Cycle scheme bike suitable for LEJOG

danielsbrewer

I'm looking to buy a racing bike via a cycle to work scheme that only allows you to buy from LBS so I cannot get any from the direct to buyer sellers. The major reason for doing this is that I'm cycling Land's End to John O'Groats in September in 9 days. This is a fully supported event, so I don't need to carry my own luggage. So what I'm after is a bike that will help me cover over 100 miles a day for 9 days in relative comfort, but not so slow that I don't have much time to recover.

The kind of bikes that I've been looking at and have been recommended are:
* Cube Attain SL
* Giant Contend SL 1
* Orbea Avant H30 Road Bike

So what would you recommend?

Is it worth it or should I say stuff the tax savings and pay a bit more and go for one of these:
* Canyon Endurance AL 6
* Ribble Gran Fondo Shimano 105
* Planet X Maratona

milemuncher1

Test ride the ones you're interested in. There's no point buying a bike for a long tour, that you haven't tested for ride suitability / comfort, which is personal to you.

fenix

Any bike for that price will be able to do the distance. As MM1 says though - you need to test them to see how you get on with them. Your position is going to be the key thing. You need to be comfy on the bike.

What are you riding now ? Why aren't you using that ? What do you like/dislike about it ?

darkhairedlord

something that takes 28mm tyres.

southdownswolf

If it is something like the Deloitte ride, I wouldn't get too hung up on the type of bike, just make sure it is the correct fit and has a suitable saddle FOR YOU.

I've ridden an unsupported JOGLE on a £700 Specialized Allez with a Carradice bag on the back, doing it in 8 days. I could have done it with a £200 steel bike or a £5000 carbon bike if they fit me. The essential thing for covering 100+ miles per day is that the bike and you are both in good condition and you fit together well....

southdownswolf

Quick note... If you are definitely getting a new bike and to get the tax benefits you have to buy from the LBS...what does the LBS suggest for you?

Which is your LBS?

danielsbrewer

I'm currently riding a cyclocross Kona Jake 2010. This is fine, but lots of bits are needing replacing (virtually all the groupset) and I fancy something a bit more confortable, newer and lighter. Thanks for the advice. The contenders have all been suggested by LBSs too.