Focus or Planet x

Camcycle1974

So... My LBS has a Focus Cayo 1 in medium (my size I think although they don't do fitting). On sale for £1000. It has been test ridden quite a lot during the time they've had it so is not "new" as such but good value with SRAM Force and decent DT Swiss wheels. I have ridden it but only for a short test ride so hard to tell how comfortable it would be for a longer ride.

Or, Planet X RT 57 or Pro Carbon brand new which I can get fitted for but not test ride! Also seen that PX are about to release a Sportive version of the RT57 (RT58) which could be more my style as I intend to do some fastish training rides and sportives on it

See my dilemma? Any advice would be appreciated.

petemadoc

Both bikes are most likely very good. I'd prefer the Focus myself though, plus you get the benefit of having bought from a local shop. Focus are gaining a solid reputation and the Cayo is well regarded

Camcycle1974

Cheers Pete,

Hopefully it has not sold over the weekend as there was someone interested in it. Going to St Albans tomorrow to look at PX so hope to make a decision then. Something about the Focus not doing it for me or I would have bought it already. Cayo model now discontinued in favour of the Cayo Evo which probably doesn't matter really. Not sure I would but it at full price but at £1000 it is a bargain for the spec.

mroli

Mate - I think if you are spending £1000, it should be on something that you really want and that "does it for you". Otherwise you will always have half an eye open for something else and it'll cost you more in the long run....

ShutUpLegs

The Focus will be a very good bike, and spec looks very good for the money.

Camcycle1974

Good points raised here. The thing with the Focus is that it has been test ridden a lot in the 18 months or so it has been in the showroom which puts me off a bit although the LBS has said they will clean it up like new. Better spec and probably a better frame than the PX also at £1000. The RT-57 has the same drive train etc for £300 more and arguably a better frame too. Will have to see what its like tomorrow.

pkripper

If the focus comes with a full 'as new' warranty, then that would be my choice. Nice bikes.

Camcycle1974

Not sure on the warranty, would have to check with the shop. Geometry is quite racy and Focus have a rep for being a bit harsh to ride. Considering my riding needs is the Focus still a decent bet?

ShutUpLegs

It will be perfect for 'fastish training rides and sportives'

Camcycle1974

ShutUpLegs wrote:

It will be perfect for 'fastish training rides and sportives'

Thanks for the tip. Trying a PX-57 tomorrow so will make a decision after that.

lackofgrip

I'd go Planet X, I had a Cayo(s) and had defective rear dropouts so had to get a refund. Twice.

lackofgrip

mroli wrote:

Mate - I think if you are spending £1000, it should be on something that you really want and that "does it for you". Otherwise you will always have half an eye open for something else and it'll cost you more in the long run....

I'm always keeping a peeper open :roll:

silverpigeon

Not a fan of Focus myself. Found my Cayo to give a 'lifeless' sort of ride. Bought a decent Alu frame after that and have never looked back.

Carbon isn't the be all and end all.

lackofgrip

silverpigeon wrote:

Not a fan of Focus myself. Found my Cayo to give a 'lifeless' sort of ride. Bought a decent Alu frame after that and have never looked back.

Carbon isn't the be all and end all.

This is true, I had the Planet X Team Alu for many miles after my carbon mishaps. very nice bike. Ended up getting a CUBE througgh cycle to work scheme late last year

Camcycle1974

Guys, don't do this to me! Off to St Albans later to look at PX carbon. They have Giant/Cannondale Alu in my LBS, should I reconsider?

lackofgrip

Camcycle1974 wrote:

Guys, don't do this to me! Off to St Albans later to look at PX carbon. They have Giant/Cannondale Alu in my LBS, should I reconsider?

I must admit I love Cannondale's but find them highly priced (although quality bikes), if your after VFM & bang for your buck it has to be Planet X

Camcycle1974

Well. I never made it to St Albans! Went to a LBS I had never been to and after 2.5 hours of talking to the owner and trying out bikes finally bought a Giant Defy 0 for £100 off list price. Picking it up tomorrow. Perhaps I missed a trick by not going to see PX but honestly I tried a few carbon Giants and I preferred the feel of the alloy Defy. Felt more solid and dependable than the carbon.

