New bike recommendations!

pedalbasher

Hi

One of my mates is looking at getting into road biking and has asked for my advice regarding a first road bike. He will be using it for "proper" rides (weekend trips, sportives etc, not commuting through the city centre or dashing down the tow path).

He has told me that he's looked at, and likes, the 2014 Specialized Allez Sport at £750 from his LBS. My personal view is that this does not represent a very good deal - he is paying for the name, the Allez is fairly heavy and comes with full Sora set-up. I feel that if he can stretch to a little bit more cash (still keeping things as close to £750 as possible), he could get a lot more kit for his money - particularly given that it's seasonal sale time. There are quite a few bikes out there with predominantly Tiagra or even 105 groupsets for under £1k.

I made the following suggestions, which he is considering. Would be really grateful for any thoughts on these or any other suitable - and good value - alternatives. Price is important but I don't want him to buy a dud that will end up costing more in the long run in terms of upgrades, repairs etc.

Thanks very much.

Suggestions I made:

1. Sensa Romagna Special (£755) - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... l-12-46600

2. Canyon Roadlite AL 6.0 (£849) - http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bik ... ab-reiter1

3. Felt Z95 (£649) - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... bike-46698

4. Boardman Team (£999) - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... m-12-46201

5. Scott Speedster 20 (£800) - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... 0-13-46904

diamonddog

Look at the Planet X Sab with Tiagra and carbon rear end at £600 and the Planet X Holdsworth range from £899 upwards with full carbon frames and various gearing options. They also offer int free credit.

arran77

For up to £1000 how about Planet X...

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT2/planet_x_pro_carbon_shimano_ultegra_triple_road_bike

Carbon with lots of ultegra

pedalbasher

Thanks, hadn't considered Planet X so will take a look.

Any thoughts on the Specialized? Am I right to be sceptical or is it tried and tested / good value?

arran77

pedalbasher wrote:

Thanks, hadn't considered Planet X so will take a look.

Any thoughts on the Specialized? Am I right to be sceptical or is it tried and tested / good value?

Specialized is a good make don't get me wrong (I still have my Allez as a wet weather bike) but I think there is better value for money out there, like the Planet X bikes or maybe Ribble where you can build up exactly what you wish.

simonhead

If your friend is seriously looking to get into road biking but is currently a novice he needs to go and try the bikes. It takes a bit of experience to order right on line and get the sizings bang on, even then he may not like it. Best thing he can do is go into a big decent lbs with a large range and try a number out, see what he likes best.

pedalbasher

Understood but it's helpful to have a shortlist of suitable bikes that are likely to offer good value. He can then try a handful.

Was particularly interested to hear thoughts on the list above. In particular the Allez Sport.