First bike £1000 budget

steve1978

Hi,

Like many people I have decided to take up biking. not in a major way but maybe a couple of distance rides a month if I can get away from the family for that long in a single trip!

My friend has a Raleigh Revenio 2 2015 so I am looking for something that can keep up with him, I believe it has the 105 gears. He is a casual biker so i wouldn't say his fitness level is much higher than mine but at this moment in time, it is higher!

I have picked the budget based on the cycle to work scheme being £1000, i will buy the extras with cash as I think getting the best bike i possibly can is important as if the sport isn't for me I can sell the bike on and not loose to much money.

I am looking for a comfy bike that could be used for my 15 mile commute when the weather is good but it would also need to be fast enough to keep up with my friends Raleigh.

I have been looking at the BTWin range as they get good reviews generally although I am not restricting my purchase to this brand. the Ultra 720AF for £1050 and the 720CF carbon frame for £879 both look really good specs.

Do you have any suggestions for the new biker? what would you get if you where me?

Sorry for the long post but there is so much to choose from, I dont know what tyres I need, what wheels, what handle bars! from what i am reading online i am leaning towards an aluminium frame carbon forks and either 105 or Ultegra drivetrain and ideally an 11 speed cassette to make sure i can keep up with my pal.

Really appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

Thanks

Steve.

quick edit, just spotted this http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/r ... arbon-bike which gets a 5 star rating on this site.... bargain?

Thick Mike

As someone that has just taken up cycling in Spring, I'd definitely think about comfort and fit as a major priority over groupset. I started out with a CAAD8 which has a fairly racey geometry which meant neck/back ache and a sore arris from every bump on the road being transferred vertically into my rear end.

I decided to get a more relaxed geometry bike (Specialized Roubaix) and the difference is amazing. So much more comfortable, and my speed is pretty much the same on both bikes.

So, in short...bike fit and comfort should be first on your list before components (as long as they're not made from cheese).

mostly

Its your legs that will keep you up with your mate, rather than the bike.
I found this cube with 105 looks a bargain http://www.rutlandcycling.com/320630/pr ... oC1wnw_wcB

steve1978

Great, thank you very much, great info. I defo thought about comfort but it's hard to tell from looking at a picture or even seeing one in a shop how it will feel after a 30 mile trip so your valuable opinion is what will swing it for me. My mountain bike is so much slower than my mates bike it's crazy! That's why I want to make sure I can keep up!

I will have a good look at the two bikes recommended. Thanks again

mrb123

mostly wrote:

Its your legs that will keep you up with your mate, rather than the bike.
I found this cube with 105 looks a bargain http://www.rutlandcycling.com/320630/pr ... oC1wnw_wcB

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/369453/pr ... -bike.aspx

Another great value Cube here if you're not after disc brakes (some sizes now sold out though)

Hinaultscrapcousin

I'd have this:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/roa ... librium-10

haydenm

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

I'd have this:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/roa ... librium-10

I did the very same in January as my first road bike, mine is the disc version (~£800 on offer) and I've ridden it a lot from commuting, sunny afternoon rides to 195km consecutive slogs. It's quite comfy and not too aggressive which is what I wanted as a new road rider. The other important reason why I bought the Genesis was that when I inevitably bought something more race suitable and light the genesis wasn't superseded as it is a quality bad weather commuter/tourer/winter bike. Now I have a great combination of bikes

Hinaultscrapcousin

HaydenM wrote:

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

I'd have this:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/roa ... librium-10

I did the very same in January as my first road bike, mine is the disc version (~£800 on offer) and I've ridden it a lot from commuting, sunny afternoon rides to 195km consecutive slogs. It's quite comfy and not too aggressive which is what I wanted as a new road rider. The other important reason why I bought the Genesis was that when I inevitably bought something more race suitable and light the genesis wasn't superseded as it is a quality bad weather commuter/tourer/winter bike. Now I have a great combination of bikes

If the disc were in budget I would have recommended that.

Those are pretty much the exact same reasons I recommended it, Genesis bikes are extremely popular in the 3-4 clubs I ride with, especially in winter.

