Crit bike options

timegan2002

I have heard people say/write: "it is a great crit bike" but not sure what this means? Not carbon? Aggressive/stiff?

I am looking for new road bike which I will use for crit/circuit racing but also as my best summer bike for dry training rides and odd sportive. Budget £1200 Max.

Best options I've thought are planet x rt57 ultegra (£1119.99) and Cube agree gtc pro (£979.99 in sale at CRC)

Any thoughts?

ugo.santalucia

In crit racing, normally you have to negotiate lots of bends, which means you want excellent handling, sharp braking when needed and possibly light weight for acceleration... I suggest to steer clear of deep section wheels, which don't handle very well and don't brake that reliably in all conditions.
A sportive frame tends to be a bit more slack and relaxed than a full on race frame... but it allows you to stay on the saddle for many hours

sloppyschleckonds

Not sure how many crits you've raced, but unless you're sponsored something cheap to replace if you crash or get taken out.
A lightweight aluminium frame with lightweight components.

Monty Dog

Basically you want something with relatively steep frame angles, quite stiff to get the power down and won't break your heart when you throw it down the road. Don't get precious about your bike - it's a tool to do a job, not an ornament otherwise, don't race. Weight is less important than stiffness and durability - you don't want a noodley fork and so-so brakes when you're chucking it into corners at full belt. Likewise, you want quite stiff wheels, not something that hops sideways when you corner hard.

timegan2002

Thanks all. Not sure it narrows down my options but can see why aluminium makes sense. Cannondale and Rose seem to have good options. Although planet x is still in my thinking as offers 50% off frame replacement for crash damage within 2years so would cost c£250 to replace if do wreck it. Have done ten races and not crashed properly yet so due to!

Will keep saving and keep my options open.

Thanks

anonmouse

Stiff, light, cheap
http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/ ... sl-10.html

alihisgreat

If only cervelo still made the S1...

Might be worth checking out Felt's new alu aero bike the AR15 (http://www.feltbicycles.com/International/2014/Bikes/Road/AR-Series/ar15.aspx) - although its 9.2kg! (and slightly over budget but I presume there will be January sales?!)

The Scott Speedster claims to have similar aero features to the Foil, and reviews quite well (http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-scott-speedster-20-13-46904/)

and this looks to be a steal at this price: http://www.rutlandcycling.com/108684/products/giant-tcr-sl-1-2013-road-bike.aspx?origin=pla?kwd=&gclid=CNSE1IeTyrsCFWmWtAod_H8AoQ

timegan2002

Brilliant suggestions. The giant & Scott are stocked at two lbs near to me so will check them out. That Giant does look a bargain!

Cheers

Calpol

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=12938402&hilit=merida

I always liked what this poster had done on a small budget. For me it looked great but you wouldnt be haeratbroken or penniless if you stacked it in a crit.

timegan2002

That build looks really good. Please no more recommendations.

Now have just Merida, Rose, Giant, Scott, Planet X (if I do risk carbon), Ribble and Cannondale on shortlist!

How Far is too Far

If any of these are the right size they would be great for racing

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/108684/pr ... -bike.aspx

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/103262/pr ... -bike.aspx

unixnerd

I've often heard the Cannondale CAAD9 and 10 referred to as good crit bikes, a used one with some light wheels might be your cheapest move.

explosifpete

just to add my 10 cents worth I would recommend the merida (as its what I have and super cheap) caad 10, canyon ultimate AL, Kinesis Aithein and the de rosa milano.
or me having a full carbon, tapered fork affects the handling more than the frame its connected to.

I would avoid the planet X and Cube as everytime one comes in to the workshop (i'm a bike mechanic) i'm surprised by how heavy the cube is and how cheap quality they both are