Is there anything better than the B'TWIN Mach 720 for the mo
captain_vimes
Posts: 262
As per the thread title. I have £1000 to spend on my first proper road bike. On paper, and in the reviews I have read, the B'TWIN seems the best option but before spending the cash does anyone have any alternatives they think might be better?
I want to train for, and then complete, a few 100 mile sportives next year. To date I have used a hybrid that I built myself.
Thanks in advance!
I want to train for, and then complete, a few 100 mile sportives next year. To date I have used a hybrid that I built myself.
Thanks in advance!
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Comments
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What about this Felt Z5 for a grand (£500 off)? Full 105 where the B'Twin has non series chain set and calipers. More relaxed geometry which will suit long days in the saddle.
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/felt-z5-2015-road-bike.html?gclid=CMLi5aGWnMgCFWkOwwodD2oN_A
Felt is a nice brand to own whereas bike snobs will always look down on a B'Twin!0 -
Don't write off a good aluminium bike like a Canyon Ultimate/Endurance AL or Cannondale CAAD8.
Also some absolutely epic saving on Cannondale Super6's around at the minute if you shop about.0 -
What about this Felt Z5 for a grand (£500 off)? Full 105 where the B'Twin has non series chain set and calipers. More relaxed geometry which will suit long days in the saddle.
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/felt-z5-2015-road-bike.html?gclid=CMLi5aGWnMgCFWkOwwodD2oN_A
Felt is a nice brand to own whereas bike snobs will always look down on a B'Twin!
The Felt does look very nice, but I need 54cm which they do not have. I might give them a call though.
I am not a bike snob and actually get a kick from either making savings or getting a better product by not being so! E.g. I have just ordered a new Skoda Superb which is £14k less than the equivalent Audi even though it is practically the same car!0 -
Don't write off a good aluminium bike like a Canyon Ultimate/Endurance AL or Cannondale CAAD8.
Also some absolutely epic saving on Cannondale Super6's around at the minute if you shop about.
Quite happy to have aluminium, although not a fan of the look of the Cannondales. Will have a look at the Canyon though. Didn't think of them.....0 -
1: You could buy a a bike with an amazing spec on paper but it'll be no good if it doesn't fit properly.
Go and try some in your LBS to get an idea of the geometry that suits you. Low front end? Aero? Relaxed geometry? you get the idea... then you'll have a starting point.
2: buy the prettiest one.0 -
1: You could buy a a bike with an amazing spec on paper but it'll be no good if it doesn't fit properly.
Go and try some in your LBS to get an idea of the geometry that suits you. Low front end? Aero? Relaxed geometry? you get the idea... then you'll have a starting point.
2: buy the prettiest one.
Ha, ha. I must make sure point two does not dictate! But I know I want relatively relaxed geometry, sportive if you like, from a couple of test rides on mates bikes. I am 47!0 -
1: You could buy a a bike with an amazing spec on paper but it'll be no good if it doesn't fit properly.
Go and try some in your LBS to get an idea of the geometry that suits you. Low front end? Aero? Relaxed geometry? you get the idea... then you'll have a starting point.
2: buy the prettiest one.
Ha, ha. I must make sure point two does not dictate! But I know I want relatively relaxed geometry, sportive if you like, from a couple of test rides on mates bikes. I am 47!
the trouble is they all look like farm gates.
Supposed to be some good deals on the Supersix, not ugly!0 -
Btwin Ultra 720 AF?
Better spec and lighter for the same price if you can live with Aluminium!
http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/reviews/road-bikes/btwin-ultra-720-af0 -
What about this Felt Z5 for a grand (£500 off)? Full 105 where the B'Twin has non series chain set and calipers. More relaxed geometry which will suit long days in the saddle.
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/felt-z5-2015-road-bike.html?gclid=CMLi5aGWnMgCFWkOwwodD2oN_A
Felt is a nice brand to own whereas bike snobs will always look down on a B'Twin!
The Felt does look very nice, but I need 54cm which they do not have. I might give them a call though.
I am not a bike snob and actually get a kick from either making savings or getting a better product by not being so! E.g. I have just ordered a new Skoda Superb which is £14k less than the equivalent Audi even though it is practically the same car!
While you are correct about Skoda being the same as Audi, you are proud of supporting Volkswagen with your money after recent news? Mind boggling.0 -
I'd spend maybe half that on a 753 frame with a full compliment of Campag bits, a pair of Cinelli 65s, a Selle Turbo and a pair of handbuilt wheels with tubs on myself, but the typical fare in that price range is fairly much-of-a-muchness - mass produced aluminium or carbon frame, entry-to-mid range components, generic or entry level finishing kit and wheels.0
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[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19713445#p19713445]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:I'd spend maybe half that on a 753 frame with a full compliment of Campag bits, a pair of Cinelli 65s, a Selle Turbo and a pair of handbuilt wheels with tubs on myself, but the typical fare in that price range is fairly much-of-a-muchness - mass produced aluminium or carbon frame, entry-to-mid range components, generic or entry level finishing kit and wheels.
