Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!

squeezedmiddle

Hi I'm new to the forum (although have been reading for a while) and still relatively new to cycling.

I took up cycling after a 20 year gap around 18months ago and absolutely love it. I started off on MTB through the cycle to work scheme but am now ready for my first ever road bike.

I was keen on Carbon and opted for a 2012 Cube Agree GTC but had to shelve my plans temporarily due to more pressing financial matters.

I'm now ready to buy again but will be restricted by the £1000 Cycle scheme limit.

I had decided to purchase a Specialized Allez Sport and use the left over money to get kitted out with shoes, pedals etc.

However, I've since spotted a Giant TCR 3 composite for just under the £1000 limit and the prospect of carbon (although also a lack of immediate budget for shoes etc) has thrown my decision into confusion.

I'll be using the bike socially, for sportives, charity rides etc and maybe the odd Triathlon. What should I do?????

snoopsmydogg

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pu/road-t ... dition/1rc

just to add a little more confusion

the sportive bianco seems to get good feedback for what you are looking for but you would have to buy your own kit on top.

elderone

I.d get giant and get other kit second hand or aldi for example.If you dont get what you set your heart on you will always be thinking about it and that can spoil your fun imho.

squeezedmiddle

snoopsmydogg wrote:

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pu/road-track-bike/ribble-carbon-road-bikes/specialedition/1rc

just to add a little more confusion

the sportive bianco seems to get good feedback for what you are looking for but you would have to buy your own kit on top.

I looked at the Ribble but they're not available through our scheme, so that does at least eliminate further choice from the equation!

Thanks.

Is Aldi good for cycling gear then????

dwanes

Get the Giant, terrific value, terrific frame, looks fantastic and few doubts about their quality or service.

ShutUpLegs

If finances are an issue, buy the cheapest bike to get you started. You may not even like it.

dwanes

Shutuplegs is wrong, do not buy a cheaper bike to get you started.
That would be a waste of money, as before you know it you will be wanting a decent bike like the giant.
Anyone i know who has started cycling loves it, and too many make the mistake of needing to upgrade after 6 month due to their progress.
Get what you can afford.

ShutUpLegs

dwanes wrote:

Get what you can afford.

He has no money FFS Sake

dwanes

I thought the OP could spend 1000 on the cycle scheme?

p1tse

Is giant value for money
When I looked it was a bit more and not the best components, but nice bikes

Got to say treks are nice bikes too

But I'm biased and say go for the cube

dwanes

It is the 2012 model that is below 1000, which is discounted.
Not sure if this could be bought on the cycle scheme though.

p1tse

dwanes wrote:

It is the 2012 model that is below 1000, which is discounted.
Not sure if this could be bought on the cycle scheme though.

2012 cube agree gtc for under £1k, grab it whilst you can

But I read on some sites cycle scheme is on full price bikes only, so will be dependant on bike shop I guess but worth trying.

As above get the best bike you can or feel best bike you can get and build up the other stuff slowly

squeezedmiddle

Thanks folks. I was set on the 2012 Cube but couldn't find one in correct size. Didn't fancy the idea of shelling out another £150 on a 2013 with downgraded spec so decided to shop around.

Spending full whack on the scheme so need to decide between 2012 Giant TCR 3 or the 2013 Allez Sport + a decent set of shoes, pedals etc.

Useful advice so far but still none the wiser!

migrantwing

elderone wrote:

I.d get giant and get other kit second hand or aldi for example.If you dont get what you set your heart on you will always be thinking about it and that can spoil your fun imho.

+1

dwanes wrote:

Get the Giant, terrific value, terrific frame, looks fantastic and few doubts about their quality or service.

+1

When I bought my new road bike last year, I opted for the 2011 model. It looked visually better than the 2012 model and had the same components with a near £400 saving. I didn't have much money, either (I still haven't) but spent out on a good Giro helmet (Savant) and Shimano shoes (R087). All this for under a grand. All my clothes were bought from LIDL, ALDI and Decathlon, at the cost of around £150-200 max. It can be done if you're not a snob

cougie

Anything over about £500 will be decent. If you like cycling then that will do you and you can turn it into next years winter bike whilst you plan and save for your best bike.
Plenty of people don't take to it. And most people can't tell which bike they're on without looking at the name.

velohutts

Get the best bike that you like the most.
If you can get some accessories with it ideal, if not get enough to get you started and then leave some massive hints for each birthday and christmas along with the odd treat to self.
Should you need to be kitted out head to toe in rapha/assos allow a couple of years !!
You may also find yourself regularly trawling alot of cycling stores for 'bargains' that you really need and depending on your circ's may well be delivered to a different home address and gradually filtered through the shed/garage!!

Enjoy the bike, at 1000 they are all good bikes and will do you proud.

squeezedmiddle

Thanks for the sage advice. There's no danger of me 'not taking to it' as I'm already a regular cyclist and even completed my first sportive on my MTB last year.

Edging slowly towards the giant at the moment so off for a test ride later.