, etc.), and you might want to include looking at 2nd hand options as there will be many folks trading up to grab a last year's model bargain in the next price point. For a grand you might get a fantastic 2nd hander...but obviously be careful.

    We will just suggest what we bought or have tried...or recommend/slate a load we haven't.
  • tom22
    tom22 Posts: 59
    Rose do some great bikes, i got one about 6 months ago and loved it.
    look at these: (both the same just with different groupsets)

    http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose ... aid:532348
    http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/rose ... aid:473130
  • What would you go for between the Cube Streamer (2011) or the Cube Peloton Race (2012)?

    Cube Streamer Compact Bike (2011)
    Frame: Alu Superlite 7005 AMF Double Butted, RFR‑Geometry, inner cable routing
    Fork: Dedacciai DBHT Black Hole Technology Carbon
    Cranks: Shimano 105 FC‑5750 2‑Piece 50x34T
    Bottom Bracket: integrated
    Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD‑5700BL double, clamp 34.9mm
    Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD 6700SS
    Shifters: Shimano Ultegra ST‑6700, 10‑speed
    Cassette: Shimano 105 CS‑5700 11‑28T, 10‑speed
    Wheelset: Easton EA30 Custom
    Tyres: Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23x622
    Brakes: Shimano BR‑R560
    Weight: 8.6 kg

    Cube Peloton Race (2012)
    Alu Superlite 6061 AMF Double Butted, RFR-Geometry, inner cable routing
    CUBE CL Race Carbon, 1_1/8"- 1_1/2"
    FSA Orbit Z-T Eco, semi-intergrated
    Shimano Ultegra RD-6700GS
    Shimano 105 FD-5703BL triple, clamp 34.9mm
    Shimano 105 ST-5703, 10-speed
    Shimano BR-R561
    Shimano 105 FC-5703 2-Piece 50x39x30T, integrated BB
    Easton EA30 Aero Custom
    Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23x622
    Impac RR SV28
    Selle Italia X1 Road
    EASTON EA30 31.6mm
    Scape Close 34.9mm
    8.9 kg

    Specs look pretty damn close to me, and I could get the Streamer for £150 less.
  • Cube Peloton Race (2012)
    Alu Superlite 6061 AMF Double Butted, RFR-Geometry, inner cable routing
    CUBE CL Race Carbon, 1_1/8"- 1_1/2"
    FSA Orbit Z-T Eco, semi-intergrated
    Shimano Ultegra RD-6700GS
    Shimano 105 FD-5703BL triple, clamp 34.9mm
    Shimano 105 ST-5703, 10-speed
    Shimano BR-R561
    Shimano 105 FC-5703 2-Piece 50x39x30T, integrated BB
    Easton EA30 Aero Custom
    Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23x622
    Impac RR SV28
    Selle Italia X1 Road
    EASTON EA30 31.6mm
    Scape Close 34.9mm
    8.9 kg

    Nice!

    Been looking at the Peloton SL today which is £170 more than the Peloton Race.

    Peloton Race looks better value as the only spec' difference I can see is that the front derailleur and shifters are 105 instead of Ultegra - seems a lot to charge for those tbh.

    Is this about right?
  • What would you go for between the Cube Streamer (2011) or the Cube Peloton Race (2012)?

    Cube Streamer Compact Bike (2011)
    Frame: Alu Superlite 7005 AMF Double Butted, RFR‑Geometry, inner cable routing
    Fork: Dedacciai DBHT Black Hole Technology Carbon
    Cranks: Shimano 105 FC‑5750 2‑Piece 50x34T
    Bottom Bracket: integrated
    Front Derailleur: Shimano 105 FD‑5700BL double, clamp 34.9mm
    Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra RD 6700SS
    Shifters: Shimano Ultegra ST‑6700, 10‑speed
    Cassette: Shimano 105 CS‑5700 11‑28T, 10‑speed
    Wheelset: Easton EA30 Custom
    Tyres: Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23x622
    Brakes: Shimano BR‑R560
    Weight: 8.6 kg

    Cube Peloton Race (2012)
    Alu Superlite 6061 AMF Double Butted, RFR-Geometry, inner cable routing
    CUBE CL Race Carbon, 1_1/8"- 1_1/2"
    FSA Orbit Z-T Eco, semi-intergrated
    Shimano Ultegra RD-6700GS
    Shimano 105 FD-5703BL triple, clamp 34.9mm
    Shimano 105 ST-5703, 10-speed
    Shimano BR-R561
    Shimano 105 FC-5703 2-Piece 50x39x30T, integrated BB
    Easton EA30 Aero Custom
    Schwalbe Ultremo ZX 23x622
    Impac RR SV28
    Selle Italia X1 Road
    EASTON EA30 31.6mm
    Scape Close 34.9mm
    8.9 kg

    Specs look pretty damn close to me, and I could get the Streamer for £150 less.

    I was in the same dilemma until two days ago, ended up ordering the Streamer the weight difference and the fact I could get it as a compact swung it for me. Additionally the £150 saving will cover pedals and go towards a new computer.

    I've come to the conclusion after months of researching bike deals (while saving up the pennies for a end of year bargain) that there is nothing more satisfying than finally biting the bullet and pulling the trigger.

    The Streamer wasn't my first choice - I was eyeing up the 2011 focus cayo's and sadly discounted stock dried up. The Streamer is a well specced bike at £859, it's a good weight with positive reviews and is imo a looker.

    She should arrive tomorrow. To quote another post from an expectant rider I saw on here "This weekend those hills are my bitches" 8)
  • wardieboy wrote:
    She should arrive tomorrow. To quote another post from an expectant rider I saw on here "This weekend those hills are my bitches" 8)

    :lol: Nice one Wardieboy! I think I'm going to go with the Streamer too. Going to size them up at the weekend. Did you order from Chain Reaction or Winstanleys (or elsewhere?).
  • wardieboy wrote:
    She should arrive tomorrow. To quote another post from an expectant rider I saw on here "This weekend those hills are my bitches" 8)

    :lol: Nice one Wardieboy! I think I'm going to go with the Streamer too. Going to size them up at the weekend. Did you order from Chain Reaction or Winstanleys (or elsewhere?).

    Ended up going with Winstantleys as they have the compact. If you are after a triple Chain Reaction have their '£100 off a £1000' spend deal on, so you could get a further £140 worth of kit for a £60 layout :D

    I ordered mine on Tuesday eve, the status has been 'picked for dispatch' since Wednesday morning, hopefully it is en route and I'll get my grubby mitts on her today :D
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    " finally biting the bullet and pulling the trigger"

    Sounds like a bloody dangerous mixed metaphor :shock: .
  • keef66 wrote:
    " finally biting the bullet and pulling the trigger"

    Sounds like a bloody dangerous mixed metaphor :shock: .

    Too much call of duty while on the turbo! 8)
  • Ended up ordering a Cube Streamer Compact from Winstanley too, as they were the only ones with a 60cm. Shame as CRC was a great deal (£100 off £1000 and 3% Quidco).