Need a 'winter'/'second' bike. Advice please.

TobyS1

My best bike is a Kuota race machine, however having had my Felt F95 stolen last year, I have begun to realise that I do need a new bike to ride when the weather isn't so good...

I am a strong rider, averaging 18-20mph for 3-4 hours comfortably, so I need something that will be lightweight but still good value. I have a very strict budget of £550.

My current thoughts are:

Felt F85 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-tiagra ... exclusive/ or http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2013_Bike

Felt F95 - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2013_Bike

Ridgeback Cerium - http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... _2012_Bike

The two felts look good value and (relatively) racey for the money paid, plus they seem easy to upgrade.
The ridgeback is a slightly more adventurous option, I prefer disc brakes and mud guards are always an added option, though it is more of a touring machine than a true road bike, I am just VERY WORRIED about its weight, as I can't find any figures for how much it actually weighs...

Any input would be greatly appreciated, whether it be the suggestion of a different bike or a comment into my current thinking.

Thanks very much.

gabriel959

From those 3 I would go for the Felt F85 Exclusive to Wiggle as it has the better alumminium (6061 vs 7005) and it is a decent weight (around 9kg possibly less).

DiscoBoy

Bang on budget:
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road- ... BRW&bike=1

How Far is too Far

I would look at second hand with that budget, plenty nice bikes can be had for your budget if you take your time and wait.

Rich...

mattrixdesign2

If weight is a major concern I would avoid discs, they add weight (to the frame, the actual units vs calipers and the wheels), and the other components will be of a lower spec and also weighty - Shimano 2300!

Still, this is a nice disc option IMO...

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-substan ... basic-kit/

...it weighs around 25lb.

Personally my second winter/commuter/light off roader/tourer - is a 2nd hand 2009 Specialized Tricross. Bought in an almost immaculate cond. with new 105 fitted (all round) for £300, lucky buy. A versatile bike, that can easily handle road but take on rough stuff too. Takes guards etc with out an issue. It has Cantis (I would prefer disc), I don't know how much it weighs, the origninal wheels were heavy, put cheaply swapped out for RS11s at £80/pr.

TobyS1

Thanks all for the help, have managed to aquire the F85 and a carbon frame (which i plan to build) for £560.