Choosing a bike is so FRUSTRATING!

Gabbo

Ok, so about a month ago I was pretty content on purchasing a cheap road bike somewhere in the region of £600. The more I browsed the internet, the more hooked I got (maybe passionate is the correct word here). Always wanted a road bike for commuting, but then after repeatedly getting injuried from running, I have now decided that I want to take up cycling as a sport and eventually compete with a club (eventually being the key word).

So, I decided I would opt for the BMC Streetracer SR01 105, but fortunately for me, I don't get paid until September. This has prevented me from purchasing it on a whim as it has given me time to research for other alternatives. After expanding the little knowledge had about road bikes, I decided that I wanted to purchase the Cannondale CAAD10 105. In terms of value for money, this is suppose to be one of the best aluminium bikes on the market. So, being dead certain on this bike and already testing out the 58cm frame, I make an enquiry about their stock - discontinued. The demo was grubby and had a big dent in the frame (no wonder why no one had purchased it).

So here I am, still bikeless and even more frustrated. I've chose the wrong time of the year to pursue an interest in cycling as companies are looking to clear out old stock before introducing the 2013 stuff in late September. I can either be patient and pay full buck for a 2013 model, or keep searching online for that one bike!

There is however one bike that's standing out to me right now. It's the Cube Agree GTC Pro for £1549. A bit beyond budget but may be possible if cyclesurgery do interest free finance.

Does anyone share my pain?

Cyclosis

Hi,

I too have fallen in the cracks between 2012 and 2013 when trying to buy my first road bike. I feel your pain.

Planning on buying one to improve fitness and join in the fun with a few mates who are roadies. Also had the notion that I might do the odd sportive or — not so hardcore — races in the future. Not sure how realistic that is, but no harm in having something to aim at!

So, off to local bike shop last weekend (Dales in Glasgow) where the staff were super helpful. The chap helping me out went through the options and helped me narrow down the best type of frame; not too harsh and aggressive to put me off, but sporty enough to keep up with my mates.

I had a spin on a Giant Defy with plans to buy the Defy 2. They let me loose on a composite one to get a fit for the frame (M/L size) and said they could build the Aluminium one up for me to try out in a couple of days.

I slept on it, and called them back the next day to get it built so I could pop down and take it for a ride and then buy it if all was well... but they were all sold out! They also had no idea when the 2013 equivalent would be in, nor what the exact spec would be.

So, did some hunting online... no joy for the Defy 2 in M/L, all sold out too. Found the Defy 0 on Wiggle for 25% off (I could just stretch to that) but in the time it took to sort out Cycle to Work stuff that had sold out too!

So... not sure what to do now. Going to check out some other brands at Evans tonight (any recommendations?), Cannondale and the like, but they seem to be getting thin on the ground too.

Had hoped to do plenty of riding on holiday next month, but not sure if I'm going to have a bike to do it on. Plus a shame that the pleasant weather window is closing fast!

Quite a tricky time to actually buy a bike full stop, not just snag a bargin.

Is this the Wiggins/Olympics effect, or is it always as tough at this time of year?

Any advise welcome!

Ringo 68

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

Gabbo

Cyclosis wrote:

Hi,

I too have fallen in the cracks between 2012 and 2013 when trying to buy my first road bike. I feel your pain.

Planning on buying one to improve fitness and join in the fun with a few mates who are roadies. Also had the notion that I might do the odd sportive or — not so hardcore — races in the future. Not sure how realistic that is, but no harm in having something to aim at!

So, off to local bike shop last weekend (Dales in Glasgow) where the staff were super helpful. The chap helping me out went through the options and helped me narrow down the best type of frame; not too harsh and aggressive to put me off, but sporty enough to keep up with my mates.

I had a spin on a Giant Defy with plans to buy the Defy 2. They let me loose on a composite one to get a fit for the frame (M/L size) and said they could build the Aluminium one up for me to try out in a couple of days.

