comfortable road bike for £1200?

sirlylos

I know, I know, it's probably been asked million times but I'm looking for some help with a new bike.

I currently have a 2009 Giant Defy 3 which I've been riding for 3 years and it was my first introduction to road cycling. I've been riding frequently ever since and it's now time for an upgrade. However, I could do with some help with finding the right bike for me. Some info below:

-I am 16 stone (getting lighter)
-I get back pain after approximately 20 miles, probably due to being overweight but could be because the bike isn't right for me.
-I have a budget of £1200
-I currently have a triple cassette and here compact cassettes make it harder to climb

I like the look of the Felt F5 and some of the bikes online but I read everywhere that I should try before I buy in case it isn't for me. However, I wonder how I can do this when all the LBS's only stock Specialized or Giant?

I'd really like some help from you guys on what options you think I should look at.

Thanks,

SL

BigLights

Highly recommend you take a look at the Ribble Gran Fondo or Ribble Sportive. I have a Gran Fondo and it's supremely comfortable. The Specialized Roubaix is similarly relaxed geometry but very much more pricey for similar kit I think. I had the same issue. Also make sure you get a professional bike fit...this will revolutionise your experience. I can happily sit on my Ribble all day in total comfort.

the_fuggler

On paper, the Defy should be good for you. Might it be worth having a bike fit first and then working out whether the Defy can be altered to fit better. My immediate though when I was the thread was 'Defy 0', so the investment in a bike fit, might save you quite a bit of cash.

sirlylos

Guys thanks so much for the reply's.

BigLights wrote:

Highly recommend you take a look at the Ribble Gran Fondo or Ribble Sportive.

I'll check out the Ribble's, I'm on their site now and there's some beautiful bikes on there. They look a bit like a Merlin cycles to me i.e. make their own bikes?

The Fuggler wrote:

On paper, the Defy should be good for you.

I was hoping for an upgrade as my company has just signed up to the bikescheme so was hoping to go Carbon with some better components.

arlowood

You're not forced to have a compact if you would prefer to stick with a triple.

For your budget (well £50 more) you could have a Cube Agree GTC Triple

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/9364 ... -bike-2013

Well regarded and available from quite a few suppliers so you should be able to find an outlet reasonalbly close to home for a test ride.

the_fuggler

At the risk of flogging a dead horse, Defy Composite if you want carbon? Felt and Ribble do some great stuff, but you're the first person I've heard of who has trouble with a Defy in terms of fit and back ache, so I'd be worried that you'll have the same problem with any bike unless you get someone to take a look at you on the Defy first.

sirlylos

arlowood wrote:

You're not forced to have a compact if you would prefer to stick with a triple.

It has probably been discussed at length but why do people choose to go with a compact over a triple? doesn't it just make climbing that bit harder?

meesterbond

Better chainline, lower Q, lighter weight and to be honest, on a lightweight road bike you can get up almost anything with a 34/27 combination.
For a fully-laden touring bike, a 30 tooth granny ring may well be useful, but on a road bike it's not really necessary.

Btw - back ache is probably a symptom of poor fit. I'd get a decent bike fit done first and let them tell you what the problem is.

sirlylos

Guys, big thanks for your responses.

I'm going to get a good bike fit, I totally agree that is the best way forward.

I'll look at getting that in and then follow up with a new bike. Cheers!