Buying advice - Sportive under £1000

Nickats

I'm looking to move from a hybrid commuter bike to a sportive style road bike for the odd commute but mainly longer rides.

Interested more in lesser known firms and prefer to go independent where possible. Although I'm bound by usage of the Halfords cycle to work scheme these vouchers can be used at a number of independent retailers.

Research so far suggests that 105 group set is a possibility and that alloy frame is recommended at this price point. 11 speed rear cassette is a necessity as I will be using for climbs, otherwise just looking for highest spec possible for the cash.

Any help appreciated.

Hinaultscrapcousin

Not sure why you say 11 speed is needed for climbs, you get the same range out of 10-speed cassettes. I'd have this:

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

singleton

I've just replaced my 10s 105 with 11sp 105 and the new groupset is a huge improvement - so I'd recommend going 11sp.
There are a lot of good bikes from £800 to £1200 and you need to be clear on your budget.
I like Cannondale alu frames - so you could get:
CAAD8 105 for about £700 - people will say it's race geometry but you should try it yourself
Synapse alloy 105 disc as cheap as £820
CAAD optimo 105 disc for about £1100 - brand new model so not many discounts

mrb123

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/320630/p ... -grey.aspx

Rutland still have some of these Cubes left in certain sizes. Have a look at the thread in "Your Road Bikes" for more information and feedback on this bike.

davesnothere

This is the thread that MrB123 is talking about. I was in a similar position to you, bought my Cube at the beginning of January, very pleased with it. Done a couple of hundred miles on it so far.

They also had them at Hargroves cycles and Chain Reaction previously, not sure if any of those retailers accept the Halfords vouchers tho

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=40044&t=13074495

yiannism

I did the same a year a go, i used to ride a trekking bike. I have a disc hernia so i was looking for the most comfortable sportive bike that i could buy with less than 1000euros. I found an orbea Avant H30 with 105 11-28/11, and after 5000km on it i am just loving it. Very smooth even on paved roads, it has a carbon sit post that really helps. I am doing a lot of climbing, my typical Saturday's ride is between 80-130km, and the elevation from 900-1600meters. No complains at all. Life time warranty on the frame too.

An other decent option is the ghost nivolet Tour 2. You can find the carbon version on that money. Great value for money brand.