I slept on it, and called them back the next day to get it built so I could pop down and take it for a ride and then buy it if all was well... but they were all sold out! They also had no idea when the 2013 equivalent would be in, nor what the exact spec would be.

So, did some hunting online... no joy for the Defy 2 in M/L, all sold out too. Found the Defy 0 on Wiggle for 25% off (I could just stretch to that) but in the time it took to sort out Cycle to Work stuff that had sold out too!

So... not sure what to do now. Going to check out some other brands at Evans tonight (any recommendations?), Cannondale and the like, but they seem to be getting thin on the ground too.

Had hoped to do plenty of riding on holiday next month, but not sure if I'm going to have a bike to do it on. Plus a shame that the pleasant weather window is closing fast!

Quite a tricky time to actually buy a bike full stop, not just snag a bargin.

Is this the Wiggins/Olympics effect, or is it always as tough at this time of year?

Any advise welcome!

Glad I'm not in this alone.

I think you're in luck. Evans still have the Cannondale CAAD10 in frame sizes 52, 54, and 56cm. Unfortunately for me, they've discontinued frame size 58 despite what the website says. Probably one of the best aluminium road bikes out there. Great groupset, and a great frame. If I was you I'd purchase this in an instant!

As for the low levels of stock, this is usually normal for August as cycling companies are clearing out old stock before reintroducing their new stock in September. I definitely think the Wiggans TDF success and the Olympic cycling has impacted the sales, nonetheless

Gabbo

Ringo 68 wrote:

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

For £1200 ?

Where, for this price?

Gladiator

Cant go wrong with Cubes, either get your hand on one now or wait for the 2013 range.

But let me tell you this, life is too short, you could wait and wait in the hope of buying the " right bike " but all the while youre simply wasting time. Dont waste anymore worrying about when to get it and dive in, whatever you get you'll love so do it and enjoy it and become a cyclist with a new set of wheels and enjoy the moment, because that feeling is better than sitting at home, trawling through mags and the net and never taking the plunge.

Gabbo

Gladiator wrote:

Cant go wrong with Cubes, either get your hand on one now or wait for the 2013 range.

But let me tell you this, life is too short, you could wait and wait in the hope of buying the " right bike " but all the while youre simply wasting time. Dont waste anymore worrying about when to get it and dive in, whatever you get you'll love so do it and enjoy it and become a cyclist with a new set of wheels and enjoy the moment, because that feeling is better than sitting at home, trawling through mags and the net and never taking the plunge.

That sounds like it should be a famous quote. Inspiring words, thanks!

glasgowbhoy

To the guy in Glasgow. Have a look around the other Glasgow shops.

Solid Rock in Torrance stock nice Ridley and Bianchi along with Merida that might interest you. Good guys too.

Billy Bislands at the Salt Market have Cannondale, Cervelo etc.

Alpine bikes for Trek etc

Most will sort you out with your CTW vouchers too

Ringo 68

Gabbo wrote:

Ringo 68 wrote:

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

For £1200 ?

Where, for this price?

Sorry, should have said £1255.
This is the standard price for the non pro version. Ask in cycle Surgery.

Gabbo

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/b ... opularity;

These are the only options available to me. The options are further narrowed as most of these bikes have discontinued size 58 frames. This is where my frustration is coming from. If I am to buy something in excess of £1000 it'll have to be financed as I don't currently have the funds to buy it outright. On finance I could push toward £1500 maximum. Does anyone know retailers other than Evans that offers you this option of financing a bike over 12 months?

Thank you all!

ads2k

Local shop to me showing quite a few in stock

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... gory=Bikes

Gabbo

Ringo 68 wrote:

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

Ringo,

How does the Cube frame sizing compare to other bikes. For example, would someone who could fit a 58 on a Specialized, be able to fit a 58 on a Cube? Or would they require a bigger/smaller frame for the cube? The only sizes they have left are 53, 56, 58, and 62. I am about 187cm but I'm more legs than torso.

That aside, could you justify spending £1400 on a Specialized Roubaix with a Shiamno Tiagra group-set?