I have an 853 Volare and it's the most comfortable bike I've ever ridden (and considering it was designed for the British Crit series that's saying something) and I wouldn't want to ride anything else. I am completely against carbon/aero for anything other than racing, but I won't go on a rant

haydenm

Lovely bike that Volare, maybe something classier than my supersix evo (also within budget but maybe not comfortable enough) might be in order when I get the go ahead from the boss...

I bought my Genesis from Highland Bikes and they have the 2016 105 spec disc one in for £999 and the tiagra one for £899 but only in small if that is any use to the OP?

steve1978

Hi. This is great thank you all very much for the input. I'm confused by the genesis. It's 999 it has the tiagra kit which at that money you can get 105 or even ultegra which I believe are both respectively better? All in all it looks like a bike a friend had in the early 80's but costs the same as some bikes I am seeing which seem (too the untrained eye) to have all the bells and whistles.

Can you elaborate on why that's better than say this below which was suggested by Oxoman?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... ifications

kingrollo

Steve1978 wrote:

Hi. This is great thank you all very much for the input. I'm confused by the genesis. It's 999 it has the tiagra kit which at that money you can get 105 or even ultegra which I believe are both respectively better? All in all it looks like a bike a friend had in the early 80's but costs the same as some bikes I am seeing which seem (too the untrained eye) to have all the bells and whistles.

Can you elaborate on why that's better than say this below which was suggested by Oxoman?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... ifications

Its steel which is a bit of a specialized market. Id go for the giant as a starter bike. If you want carbon within budget look at ribble planet x as well. Wouldn't worry to much about groupset from tiagra upwards...IMO

mikeyj28

Boardman Team Carbon could be worth a look. Carbon bike for under £1000 and can be had on cycle to work if that option is available to you?

courtmed

Just picked up the Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc myself. Full carbon frame with hydraulic disc brakes and a 105 groupset - would make a great first bike in my opinion!

Hinaultscrapcousin

Steve1978 wrote:

Hi. This is great thank you all very much for the input. I'm confused by the genesis. It's 999 it has the tiagra kit which at that money you can get 105 or even ultegra which I believe are both respectively better? All in all it looks like a bike a friend had in the early 80's but costs the same as some bikes I am seeing which seem (too the untrained eye) to have all the bells and whistles.

Can you elaborate on why that's better than say this below which was suggested by Oxoman?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... ifications

I wouldn't get hung up too much on groupset. Tiagra is 10 speed, aero routed and works as well as 105. The groupset is all a consumable in the end and will be replaced in time. Plus the more expensive the group the more nervous you get about leaving your bike somewhere.

A couple of reasons it seems more expensive. Firstly it's a steel frame. This isn't a specialist thing, that's rubbish. In general steel frames will give a much more forgiving ride when compared to similar aluminium or carbon frames. I find it makes a big difference, to the point where I won't ride anything other than steel frames. There is a slight weight penalty for steel but compared to a disc defy I wouldn't think it would be noticeable (it might even be lighter). The other reason is company size. Giant churn out a ridiculous number of bikes so can buy parts at lower prices and sell them at smaller margins. Genesis is a small company who can't really do that.

The look is a personal thing. I think it looks like a bike, while I think all these modern frames are hideously ugly and offer no benefit for the most riders.


At the end of the day it's going to come down to preference. I would personally choose a heavier, steel bike with lesser equipment over a aluminium or carbon bike with better bits as I value the ride quality much more than the component level. I have actually done this with every bike I own. All are steel, all cost more than a aluminium or carbon equivalent and all feel like a dream on the rubbish roads we have here in Scotland. If you can get the disc version within budget I would recommend that.

kingrollo

Hinaultscrapcousin wrote:

Steve1978 wrote:

Hi. This is great thank you all very much for the input. I'm confused by the genesis. It's 999 it has the tiagra kit which at that money you can get 105 or even ultegra which I believe are both respectively better? All in all it looks like a bike a friend had in the early 80's but costs the same as some bikes I am seeing which seem (too the untrained eye) to have all the bells and whistles.

