New bike dilemma

Joeblack

Right,

So iv decided to bite the bullet and get a sportier bike to add to the stable,

Choices are -

Wilier Izoard Xp ultegra 2013
Focus Izalco pro 2 compact SRAM red 2012

The Focus is gonna cost me £400 more than the Wilier but has things like a better saddle, carbon stem and seatpost.

Just thoughts on both really?

Iv used ultegra and been really pleased with it however I don't think I'll struggle with SRAM double tap

Thanks in advance.

Joeblack

Forgot to say both of these are in my size at my lbs that's why they are the two options ATM

Frank the tank

Not familiar with any of the bikes but I'd be inclined to go for the Wilier if for no other reason it's Shimano equiped and I like Shimano. I may be wrong but I feel Wilier IMO has more kudos.

As I say I'm not familiar with the two someone else better informed may post later.

Joeblack

Frank the tank wrote:

Not familiar with any of the bikes but I'd be inclined to go for the Wilier if for no other reason it's Shimano equiped and I like Shimano. I may be wrong but I feel Wilier IMO has more kudos.

As I say I'm not familiar with the two someone else better informed may post later.

Ok cheers, I'm wondering if the extra is worth it on the focus, it's difficult as comparing SRAM to shimano

Joeblack

C'mon guys where's all the input

Hanners

Focus but i havent ridden the Willier

Joeblack

Hanners wrote:

Focus but i havent ridden the Willier

Have you had the focus?

What do you think to SRAM? Iv heard all kinds of horror stories :roll:

Bozman

I've got an Izalco but with shimano and you can't fault them for the price, that's probably why it got bike of the year. With the Focus you'll get more bang for your buck and roughly the same frame the pro's use, with the Willer you'll get a name.

If i had to pick a fault with the Focus it's the finish of the paint, it's a thin coat, chips fairly easy and if it's the matt finish it's a bugger to clean, but i'm being picky.

Joeblack

Bozman wrote:

I've got an Izalco but with shimano and you can't fault them for the price, that's probably why it got bike of the year. With the Focus you'll get more bang for your buck and roughly the same frame the pro's use, with the Willer you'll get a name.

If i had to pick a fault with the Focus it's the finish of the paint, it's a thin coat, chips fairly easy and if it's the matt finish it's a bugger to clean, but i'm being picky.

Ok thanks for that, very similar to what the salesman said, it's the gloss blue and white version

Bozman

Joeblack wrote:

Bozman wrote:

I've got an Izalco but with shimano and you can't fault them for the price, that's probably why it got bike of the year. With the Focus you'll get more bang for your buck and roughly the same frame the pro's use, with the Willer you'll get a name.

If i had to pick a fault with the Focus it's the finish of the paint, it's a thin coat, chips fairly easy and if it's the matt finish it's a bugger to clean, but i'm being picky.

Ok thanks for that, very similar to what the salesman said, it's the gloss blue and white version

I saw the blue and white izalco with sram red in leisure lakes last week, looks good.
If you look after the bike the paint will be fine, I use the bike as a second so it does get some hammer swapping wheels etc for wet weather plus it gets used on my turbo, the chain dropped and chipped the frame too so it might be worth investing in a catcher(that was a first).

I bought the frame from a mate and built the bike up as a second bike, don't want to sound like a cock buying a brand new one as a second bike.

ShutUpLegs

Something TiTanium to go with your ENVE stuff

Joeblack

Leisure lakes!! That's where I'm getting it from!!! Your not in Nottingham by any chance are you??!

It's hard work this, harder than actually riding the thing!!!

gjcknocker

Hi,
My preference would be the Wilier.....had the Izoard Centaur but stupidly sold it . I have a BMC with Sram Red which is my second bike with Sram Red and have to say I'm disappointed due to it going out of trim often ( too often ) resulting in a further 95 mile round trip to have it sorted. Have not tried the Focus so can only comment on the Sram

ugo.santalucia

Jesus,

you are singlehandedly sustaining the cycling retail business...

Joeblack

ugo.santalucia wrote:

Jesus,

you are singlehandedly sustaining the cycling retail business...

Haha someone needs to

I just need a second bike now and want something a bit sportier,

What's your opinion on the two ugo??

gjcknocker

Ugo,
I actually had three carbon bikes but had to sell at least one according to my wife, unfortunately the Willier sold instead of Trek

siamon

Reading the reviews of the Focus makes it sound like buying one is a no brainer, but please make sure you ride one first. You might get a shock.

Joeblack

siamon wrote:

Reading the reviews of the Focus makes it sound like buying one is a no brainer, but please make sure you ride one first. You might get a shock.

Yes Iv thought the same regarding the reviews, the lower model got bike of the year!!!

What do you mean a shock?? The geometry? Or group set?? Please explain.

siamon

A fair question, I realise certain bikes suit certain riders but I didn't rate the Focus at all. The apparent lack of lateral and BB stiffness and the amount of movement in the frame was unbelievable.

But owners love them and one won BOTY?

I think Focus are cheap bikes masquerading as expensive bikes masquerading as cheap bikes. Personally I would go for an honest cheap bike like a Supersix or FP Uno.

ugo.santalucia

My opinion?
I haven't had a carbon bike since 2007... I have moved to steel for all my bikes (only 2 at the moment)

Get the one without press fit bearings if you can

Joeblack

siamon wrote:

A fair question, I realise certain bikes suit certain riders but I didn't rate the Focus at all. The apparent lack of lateral and BB stiffness and the amount of movement in the frame was unbelievable.

But owners love them and one won BOTY?

I think Focus are cheap bikes masquerading as expensive bikes masquerading as cheap bikes. Personally I would go for an honest cheap bike like a Supersix or FP Uno.

I really like the supersix the geometry is exactly what I'm after and the bikes feel great to ride, however for the same money I'm getting 105 Group and to go up to ultegra is going to cost me another £300 on top of the Focus which means a full £700 more than the wilier!!!

I just don't think I can do that!

Joeblack

Well after a really stressful day and another test ride iv completely changed my mind and I'm going to order a ultegra supersix tomorrow!!

I just loved the 2012 105 one I rode tonight and I'm in love it's going to mean waiting till November and somehow wangling more money but I'm sure it's going to be worth it!!!

siamon

Good decision. The Supersix is in a different league.

Joeblack

siamon wrote:

Good decision. The Supersix is in a different league.

I know, tbh it's the bike iv wanted from the start, it means I'm going to have to put some MORE money towards the dale but I'm sure it's the right decision :oops:

Bozman

siamon wrote:

A fair question, I realise certain bikes suit certain riders but I didn't rate the Focus at all. The apparent lack of lateral and BB stiffness and the amount of movement in the frame was unbelievable.

But owners love them and one won BOTY?

I think Focus are cheap bikes masquerading as expensive bikes masquerading as cheap bikes. Personally I would go for an honest cheap bike like a Supersix or FP Uno.

I've got a Look 585 ultra frame which is stiff as **** and there's nothing between the Izalco and that for stiffness, the BB30 is as solid as you can get, the finish isn't brilliant but the frame is great, personally i found it miles better than the Madone and Bianchi that i've had over recent years. Bargain.