Gabbo

ads2k wrote:

Local shop to me showing quite a few in stock

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... gory=Bikes

Surprisingly they are out of stock for the size frame I require. Typical...

If You are talking about the Cannondale then yes, they're in stock.. and don't do finance :-(

ads2k

Gabbo wrote:

ads2k wrote:

Local shop to me showing quite a few in stock

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/produc ... gory=Bikes

Surprisingly they are out of stock for the size frame I require. Typical...

If You are talking about the Cannondale then yes, they're in stock.. and don't do finance :-(

They might if you ring them , seems they drop the finance if it's in the sale but I'm sure they might be able to do something.

Ringo 68

Gabbo wrote:

Ringo 68 wrote:

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

Ringo,

How does the Cube frame sizing compare to other bikes. For example, would someone who could fit a 58 on a Specialized, be able to fit a 58 on a Cube? Or would they require a bigger/smaller frame for the cube? The only sizes they have left are 53, 56, 58, and 62. I am about 187cm but I'm more legs than torso.

That aside, could you justify spending £1400 on a Specialized Roubaix with a Shiamno Tiagra group-set?

Cubes come up a size smaller than most brands.

I am just under 5' 11" and ride a 58cm Cube, which would be miles too big in other brands.

As with any bike you are considering though, I would definately see one in the flesh before ordering/buying.

craprider

Ringo 68 wrote:

Gabbo wrote:

Ringo 68 wrote:

@Gabbo

I have the Cube Agree GTC pro and you will not be disappointed.

It has a great frame, mainly ultegra apart from the crank which is 105 and the brakes which are standard shimano. It is also fantastic value for money.

Also have a look for the non pro version which is all 105 for £1200.

Ringo,

How does the Cube frame sizing compare to other bikes. For example, would someone who could fit a 58 on a Specialized, be able to fit a 58 on a Cube? Or would they require a bigger/smaller frame for the cube? The only sizes they have left are 53, 56, 58, and 62. I am about 187cm but I'm more legs than torso.

That aside, could you justify spending £1400 on a Specialized Roubaix with a Shiamno Tiagra group-set?

Cubes come up a size smaller than most brands.

I am just under 5' 11" and ride a 58cm Cube, which would be miles too big in other brands.

As with any bike you are considering though, I would definitely see one in the flesh before ordering/buying.

seconded, i am about 187 cm too and i ride a 58 cube.

Gabbo

Ok, so my budget is up to £1500 if interest free finance is available and furthermore, accepted.


These are the bikes I'm taking into consideration:

BMC Streetracer SR01 - £1099
- Cheapest available and comes complete with a 105 groupset. Aesthetically poor and quite heavy (9kg).

Cannondale CAAD10 - £1200
- Really wanted this alloy framed bike but has been discontinued in many stores. Maybe a little expensive for alloy but has good feedback.

Specialized Tarmac 2012 - £1400
- The deciding factor here would be the frame. Equipped with Tiagras and for £1400 that's quite disappointing in my opinion.

Cube Agree GTC Pro - £1500
- Read some very good reviews about this bike. Good components and overall quite a light frame.

I think it's obvious what I am after here. A bike that is responsive, a bike that is light in weight, a bike that I can thrash around box hill. My absolute maximum budget is £1500 (last resort). If anyone can recommend another bike, please please please do!

Mickyg88

I can recommend the Scott cr1 in any of it's various models, the cr1 comp will fit your budget, try hargroves, it's sale time and should be available from various dealers, see if you can find one near you, it's a fabulous bike to ride, just look at some reviews and you will see. Not many recommend it in here, but ride it and you will buy it.

Gladiator

If you can afford the Cube then get it, however, having bought a Cube Agree myself at your size you will need a 58" as im 6ft 2 and the 58" is just right.

Crankbrother

For the dude wanting a Caad10 ... Have you considered a SuperSix? ... Around £1300 gets you a decent groupo and wheels but a frame likely worth the cost of the complete bike ... Unlike some of tne other options mentioned on here, it's not just a random VAR frame and stands as much upgrading as you can throw at it ...

