Hybrid to Road

Cryki

I am doing the cycle2work scheme with my employer TFL (London Underground). Last year i purchased a Boardman Comp Hybrid bike which i used for leisure on the road, i noticed that hybrids are ok but i had a go on my cousins bike (Specialized Allez Elite 2008) and it made me want to opt for a road bike.

My question is TFL only allow me to buy a bike from either cyclesUK (cyclesuk.com) or Halfords (Halfords.com). My budget is £1000 max so i was looking at the new Specialized Allez Elite 2013 which i can't find any decent reviews due to how new it is i suppose and the Boardman Team which has very good reviews.

Can someone help me on which one to buy or are there better bikes available on them websites?

I don't have alot of experience on the road but i have done about 200 miles in the last year on my hybird. I just feel i can do alot more on a road bike, also they look the part.

Allez Elite £900

Boardman Team £999

passout

Both good bikes. I think the Boardman represents good value but I'd also look around at Planet X, Ribble Cycles and your local bike shop. Merlin Cycles do some cracking bikes under your budget - look at Sensa.

Think if you want a bike that takes full mudguards and a rack.

Cryki

I just want a road bike with no mudgaurds or rack. I will be using it for racing. I can only buy from cyclesuk or halfords. Is the specialized allez elite a good bike?

KonkyWonky

It's not bad, the Boardman is the better kitted bike though.

Cryki

KonkyWonky wrote:

It's not bad, the Boardman is the better kitted bike though.

Which model and needs to be £1000 or under.

Are specialized not very good then?

KonkyWonky

They make good bikes but they are not always the best value for money. You get more bang for your buck with some other manufacturers, but some people are happy to pay more for a Specialized.

There are better spec bikes available IMO at your budget on CyclesUK than the Specialized Allez Elite.

Personally I would probably go for the Wilier Triestina 105 @ £959.95.

Cryki

Thanks for looking Konky, i shall take a look at the Wilier Triestina now.

blackhands

What sort of racing are you thinking of doing? This may influence your choice of bikes. Also, do you intend to use your current bike for commuting or the new road bike?

The Wilier looks OK, but it doesn't have very good wheels - but anyway for racing you will probably be looking at different wheels and tyres, and use the Wilier wheels for training.

Cryki

I mainly go out on weekend rides and some weekday rides during the week, my boardman comp i was using but as you know a proper road bike feels much better than i hybrid, thats my opinion anyway. I checked out that Wilier over the weekend and i yes thats my type of bike, the colourway is perfect, it has better spec as well in terms of the set, its really nice in the flesh as well.

The wheels im not to fussed as i am only starting out on the road racing scene, they can come at another time when i have the funds, i just like a bike that is an all rounder for my budget. At this moment in time i mainly go out for bike rides than road racing.

The Wilier is what i am looking for.

Cryki

Thanks for your help, I ended up getting a cube Peleton Race 2014 with 105 spec, took for a 24 mile ride this morning, it's a fantastic bike.