I am finally buying a bike.

Gravey73

Hi Guys,

I know you must get asked a thousand times on advice for which bike for which amount but please I need some help.
I am looking to get a road bike on the cycle to work scheme, I have set my budget to around £500.

Doing the search on the tinter web I quite like the look of;

Felt F85:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f85-tiagra-2014/

Felt Z95:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z95-sora-2014/

Giant Defy 3:
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/280933/pr ... -bike.aspx

Cube Peloton:
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-peloto ... sting=true

Firstly I have no experience of road bikes but initially I want to replace my clunky mountain bike to commute to work, secondly keep fit and enjoy it and have a bike that will last, not wanting to immediately upgrade everything .

I very much like the Felt F85 as it seems very well spec'd but I like the look of the Z95 and the cube.

So if you were going to choose for me, which one would you choose and why?

By the way I am 6ft and 93kg......I am sure i will be happy with any of them but just want others opinions first.

Thanks in advance...

Dandelionclock30

Do you mean the internet?

Gravey73

I did mean the internet...yes..

Dandelionclock30

Hi, If it was me I'd go for the Felt 85, better components and it looks nice.

CptKernow

You will probably find the Felt Z95 more comfortable than the F85. The F series are the same geometry as the pros and serious riders use, whereas the Z series is more relaxed, i.e. a slightly more upright riding position.

I think the Giant falls into the relaxed geometry category too.

CptKernow

What about the Felt Z85 http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z85-2015/

Same spec as the F85 but slightly more endurance / relaxed riding set up.

Gravey73

I did look at that, and although I am looking to use the C2W scheme I wanted to set a limit of £500. Every time I look, I see if I spend just that little bit more I can have this and if I spend a bit more I could have that. The most I will go to is £600 I think... but if I am spending a hundred pound more will I notice the difference? I don't have anything to compare it to. Like will i notice the difference between Sora, Tiagra and above. Will 1kg in weight be that noticeable ? these questions are why I need your help...

dj58

If it is your first road bike you need to decide which geometry you want, race, lower handle bar position or endurance, higher handle bar position, more relaxed.

Of the bikes on your list the Felt F85 and Cube Peloton have a racier geometry and the Felt Z95 and Defy 3 an endurance relaxed geometry.

You need to go and sit on them all to see which you prefer. Buy the one that fits you the best and you like the look of, though as CptKernow suggest the Felt Z Series may suit you better, depends how flexible you are and what sought of time/distances you are intending to do.

THE_GREAT_GONZO

I'd go for the Defy or Z95. It's within your budget, reasonable spec that won't need upgrading anytime soon. They'll also leave room for a good bike lock for your commute within you £500...

Give them a good year of riding, see what you like/dislike about the bike then look to upgrade, you'll be able to recoup a good chunk of your cost when you sell it on, if you look after it!

Also, once you've narrowed down to a couple, buy the one you'd like to ride on, aesthetics are everything, you've gotta look good in your Lycra 8)

Gravey73

Ha ha, I think there is no chance of me ever looking good in Lycra. Thanks for all your comments guys. What do you think about the tyres these come with? Are these something that will need upgrading from the off or do you think these will be plenty good enough?

zak3737

Buy used.......you'll get a much better equippped bike for your money.

Gravey73

Can I buy used on the C2W scheme???

passout

No, is the short answer to the above.

Of those bikes, I like the look of the Giant Defy. Great frame & compares well with anything else out there.

Merlin Cycles own brand of bikes and Vitus bikes at CRC look like brilliant value too & they are both good to deal with.