It isn't the best alu frame money can buy tho' ...

Bikes, eh ... Who'd (try to) buy one?

Ringo 68

Gladiator wrote:

If you can afford the Cube then get it, however, having bought a Cube Agree myself at your size you will need a 58" as im 6ft 2 and the 58" is just right.

My mates is 6' 2" and the 58cm Cube was too small for him, he swamped it. He had to go 60cm.

I am near as damn it 5' 11" and I ride a 58cm Cube Agree which is virtually the exact same geometry as my medium Boardman (the effective top tube measurement is just 5mm longer on the Cube). I tried the 56cm but it was just too cramped.

I certainly wouldn't buy any Cube without trying the sizes out first

the playing mantis

gabbo, that bmc is an ugly mofo, especially in red/black, even though im considering it myself. having researched ive upped my budget to 1200, as have no wish to spend anymore as im not into joining a club or anything serious,

reading up on it i have come to similar conclusion to you, BMC streetracer or the cannondale caad10. problem i have is the streetracer 105 is only available in black and red from evans in my frame size (60) and pretty much no where else at 60 in silver. likewise the superior looking caad10 cant find it in 60/61 frame size anywhere.

the bmc can get the bmc in silver for the right frame size but only with tiagras. not sure if for my needs this would be such an issue, tiagras instead of 105's.

anyone have opinion on that?

just realised have an evans near my work at canary wharf so can drop in and have a look and try what im after (well not the caad10!)

anyone know when the 2013 models come out cos the distinct lack of availability of frame sizes for lanky people in at the mainstream sellers is annoying.

snoopsmydogg

Gabbo wrote:

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes/road-bikes#!!price_from=900;price_to=1200;on_sale=;sort=popularity;

These are the only options available to me. The options are further narrowed as most of these bikes have discontinued size 58 frames. This is where my frustration is coming from. If I am to buy something in excess of £1000 it'll have to be financed as I don't currently have the funds to buy it outright. On finance I could push toward £1500 maximum. Does anyone know retailers other than Evans that offers you this option of financing a bike over 12 months?

Thank you all!

58 frames still available according to website http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bikes- ... 12-p199751

105 for £999

Gabbo

Hi guys, just me again..

Buying a new bike is incredibly frustrating, that we are all aware of. Every bike I have wanted to purchase has been either unavailable or overpriced. If I was to purchase a bike up to around £800 then there would be little need to finance it. However, I am looking for something with better specification and preferably a carbon frame. I am happy to spend £1200 - £1500 on a bike that is equipped with Shimano 105. Anything less in my opinion is unacceptable. Maybe I'm not down to earth with the bike market but the prices on some brands (specialized for example) seem overpriced.

The Cannondale CAAD10 is available for financing but then you're required to pay the non-sale price. In Evans they have discontinued the 58cm, a size that I am after. The Trek Madone 3.1 is another bike I've looked into. Again, if I was to finance I'd have to pay the whole £1500. Who would want to do that? There is another website however that lets you finance bikes that are currently on sale - without the penalty of paying full price too. No surprises here though, they're out of stock on the 58cm frame.

Ideally I want to finance a bike. I am a student and am not earning big bucks. I am impatient and do not want to wait another month until I can purchase one outright. Yes, I may sound like a big kid throwing a tantrum but ideally I wanted one whole month of free cycling before I start my 2nd year at university. Also, purchasing a £1200 bike outright wouldn't do me any favour in the short term. If I can somehow get a bike on interest free finance for a sum similar to the ones I've been mentioning, then I'll be a happy man.

Oh, and preferably I am after something more responsive. A Roubaix or Synapse is not what I'm after..

snoopsmydogg

Gabbo did you check the link in the post above.

Westbrooks have CAAD10s with 105 for £999 and ultegra for £1350 both in size 58

Gabbo

snoopsmydogg wrote:

Gabbo did you check the link in the post above.

