New Road Bike - 1k

danielblackmore
danielblackmore Posts: 10
edited August 2014 in Road buying advice
Hi,

I am looking to purchase a new Road Bike. The main use for this would be to use to commute on which is approx 5miles each way.

Additionally, I would be using this as a means of exercise as I cannot run at the moment because of an impact injury so would regularly (3/4 times per week) be going on 20-30 mile rides with the occasion longer ride at the weekend.

I have a budget of approx 1k but will go a bit higher for the right bike.

I've heard seen a lot of debate with a high end Ally from vs a low end carbon frame and honestly have no idea what would be best. I would be going up and down a few hills so ideally needs to be a light bike and also be a relatively smooth rider as some of the roads are a bit negated to say the least

I have been told to look at the Ribble Gran Fondo with a 105 Groupset on and to change the wheels and tyres when I can which I like the look off and seems to get good reviews. Can anyone suggest any other bikes that would suit my budget & budget?

Thanks in advanced

Comments

  • Tjgoodhew
    Tjgoodhew Posts: 628
    If its high end alloy then a Caad8 with 105 should be achievable. Possibly a Caad10 in the end of season sales. If you then throw a set of Zonda wheels currently on sale at Wiggle for about £230 you will have a bike more than capable of the riding you are talking about

    I really dont notice a huge difference between that and my full carbon bike and i would personally go for top end alu instead of low end carbon
    Cannondale Caad8
    Canyon Aeroad 8.0

    http://www.strava.com/athletes/goodhewt
  • arran77
    arran77 Posts: 9,260
    There's an article on here at the moment reviewing £1k bikes, possibly worth a read.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/
    "Arran, you are like the Tony Benn of smut. You have never diluted your depravity and always stand by your beliefs. You have my respect sir and your wife my pity" :lol:

    seanoconn
  • danielblackmore
    danielblackmore Posts: 10
    arran77 wrote:
    There's an article on here at the moment reviewing £1k bikes, possibly worth a read.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/
    Thanks for the suggestions guys.

    The Boardman Team Carbon looks like it could be a winner, specially with a 10% discount :)

    Any thoughts on the Boardman?
  • holiver
    holiver Posts: 729
    Are you wanting a fast road bike or something a bit more flexible that can take full guards for example?
    2013 Kinesis Racelight T2
  • danielblackmore
    danielblackmore Posts: 10
    holiver wrote:
    Are you wanting a fast road bike or something a bit more flexible that can take full guards for example?

    Well I would like the option to have a fast bike but wouldn't want to compromising on the comfort. More than likely I wont be doing racing on it, more like long rides or triathlons (not competitively) etc
  • arran77
    arran77 Posts: 9,260
    danielblackmore wrote:
    arran77 wrote:
    There's an article on here at the moment reviewing £1k bikes, possibly worth a read.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/
    Thanks for the suggestions guys.

    The Boardman Team Carbon looks like it could be a winner, specially with a 10% discount :)

    Any thoughts on the Boardman?

    The Boardman is a decent bike but out of that lot I'd go for the Rose Pro SL2000, it's lighter with a better group set.
    "Arran, you are like the Tony Benn of smut. You have never diluted your depravity and always stand by your beliefs. You have my respect sir and your wife my pity" :lol:

    seanoconn
  • holiver
    holiver Posts: 729
    There are so many bikes out there! The Dolan for £1k with Rival 22 looks great value. If you wanna save a bit of money or have some free cash for upgrades, an aluminium Giant Defy 1 or Felt F75 can be had for ~£700.
    2013 Kinesis Racelight T2
  • danielblackmore
    danielblackmore Posts: 10
    Is it not better to buy the best frame I can buy - regardless of the groupsets and upgrade when I can? Rather than buying a bike just because it has better groupsets? With Xmas coming up and my birthday upgrading wouldnt be an issue in the short future
  • holiver
    holiver Posts: 729
    Finding the balance is always tough in that regard. For £1k you are going to be compromising in some way.

    That being said, the Dolan I mentioned looks like great value in terms of a carbon frame, full 22 speed groupset and brand name finishing kit and wheels.

    http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bi ... al-22.html

    The fit of a bike is the most important thing so it is worth slinging your legs over as many as you can. Getting the most comfortable and efficient position is more effective than any component.
    2013 Kinesis Racelight T2
  • danielblackmore
    danielblackmore Posts: 10
    holiver wrote:
    Finding the balance is always tough in that regard. For £1k you are going to be compromising in some way.

    That being said, the Dolan I mentioned looks like great value in terms of a carbon frame, full 22 speed groupset and brand name finishing kit and wheels.

    http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bi ... al-22.html

    The fit of a bike is the most important thing so it is worth slinging your legs over as many as you can. Getting the most comfortable and efficient position is more effective than any component.

    I definitely like the look of the Dolan as well as the spec of components. My only concern is that I cannot find any reviews on it really apart from on their site. I'll do a little digging around today to see if I can see anything around

    Thanks for the suggestions

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