Advice Please!

cadboll

Hi all. This is my first posting on this forum. I am looking for some advice, if possible, regarding purchasing a road bike. I have decided to go for a carbon frame bike and my budget is £1500. I am hoping to compete in a local Sportive in September. I have been spending a lot of time reading up and speaking to different LBS to gauge opinion and get their advice.

The bike I had been recommended was:
Ridley Orion SE Ultegra 6700 (2011 model). I'm not sure if this forum allows you to post a link to the actual website. The frame size I'll need is probably 61 as I am almost 6'4".

Is there any reason why I shouldn't go for this one - is there a better alternative that you could recommend? I'm a beginner, so all advice appreciated.

Many thanks in advance.

arlowood

Hi there

Welcome to the forum.

Yes you are allowed to post links and my quick Google search suggestes that the following might be the bike you refer to:-

http://www.slanecycles.com/ridley-orion ... 18817.html

Looks like a great package for the money and the wheelset is pretty decent as well. Usually that is the area where manufacturers try to cut corners.

The only caveat is that the Ridley has a fairly race oriented set up and it may not suit your riding aspirations for sportives etc. However if you can arrange a test ride (make sure it is more than just around the block or in a car park ) and you are happy with the comfort levels then grab it.

Failing that , another option to consider is the Cube Agree GTC Pro:-

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/ ... t-11-40448

Comes out well in all reviews and has a great spec for the money. Have a look on the Cube website for dealers in your local area.

http://maps.cube.eu/