Astra v Golf????

apc1

Hi No not wrong forum.....

I'm about to press button on Planet X Pro Carbon on Cycletowork scheme but something niggling me....

I've owned two Specialized bikes and have a really good relationship with Specialized store 10 mins walk from my house. They have given really good discounts on my last two mountain bikes and done some repairs FOC (especially a long saga with a bent thru axle which was a real headache. They spent hours resolving it ..eventually successfully but didn't charge me for all the labour- just 1hr instead of 6hr ). Also they always price match on other stull two. Really nice guys I have gotten to know over the last 6 years. I could got a Allez Race or Tarmac in the sales for a similar price to the Planet X.

Before you all shout 'don't pay for the badge get the PX'................

Once I had a VW Golf and replaced it with a higher spec Astra. Try as I could to justify it deep down I soon wished I'd got another Golf even though it was lower spec.

I might be a snob but like the Specialized shop, and just think the bikes (frames) are a bit more refined. Will I regret the Planet X in a few months time even though the spec is fantastic?
I do like my LBS even though they are a big brand and we have a good relationship.

Any thoughts...............

danlikesbikes

You've answered your own question, you regretted your car purchase and did the whole "the grass is greener" thing.

Both bikes will be good but if your always going to to think yourself and feel the need to ask questions on BR that suggest your thinking the other option is better then just go with your heart and your first option.

dombhoy

If i was buying a bike for around the same price of the pro carbon than i would also be having a look at the dolan l'etape with sram rival. The pro carbons frame is quite old now and whilst that doesnt make it any worse the dolan frame is newer and judging by the price of just the framesets it suggests the dolans frame is also better quality. Out of the bikes you shortlisted i would personally go for the allez race - it gets great reviews and is probably a better package than a tarmac for a similar price.

diamonddog

I have a PX Pro Carbon and a Canyon SL 9.0 SL, the Canyon was well over twice the price of the the PX, higher up the range gearing, wheels etc. I love riding both of them and they both ride very well, the Canyon is the better ride for comfort and so it should be but the PX will always be a bit special for many reasons.

In the end only you can decide, get the one you like best.

mamba80

You state you can get a Spesh for the same price and spec as the PX, so I don't understand what you are asking.

say you buy the PX, will your relationship with the Spesh guys change? I suspect it will.

imposter2.0

The new Astra is reckoned to be every bit as good as the Golf...

letap73

I don't think this has anything to do with brand choice. In your own words you have established a great working relationship with your lbs. Whatever the extra cost of the bike is with them (and it appears there isn't) is made up with the extra services they provide - 5 hours workshop time for free - at least £100. You have not ridden the planet x or been fitted up for it. With the relationship you have built up with the lbs - you could be fitted up (they may allow you to change stem length for an appropriate fit). At the end of the day I do not think there is a big difference between the bikes, however, a good relationship between yourself and your lbs is pretty invaluable especially if you are not very good mechanically.

bmxboy10

I have owned 6 golfs. The only other car that was better was my Audi. Tried Vauxhall, jeep, BMW but I always go back to the golf