Westbrooks have CAAD10s with 105 for £999 and ultegra for £1350 both in size 58

I did, but they don't do finance. I'll probably have to wait until next month to purchase it outright. Summer is ending soon :x

richh

just a thought, as you're a student and therefore (I assume) have no significant regular income, are you going to be eligible for taking up a finance scheme anyway? I have no idea personally but it might be worth you asking before you get your heart set one something that you can't ultimately have.

Gabbo

richh wrote:

just a thought, as you're a student and therefore (I assume) have no significant regular income, are you going to be eligible for taking up a finance scheme anyway? I have no idea personally but it might be worth you asking before you get your heart set one something that you can't ultimately have.

Maybe I could ask one of my parents to set it up on their account, and I just give them the monthly payment. I possibly wouldn't be accepted, so I'm not getting my hopes up just yet. Maybe best bet is to wait until I've gathered the required money and purchase one outright at a store. Gives me a chance to really get a feel for these bikes.

I've already tried out the Tarmac. Was a £2200 but was testing more so the frame than anything else. Would you recommend the £1400 Tiagra? Or do you reckon it's bad value for money?

Gabbo

Update:

Still bikeless, somewhat frustrated, but becoming more patient by the day. I've realised that investing in a road bike, particularly if expensive, takes a lot of research and good quality research comes with patience. Obviously the low level of stock has contributed toward my delay in making a purchase but instead of buying blind, I've gone that extra mile to visit bike stores around London to try out their frames.

The first bike I tested was the BMC Streetracer SR01. The top tube was actually quite a few inches below my crotch but I didn't feel stretched or cramped by any means. The frame size was 57cm even though it appeared longer.

I have actually not test ridden any bikes other than the BMC. I've been fitted to the Specialized Tarmac in which I would have required the XL frame (58.6cm or something) and then I was fitted to the Cube Agree GTC, only this time requiring a size 60cm frame. Not particularly convinced by the salesman fitting methods however. I was required to raise the bike until it was pressed against my crotch. The salesman would estimate the distance between the bottom of the tyre and the surface. I have read mixed reviews about these bike fitting methods, many of which have argued that this particular method is irrelevant and should not determine what size frame one should get.

All that aside, on my radar is also the Wilier Izoard XP 105. It retails at £1500 but the frame is something that really appeals to me here. Whether I am compatible with this bike is another matter, but I like the looks of it. Also still debating on the Trek Madone 3.1. Again I have yet to see it in person, and am unsure whether a 58cm frame would be the correct fit for me.

Advice on fitting methods?

jimborugby

ive just ordered one of these. a great bike with great spec http://www.canyon.com/_uk/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2504

huuregeil

gabbo,

Can I offer some advice? Cut your budget a fair whack. Buy something that doesn't require finance and leaves you spare cash for other stuff (tyres, clothing, shoes, pedals, computer, etc.). The reality is that however hard you try to buy the "best" bike/frame, given it's your first bike, it won't be, because you're new to riding - you'll only work out what you want having ridden whatever you buy for a few thousand miles (and, note, that bike "reviews" are generally rubbish anyway!), then you can trade-up to something you actually know will really suit you. For example: fit, while you should try as much as possible to get a decent fit, and find a shop that will provide a good fitting service, the reality is that fit is tuned over time, and you may only work out what sizes/geometries work for you having played around a bit; frame characteristics, similarly, all this talk about "aggressive", "stiff", "comfortable" is nonsense, really, because it's highly individual and depends as much on your build and personally feeling as much as anything else. When you have your first bike, you then have a reference point to compare it to, so your next purchase can be framed in terms relative to your existing bike.

Also, regarding the finance point, you will crash/damage you bike/wheels/derailleur at some point, and having an expensive bike that you can't ride because you can't afford to fix it doesn't make you a better rider! I've been looking at some bikes for a mate who's keen to get into riding and there are some tremendous deals out there around the £600-800 mark. This is where i'd suggest you look.

Hope this helps, it shouldn't be a frustrating experience, best thing is to get out on the road as soon as possible, the weather is only going to get worse ;-)