Are you seriously saying you can get a new 753 frame with full Campag and kit for under £1000? I love steel and have an old 531 1979 Carlton, but modern kit is 10 times better in the real world. If you are talking about 2nd hand gear, fair enough, but it is not as good as modern kit.0 -
Not new, no. 1979 is a bit older than anything I've got, but I think I'd have to spend a lot of money to appreciably improve on my ('91) 753 TT frame, and even then it wouldn't be by much. I like old bikes, but I'd rather have good old than mediocre new.0
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As per the thread title. I have £1000 to spend on my first proper road bike. On paper, and in the reviews I have read, the B'TWIN seems the best option
Are you happy with how it looks? Its quite a distinctive shape.
Its not my cup of tea, and each to their own, but I was behind one the other day and I was genuinely shocked at the seat stay design. They look like pannier racks!0 -
[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19713445#p19713445]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:I'd spend maybe half that on a 753 frame with a full compliment of Campag bits, a pair of Cinelli 65s, a Selle Turbo and a pair of handbuilt wheels with tubs on myself, but the typical fare in that price range is fairly much-of-a-muchness - mass produced aluminium or carbon frame, entry-to-mid range components, generic or entry level finishing kit and wheels.
Are you seriously saying you can get a new 753 frame with full Campag and kit for under £1000? I love steel and have an old 531 1979 Carlton, but modern kit is 10 times better in the real world. If you are talking about 2nd hand gear, fair enough, but it is not as good as modern kit.
There are some real bargains to be had with Genesis steel frames at the moment though - see this Volare in Reynolds 725 with Campagnolo gears for £699 http://www.cycleworldshop.co.uk/product/14871/Genesis_Volare_20_2015 - only in size 60 but they seem to be on special in other shops too so different sizes might be found if you look.0 -
I've not seen one, but that is one strange looking shaped frame, especially the extended seat tube, does not appeal to me, though that is not to say it is a bad bike per se, someone mentioned the Alu. version, which is nicer looking IMO, though maybe not what the OP is after.0
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I've not seen one, but that is one strange looking shaped frame, especially the extended seat tube, does not appeal to me, though that is not to say it is a bad bike per se, someone mentioned the Alu. version, which is nicer looking IMO, though maybe not what the OP is after.
I've got the Volare 40 and I like it a lot - but the front end is pretty low. If a more upright position is wanted and you still want steel - http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m16b185s6p15245/GENESIS_Equilibrium_20_Road_Bike_2015/RS_GB/51804?gclid=CKuWgfzLsMgCFYdf2wodOV8D6A Failing that, there seems to be some good prices around at the moment for Cannondale Synapses and CAAD 10 disc bikes for aroung £1000 - £1100 at the moment0 -
I've not seen one, but that is one strange looking shaped frame, especially the extended seat tube, does not appeal to me, though that is not to say it is a bad bike per se, someone mentioned the Alu. version, which is nicer looking IMO, though maybe not what the OP is after.
I've got the Volare 40 and I like it a lot - but the front end is pretty low. If a more upright position is wanted and you still want steel - http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m16b185s6p15245/GENESIS_Equilibrium_20_Road_Bike_2015/RS_GB/51804?gclid=CKuWgfzLsMgCFYdf2wodOV8D6A Failing that, there seems to be some good prices around at the moment for Cannondale Synapses and CAAD 10 disc bikes for aroung £1000 - £1100 at the moment
I think he was talking about the B'Twin Mach 720 which to some is pretty but to me is one of the ugliest bikes on the road.0 -
Correct, I was referring to the carbon B'Twin Mach 720 bike, not the Genesis bikes, which I do like.0
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[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19713445#p19713445]Simon Masterson[/url] wrote:I'd spend maybe half that on a 753 frame with a full compliment of Campag bits, a pair of Cinelli 65s, a Selle Turbo and a pair of handbuilt wheels with tubs on myself, but the typical fare in that price range is fairly much-of-a-muchness - mass produced aluminium or carbon frame, entry-to-mid range components, generic or entry level finishing kit and wheels.
Are you seriously saying you can get a new 753 frame with full Campag and kit for under £1000? I love steel and have an old 531 1979 Carlton, but modern kit is 10 times better in the real world. If you are talking about 2nd hand gear, fair enough, but it is not as good as modern kit.
There are some real bargains to be had with Genesis steel frames at the moment though - see this Volare in Reynolds 725 with Campagnolo gears for £699 http://www.cycleworldshop.co.uk/product/14871/Genesis_Volare_20_2015 - only in size 60 but they seem to be on special in other shops too so different sizes might be found if you look.
That looks like a pretty good deal to be fair. I like Vision TT bars but have heard bad things about FSA BBs, but that's a few small changes away from a rather nice bike.0 -
What about this Felt Z5 for a grand (£500 off)? Full 105 where the B'Twin has non series chain set and calipers. More relaxed geometry which will suit long days in the saddle.
http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/felt-z5-2015-road-bike.html?gclid=CMLi5aGWnMgCFWkOwwodD2oN_A
Felt is a nice brand to own whereas bike snobs will always look down on a B'Twin!
The Felt does look very nice, but I need 54cm which they do not have. I might give them a call though.
I am not a bike snob and actually get a kick from either making savings or getting a better product by not being so! E.g. I have just ordered a new Skoda Superb which is £14k less than the equivalent Audi even though it is practically the same car!
If you are buying a new car that is similar to something that costs £14k more and your bike budget is £1k then you have made a very, very bad decision somewhere along the lines! Unless you are planning on putting Uber stickers on the side of it!
Faster than a tent.......0