Can you elaborate on why that's better than say this below which was suggested by Oxoman?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bi ... ifications

I wouldn't get hung up too much on groupset. Tiagra is 10 speed, aero routed and works as well as 105. The groupset is all a consumable in the end and will be replaced in time. Plus the more expensive the group the more nervous you get about leaving your bike somewhere.

A couple of reasons it seems more expensive. Firstly it's a steel frame. This isn't a specialist thing, that's rubbish. In general steel frames will give a much more forgiving ride when compared to similar aluminium or carbon frames. I find it makes a big difference, to the point where I won't ride anything other than steel frames. There is a slight weight penalty for steel but compared to a disc defy I wouldn't think it would be noticeable (it might even be lighter). The other reason is company size. Giant churn out a ridiculous number of bikes so can buy parts at lower prices and sell them at smaller margins. Genesis is a small company who can't really do that.

The look is a personal thing. I think it looks like a bike, while I think all these modern frames are hideously ugly and offer no benefit for the most riders.


At the end of the day it's going to come down to preference. I would personally choose a heavier, steel bike with lesser equipment over a aluminium or carbon bike with better bits as I value the ride quality much more than the component level. I have actually done this with every bike I own. All are steel, all cost more than a aluminium or carbon equivalent and all feel like a dream on the rubbish roads we have here in Scotland. If you can get the disc version within budget I would recommend that.

The gensisys in the link doesn't have full tiagra though - the calipers are promax - that said the giant has mechanical disc IMP these are a pain in the arse - lots of adjustments etc. I d prefer rim brakes to mechnical disc..

Yeah pays ya money ....

Websta24

In all honesty, for a grand you cant go too far wrong!

Have you been into you local shops? Head down to your local shop, or evans etc and have a proper look and discussion with the guys/girls. Its impossible to say what will be comfy for you just from looking at pictures.

All of the bikes mentioned are great, and you wont go far wrong with any of them but i would suggest having a closer look at some, rather than just looking online!

Your local store should also be able to sort you out with a test ride

Hairsy

As an alternative idea, I recently got a Felt V85 on Cycle to Work (from Tredz). http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Felt-V85-2016-R ... _82586.htm

I'm using it as a winter bike and to do some gravel grinder type events. I'll be using it in summer to take on holiday so that I can do some trails with the family on their mountain bikes but can still go off and do 50 miles on the road on my own when I'm allowed.

Compared to my pure road bike (a Trek Emonda S6), it is a little more relaxed on geometry, slightly heavier and much more comfortable when its a bit bumpy - I put this down to the combination of relatively big tyres (but still road slicks) plus a carbon seat post.

I have fitted SKS mudguards (around £25)

I am delighted with it as an all rounder.

For me, if I needed to keep one bike (I have a mountain bike as well) then this is the one I would keep.

And, for the record, I found the service from Tredz to be excellent. Really great communication and service.

NorthernChimp

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPTIA ... 4700--bike

I was in the same situation a few months ago and this was ridiculous value, love the thing, gorgeous looking and great ride. full carbon for 800 is fantastic

Websta24

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXMAR580 ... 17f35cdfc4

Got this off planet x in an email this moring!

pilot_pete

Giant Defy 1 2016 model (be quick, they are moving on to the 2017 model now). Shimano 105 shifters and 11spd group with TRP Spyres which are probably the best cable operated discs on the market.

I bought my wife one for Christmas last winter and a mate has just bought one today from Rutland Cycles at £799. Can't beat that I don't think. Superb bike for the money with room for guards and wider tyres.

PP

Alfa a

I spent 3 months looking for the perfect sub £1000 bike and tested a lot too. I tried a few which we're racers but being a new rider, didn't really get on with them. Then I tried some cyclocross bikes which felt a lot more comfortable but more like my hybrid which I was bored of.

