upgrade TDF or buy Dawes Sportif Comp Bike (2010)

jimbo0023
jimbo0023 Posts: 96
edited June 2012 in Road beginners
hey all,
owned my carerra TDF from halfords for a year now and think i would like to upgrade.

spotted a Dawes Sportif Comp Bike (2010) at Winstanleys near me for £449.99, Saving £480.00 (52%) on RRP (£929.99)

is this really a bargain or should i just try and upgrade the components on my TDF??
i like the frame of the TDf just feels heavy overall and would like more gears or better for hill climbs. :D

Comments

  • andy46
    andy46 Posts: 1,666
    I think you could get better for your money than the Dawes, especially if you go for second hand.

    If you really want to upgrade your TDF get some wheels and tyres as these are the biggest improvement you can make to a bike, then when you eventually get a new bike you can transfer them over and maybe keep the TDF as a winter bike.
    2019 Ribble CGR SL

    2015 Specialized Roubaix Sport sl4

    2014 Specialized Allez Sport
  • jimbo0023
    jimbo0023 Posts: 96
    Thanks Andy,
    Would this reduce the weight by much??
    Also can anybody recommend a gears upgrade..
  • esd
    esd Posts: 36
    gear upgrade tdf...I have a tiagra running 8 spd rear deraill on my virtuoso..very much improvement on the original shimano 2200 fitted...still use the original shifters

    i have also changed rear wheel to rs10...mainly because of too many broken spokes on cheaper wheels...

    does it make a difference? the tdf and virtuoso are quite heavy and too be honest have a harsh ride...ok up to 3hrs but anything over that and it becomes quite numbing...my hands take quite a hammering...or find super smooth roads...

    if can afford upgrade to bike with less harsh ride...perhaps with carbon forks..which seems the way to go
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    At that price range I'd look for a Cannondale CAAD8 or Specialized Allez then save up for some nice light wheels for it.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • BruceG
    BruceG Posts: 347
    unixnerd wrote:
    At that price range I'd look for a Cannondale CAAD8 or Specialized Allez then save up for some nice light wheels for it.
    Agree with this, that Dawes may have a high RRP however it would have NEVER sold at that price, to be fair it is overpriced at the reduced rate, and is probably only a sideways or even a step down from your TDF
  • jimbo0023
    jimbo0023 Posts: 96
    thanks for all the help.
    also like the look of this:
    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011

    any thoughts?
  • unixnerd
    unixnerd Posts: 2,864
    It's last years model, a sure way to grab a bargain! Anyone would think a Wilier was a nice bike, very flash.
    http://www.strathspey.co.uk - Quality Binoculars at a Sensible Price.
    Specialized Roubaix SL3 Expert 2012, Cannondale CAAD5,
    Marin Mount Vision (1997), Edinburgh Country tourer, 3 cats!
  • BruceG
    BruceG Posts: 347
    jimbo0023 wrote:
    thanks for all the help.
    also like the look of this:
    http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _Bike_2011

    any thoughts?
    Exponentially better than that Dawes you were considering!

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