New road biker! Joined the dark side, need suggestions!

c0sk

Hello everybody, glad to be a new member in this awesome forum. 8)

I just moved to the UK from southern Europe where I used to do mountain biking. I wanted to join my Uni Cycling Club and wanted to purchase a good value for money road bike. I would have 2 runs a week (60-100km each) for both fun with collegues and more competitively soon (hopefully I will get back in shape!)
My eye fell on the Triban 500 SE , the Felt Z95 Sora and I just saw this Planet X 58. The budget is around 400, flexible (Max 500 for a worthy upgrade/awesome offer). I like to push hard but not too much

Anything to recommend??

Thanks!

zak3737

Hi, welcome :-)
I'm new to Road stuff this year too, but enjoying tha dark side, so much so that its now more a mid-grey than dark :-)

If I were you, I'd look at something 2nd hand, on Ebay or Gumtree, as you're likely to get much more for your money.
I bought a fantastic Trek for £350, which could have lasted me for years, where it not slightly too aggresive geometry for my own likes, so I sold it on, for more !
Then bought a 3yr old Roubaix, which suits me much better, but again, fantastic value.

For £400, with patience and care, you could get a bargain. Just sayin....... Good luck.

Gravey73

Hi, I am new too. In fact I have been looking for my first pride and joy and only wanted to spend £400 but max £500. I spent many nights and a few days pouring over reviews etc. As a complete newbie I didn't know what to buy. I had whittled it down to a few though, Felt F95 from Merlin and the Giant Defy 3 from Rutland. I was tempted by the Planet X code but a trip to my local shop to see the Giant in the flesh made my mind up. I am now waiting for delivery next week. BTW I used the code (comeback10) to get 10% off at Rutland... take the bike to just over £400.

c0sk

Thanks everyone!!

Damn this is complicated!! I dunno what to look at for used machines either :?

The Defy 3 seems sweet! Anyone has experience with that? How does it compare to the others mentioned. Moreover, hat do you think of the Spec Allez C2 2014?

c0sk

Anyone?? Is Giant Defy 3 the best option? Is the defy 1 or Felt F95 a worthy upgrade for the money???

passout

All good options but i'd go Planet X with Apex & discount code for what its worth.

dj58

c0sk wrote:

Anyone?? Is Giant Defy 3 the best option? Is the defy 1 or Felt F95 a worthy upgrade for the money???

Are you referring to the 2014 model Defy? if so the Defy 1 has 10sp 105, better wheels, carbon seatpost and SL grade aluxx frame, so if you can get it at a reduced price then yes it is a worthwhile upgrade.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bik ... ifications

c0sk

Yup is that one. It would cost £629 at rutland cycles! But then the Planet X equivalent would be the Planet X Pro Carbon SRAM Rival (with code) at £639

dj58

The Defy is Alu. frame with carbon fork and seatpost, the Planet X is carbon frame and fork, so you pays your money and makes your choice, can't advise on the PX bike other than they are highly regarded by many on here and are good VFM.

c0sk

True, but if I can get a much better bike for 200£ then is great would you go for SRAM or Shimano 105 for the Planet X pro? How is their customer service??

dj58

I don't have any experience of SRAM components other than their chains on my MTB, however some people prefer the shape of their brake/shift levers over Shimano, it's just personal preference really.

I can't tell you anything about PX customer service as I have never purchased from them, I'd give them a call and see how they deal with your initial enquiry.

Someone should be along shortly to tell you about their positive/negative experience.