Thanks for all the advice given, shame I didn't take any of it!

lackofgrip

Camcycle1974 wrote:

Well. I never made it to St Albans! Went to a LBS I had never been to and after 2.5 hours of talking to the owner and trying out bikes finally bought a Giant Defy 0 for £100 off list price. Picking it up tomorrow. Perhaps I missed a trick by not going to see PX but honestly I tried a few carbon Giants and I preferred the feel of the alloy Defy. Felt more solid and dependable than the carbon.

Thanks for all the advice given, shame I didn't take any of it!

I'd advise never going to PlanetX now, as you'll probably kick yourself.

Camcycle1974

Maybe but I am happy with my decision. I know giant are not a fashionable or cool brand but they make bloody good bikes and that is the most important thing. I would not have got to actually ride the PX. Only look at it and maybe sit on it. The key thing is in how it rides and comfort and the defy ticked all the boxes. Already spent a lot of time looking at bikes, a decision had to be made.
I also don't see cheap carbon as being an upgrade from good ALU. The pt57 is a good frame but I was worried that the geo might be too racy. The pro carbon is a bit old hat now. Good bike but new cosmetics on a 5 year old frame.
Got a top spec ALU frame with ultegra for £1100 so happy with that. New model for 2013 too.

lackofgrip

It's your money, enjoy the new wheels :-D

Camcycle1974

Thanks, will do. Let you know when I trade up to PX carbon!

dav1

Shame you couldn't test the PX.

I really wanted to test a PX but unfortunately bike science stopped holding PX bikes for test rides. The thing that pushed me off was that the RT57 has a shortish top tube whereas I wanted something longer as I was after a full-on race bike.

Thing I find is that PX are exceptional value, but buying a sale/ex demo bike means that mainstream brands become competitive again. I think my ex display Giant TCR was an absolute bargain and I am very very happy with it. The shops should offer full warranty and servicing as they would any other bike. I was assured that my bike would have its life-time frame warranty in tact and the same warranty on all other parts. I also have my free 6 week service. I would always ask before buying though.

I agree Giants aren't a sexy brand at the moment, I quite like that though as its nice to be the only one riding a Giant in a group. They do make amazing bikes though. When I was shopping I tried a Spesh tarmac and a Trek Mardone 3.5, both were good but the Giant was something special. I had a feeling in mind when I was testing bikes, something thats hard to describe. The Ginat was the only bike to deliver it and then some.

Best advice now is ride your new bike. If you feel like a kid at Disney Land when you ride it then you made the right choice!

Camcycle1974

Good points Dav. Try before you buy is a must with bikes, just as it is with cars. Not too bothered whether the bike is cool or under the radar, just want it to perform. Could have had a TCR advanced for £1400 but it didn't feel as comfortable to me and I would be terrified of cracking it knowing how heavy handed I can be. Don't think people think of practicality when buying a bike. The only weakness with Ribble/P.X is you cannot ride the bikes before you buy which is the advantage of buying from a good LBS (especially if you still get a discount!)

thesledge

Enjoy the bike - buying from your LBS is always a plus.
I'm lucky in that Planet X in Rotherham is just 15 miles from home: what a great LBS!
Customer service is excellent, had my Superlight Pro SL Carbon serviced in the autumn and they couldn't have been more helpful.
Plus the bikes are awesome - if you ever get the chance to visit, go carefully: there are so many bargains in the shop it's hard not to come away with a host of goodies!

Camcycle1974

Lol, good job I don't live too near. I was so close to pulling the trigger on one but wanted to see it first. Just never made it to the shop in St Albans! Picked up my Giant this afternoon. Went for the Defy 0 which you don't see many of and i didn't want a white bike. Not dissing PX in any way in this thread, great value which is important these days. Very happy with my choice though.

dwanes

Good choice, the defy 0 and Tcr 0 are great value.

Camcycle1974

Cheers, I upgraded from the defy 1 mainly for cosmetic reasons but the ultegra bits are a nice addition. Rode it tonight and it feels much faster than my old bike and more comfortable.