B'TWIN Ultra 700 CF Carbon 105 - Thoughts?

TheJefu

Wondered if anyone had any experience or opinions of the Ultra 700 CF at Decathlon? (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-c ... 39667.html)

Found multiple reviews of the 720 and the cheaper aluminium model, but nothing for the carbon frame currently priced at 1400.

I'm looking to upgrade from an entry level 500 GBP bike I've ridden into the ground and looking for something light with a decent group set between 1000-1500. I'm all about value for money at the low/medium price level and happy for any suggestions for anything that's great value in the price range. I've looked into Rose and Planet X but would prefer something I can test before buying.

Specs are as follows:

FRAME
B'Twin Ultra Evo Dynamic frame is the most advanced frame available to tackle mountains and win the most demanding classic races. Weight: 850 g in size M (without accessories).
A blend of HM and IM carbon fibres for the best weight-to-speed ratio on the market.
The frame was specially designed for the most demanding climbers and sprinters. The bottom bracket is a standard PressFit 86 for greater stiffness of the chassis.
FORK/SUSPENSION
B'Twin Ultra Evo Dynamic fork, exclusive to the B'Twin Ultra Evo Dynamic frame.
Weight: 320 g. Full carbon fork.
HANDLEBAR / STEM / STEERING
DEDA ZERO 2 6061 T6 aluminium compact handlebar.
Weight: 320 g in size 420 mm.
XXS, XS, S: 400 mm.
M, L:420 mm.XL: 440 mm.
DEDA ZERO 2 6061 T6 aluminium stem.
XXS: 80 mm.
XS: 90 mm.S: 100 mm.
M: 110 mm.L: 120 mm.XL: 130 mm.
DRIVETRAIN
Shimano 105 direct mount front brake.
Symmetrical dual pivot design for more controlled and powerful braking. Adjustable spring tension on the front calliper.
CRANKSET / CASSETTE
Shimano 105 11-speed ultra-versatile, 11x28 cassette.
11 ; 12 ; 13 ; 14 ; 15 ; 17 ; 19 ; 21 ; 23 ; 25 ; 28.
Crankset: Shimano 105 5800, 52x36.

KMC X11 chain.
BRAKES
Shimano 105 direct mount brakes.
Symmetrical dual pivot design for more controlled and powerful braking. Adjustable spring tension on the front calliper.
WHEELS
Mavic Aksium One wheels.Material: S6000 aluminium.
Height: 21 mm.
Front weight without tyre: 845 g
Rear weight without tyre: 980 g.
Spokes: 20 in the front and the rear. Sealed cartridge bearings.
TYRES
Mavic Yksion 700x25 tyres
SADDLE / SEAT POST
Fizik Antares Special Edition saddle.
Construction: Wing Flex.
Shell: nylon/reinforced carbon.
Rails: manganese. Microtex cover.
Weight: 210 g. Dimensions: 275 x 142 mm.
PEDALS
Pedals not included.
WEIGHT
7.8 kg in size M without pedals.

gethinceri

You can test a Rose before buying.

timothyw

There's another thread round her for someone torn between the TCR Advanced 2 (which comes with full 105 group) and the Caad 12 105 (a high end alu bike, mostly 105 group).

Personally I'd be inclined towards one of those rather than this - the Decathlon doesn't seem especially good value, and only has 5 year vs lifetime frame warranty for the CAAD and TCR, plus IMHO it isn't as good looking as either.

timmyotool

Can't offer much advice, but I've got aluminium version and it's great fun to ride. It's quite racey if you slam the stem.

It does seem that the best value with Decathlon is in the aluminium rather than carbon range.
Part of the extra you are paying is in the saddle, tyres, wheels (all things I'd change) so if you are happy with them, then I'd say go for it.

kawaspresso

I've got a Giant TCR and it's a very great bike, I don't think I will ever spend £1400 for a Decathlon bike.

shewy

seems a lot of brand snobbery going about here,fantastic value for money and always get very good reviews

andyrr

I think the same frame goes across all of their carbon-framed bikes, if so then you are getting a pretty good frame for that money as they use it for a £3000 bike also. You might suffer with the spec with Aksion wheels but 105 and Mavic Yksion tyres look to be fair for the price ?

Not sure what else £1400 buys you TBH but Decathlon stuff is normally well regarded for VFM and at least, unlike PX, Rose or Canyon for example, you have a shop to return it to if you do have one local to you.

This review covers the top bike at more than double the price of the 700 but it's still relevant as the same B-Twin Ultra Evo Dynamic frame is mentioned with the same 850g weight so it does appear to be the exact same one.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/cate ... -14-48737/

dinyull

TheJefu wrote:

Wondered if anyone had any experience or opinions of the Ultra 700 CF at Decathlon? (https://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-700-c ... 39667.html)

Found multiple reviews of the 720 and the cheaper aluminium model, but nothing for the carbon frame currently priced at 1400.

I'm looking to upgrade from an entry level 500 GBP bike I've ridden into the ground and looking for something light with a decent group set between 1000-1500. I'm all about value for money at the low/medium price level and happy for any suggestions for anything that's great value in the price range. I've looked into Rose and Planet X but would prefer something I can test before buying.

You can get a Cannondale Supersix Tiagra for £750 - absolute no brainer. Use the saved £650 on some bling wheels and finishing kit and jobs a good'un.

lostboysaint

What size are you after? A friend has a 56 for sale and is only looking for about £500. He loved it but has switched to a Planet X Pro Carbon that he's been able to match set ups with his Planet X CX bike.

daniel_b

I'm a big fan of the BTwin bikes, nearly bought one myself once, but they didn't have stock in my size, and have overseen the purchase of two more aluminium framed bikes for friends and family, and both have proved their worth - I've ridden one of them, and it's a great ride for the money.

I do think at £1400 this specific bike is not stunning VFM however, and think you can do better for your money.

I did read a review last year, that stated (Not sure if this is true) that Decathlon trickle frame designs and geometries down through the range - so for example, this years 520 would be next years 500, not sure if that is true or not, but it might be useful information.

Also, when I was considering one, I did notice that the top tubes on them tend to be fairly long, at the time I was looking I had not yet figured out I needed a shorter top tube, but if you have aaverage or long torso I expect it would be fine.

I can't seem to find the geomety online for the 700CF anywhere?

milemuncher1

I've got the AF720, and the new Triban 560 ( Carbon Fiber frame and forks, with the latest 10 speed Tiagra groupset). The frame on the 720 AF and the 700 CF are very similar in design / geometry. I'm a big fan of the Decathlon bikes ( I have 4 of them ). From experience, I'd say it's well worth buying the 700 CF. Even if you don't like it much, you can sell it on, without losing much money.

AK_jnr

I had a look in the new Decathlon near me and I was really impressed by their bikes (especially the MTB's).