In the end, after a stupid amount of deliberation, I went for a gt grade alloy 105.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-al-105 ... road-bike/

I LOVE this bike! So comfortable aad fast on the roads and I've even taken it down a few mountain bike routes in thetford forest.... my back didn't like it so much though! Everyone's always commenting on it and my local bike shop guy was very impressed.

secretsam

If it's going to be your only bike, I would consider disc brakes and 'guard clearance/fittings. Frame material is not that important; quality of the frame and the ride is, however.

davesnothere

I'm in a similar position, I want something that i can spend a few hours on and not cripple myself.

Loved the look of the B-Twin 720 AF also but I've since spotted this, they'll be in stock in the next couple of weeks at Evans apparently

https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-cross- ... e-EV287846

mostly

That cube is geared for cyclocross rather than the road > Chain set
Shimano FC-RS500, 46x36T,

mrb123

DavesNotHere wrote:

I'm in a similar position, I want something that i can spend a few hours on and not cripple myself.

Loved the look of the B-Twin 720 AF also but I've since spotted this, they'll be in stock in the next couple of weeks at Evans apparently

https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-cross- ... e-EV287846

For road use I can't see why you'd get that rather than the Cube with hydraulic disc brakes mentioned on the previous page which looks an absolute steal.

steve1978

Wow what a great community. Thank you all for the info. I went to Evans cycles on Friday and had a long 40 mins or so with the guy there and I explained to him what I was after. Key points

Reasonable for commuting, 30 mile round trip
Inner city roads (Liverpool)
Good for light gravel paths as a lot of the Wirral is like that
Must be able to keep up with my mate
And that I have had a history of lower back pain (Had surgery 3 years ago)

He recommended I look at the adventure road bikes, in particular the Norco Search. It has a more relaxed geometry and spyre disk brakes slightly larger tyres for the gravel paths.

What do you all think?

Alfa a

I tried the 2016 norco search www.evanscycles.com/norco-search-alloy- ... e-EV243534.
even put a deposit down. I decided against it and orsered the Gt grade which for me was far superior. The norco looks cool though!

mrb123

Steve1978 wrote:

Wow what a great community. Thank you all for the info. I went to Evans cycles on Friday and had a long 40 mins or so with the guy there and I explained to him what I was after. Key points

Reasonable for commuting, 30 mile round trip
Inner city roads (Liverpool)
Good for light gravel paths as a lot of the Wirral is like that
Must be able to keep up with my mate
And that I have had a history of lower back pain (Had surgery 3 years ago)

He recommended I look at the adventure road bikes, in particular the Norco Search. It has a more relaxed geometry and spyre disk brakes slightly larger tyres for the gravel paths.

What do you all think?

Seems like reasonable advice. Spyre brakes are pretty decent if you can't stretch to full hydraulics.

davesnothere

mostly wrote:

That cube is geared for cyclocross rather than the road > Chain set
Shimano FC-RS500, 46x36T,

Presumably one can swap out the chain rings fairly readily though? I'd be changing the tyres to something more suited to the road anyway

steve1978

Ok my list is complete I think!

GT Grade Tiagra 2017 Adventure Road Bike Alu Frame Carbon Forks Tiagra Gears TRP Spyre Brakes £949 https://www.evanscycles.com/gt-grade-ti ... e-EV281669

Planet X Full Monty SRAM Apex 1 Hydraulic Disc Road Bike Alu Frame Carbon Forks SRAM 1 Groupset Gears SRAM Hydrolic Brakes £899 http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXFMAPEX ... -road-bike

Cube Cross Race Cyclo X Bike 2017 Alu Frame Carbon Forks 105 Gears  Tektro Spyre Brakes £999 http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube ... lsrc=aw.ds

Norco Search A Tiagra 2017 Alu Frame Carbon Forks Tiagra Gears TRP Spyre Brakes £949 https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-searc ... e-EV277744

Specialized Diverge Elite DSW Alu Frame Carbon Forks Tiagra Gears Tektro Spyre Brakes £1,100 https://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/119017


Open to thoughts on these?

courtmed

Have you ruled this 2016 Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc out?

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/320630/pr ... -grey.aspx

Bought myself one after looking around at a lot of different bikes & couldn't be happier with it! Only had it just over a week but I'd definitely recommend it