Looking for a new bike up to £1500

pinchez
pinchez Posts: 76
edited April 2018 in Road buying advice
I’m looking for a new bike with a limited budget to do some long rides so a more relaxed less race geometry would be ideal. Is it possible to get a carbon road bike equipped with Ultegra, Disc brakes and decent wheels for my budget, if not what’s the very best bike for my money?

Comments

  • lettingthedaysgoby
    lettingthedaysgoby Posts: 1,732
    https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/ro ... rey_381445

    1800, but they currently have a 150 off discount code available.

    If that stretched the budget too much there the 105 version, which at a touch over a grand is a bargain.

    https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/ro ... rey_373882
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    You could do worse than the Planet X Pro Carbon - currently on offer at £1200 for an Ultegra R8000 specification

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPUL ... -road-bike

    I will no doubt get trolled for suggesting this as many on here view the Pro Carbon as yesterday's technology. However I've been riding one I built up 18 months ago and I can't fault it. OK so it has external cabling but that's no bad thing when you come to replacing gear or brake cables. Also it has a standard threaded 68mm BSA bottom bracket so that's a plus in my book - no creaking problems found with some press fit designs. In addition, I have been able to fit 28mm tyres and that's something you can't say for a lot of carbon rim brake framesets
  • dannyjames1
    dannyjames1 Posts: 44
    arlowood wrote:
    You could do worse than the Planet X Pro Carbon - currently on offer at £1200 for an Ultegra R8000 specification

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPUL ... -road-bike

    I will no doubt get trolled for suggesting this as many on here view the Pro Carbon as yesterday's technology. However I've been riding one I built up 18 months ago and I can't fault it. OK so it has external cabling but that's no bad thing when you come to replacing gear or brake cables. Also it has a standard threaded 68mm BSA bottom bracket so that's a plus in my book - no creaking problems found with some press fit designs. In addition, I have been able to fit 28mm tyres and that's something you can't say for a lot of carbon rim brake framesets

    A good price, though I hate the external cabling on the pro carbon and the sloped top tube, not to say it isn't a decent bike because it is... but:

    You can currently get their maratona full carbon model with full ultegra and rim brakes at £999. This is more an endurance bike.
    Or at £1099 their rt-80 (I have one in DA-9000, a great frame and extremely stiff, 7.5k without pedals) with ulteggra and disc brakes. This bike is better suited towards racing and hard fast rides though I have done 60-70 miles on it no problem.
    Ribble also are currently doing a full ultregra build at £1200 and have a shop where you can go and see/try bikes if you're near west Lancashire

    all superb deals.
  • Andymaxy
    Andymaxy Posts: 197
    Why carbon at this price point? Cannondale makes really good aluminum bikes, they are in my opinion better than a cheap carbon frame. Canyon is always something to consider too. Lastly, if you live in the U.K. you should look at btwins, they offer great value.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    Thanks guys I’ll take a look at those suggestions, the cube looks great value for money but not sure about the colour, open to anymore suggestions :)
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    I’d like a carbon bike simply because I’ve never had one and I hear they ride smoother, I’ve looked at BTWIN in my local Decathlon and for me they don’t have that wow factor, I want something that’s going to put a smile on my face when I ride it :)
  • dannyjames1
    dannyjames1 Posts: 44
    pinchez wrote:
    I’d like a carbon bike simply because I’ve never had one and I hear they ride smoother, I’ve looked at BTWIN in my local Decathlon and for me they don’t have that wow factor, I want something that’s going to put a smile on my face when I ride it :)

    That's a hard one, yes in a sense they ride smoother and seem to absorb a bit of the shock, but even when you're on a decent frame that is stiff and you're running road tyres at 100psi you do still feel the little bumps and everything. At least is the case with my Planet X over my old cube peloton.

    Yes it's true that a really good alu frame (maybe a caad-10/12, ultimate al or rose pro-sl) can potentially be better than cheaper carbon but carbon is still nice. My rt80 is by no means one of px's cheaper carbon frames nor is it high end but what I do know is that it is very stiff and struggles to flex if you push down hard on the pedal. And the frame/forks are ligher than rose's superlight alu race frame.

    performance aspect.... on either bike I can put out 18 maybe 19mph over 40 or so miles (at least when I'm fit again. lazy winter) so this proves that stiffness isn't everything even though people can go on about it alot but you certainly feel a difference in responsiveness.

    I really should get that cube back in operation for crappy weather rides but getting a new carbon 105 bike is all too temping for wet/winter use.
  • Andymaxy
    Andymaxy Posts: 197
    dannyjames1 wrote:
    pinchez wrote:
    I’d like a carbon bike simply because I’ve never had one and I hear they ride smoother, I’ve looked at BTWIN in my local Decathlon and for me they don’t have that wow factor, I want something that’s going to put a smile on my face when I ride it :)

    That's a hard one, yes in a sense they ride smoother and seem to absorb a bit of the shock, but even when you're on a decent frame that is stiff and you're running road tyres at 100psi you do still feel the little bumps and everything. At least is the case with my Planet X over my old cube peloton.

    Yes it's true that a really good alu frame (maybe a caad-10/12, ultimate al or rose pro-sl) can potentially be better than cheaper carbon but carbon is still nice. My rt80 is by no means one of px's cheaper carbon frames nor is it high end but what I do know is that it is very stiff and struggles to flex if you push down hard on the pedal. And the frame/forks are ligher than rose's superlight alu race frame.

    performance aspect.... on either bike I can put out 18 maybe 19mph over 40 or so miles (at least when I'm fit again. lazy winter) so this proves that stiffness isn't everything even though people can go on about it alot but you certainly feel a difference in responsiveness.

    I really should get that cube back in operation for crappy weather rides but getting a new carbon 105 bike is all too temping for wet/winter use.

    That's not true at this price point. For the same price a metal frame and a carbon one is likely to ride the same. If comfort is priority, then perhaps a campact frame and carbon seatpost and stem/bars would be better.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    Something else I was thinking about, this new bike will be my “best” bike so when not riding it outside it will be kept in the house and used on a Tacx Neo for Zwift and Fulgaz, will there be any issues using a carbon road bike with Disc brakes on a direct trainer?
  • dannyjames1
    dannyjames1 Posts: 44
    pinchez wrote:
    Something else I was thinking about, this new bike will be my “best” bike so when not riding it outside it will be kept in the house and used on a Tacx Neo for Zwift and Fulgaz, will there be any issues using a carbon road bike with Disc brakes on a direct trainer?

    Don't see how that will be an issue, the dropouts and axle quick release where the trainer locks to functions the same on disc bikes/frames unless it's a 'through axle' which locks slightly differently and I hear is tougher but the concept is the same, just adjust the trainer to the required width, and, the frame material won't make any difference in this scenario.

    The two biggest thing I've heard regarding trainers/rollers is not to hit the brakes to slow the wheels and that it's a good idea to use a cheap/old/trainer specific tyre because of increased wear?
  • Andymaxy
    Andymaxy Posts: 197
    pinchez wrote:
    Something else I was thinking about, this new bike will be my “best” bike so when not riding it outside it will be kept in the house and used on a Tacx Neo for Zwift and Fulgaz, will there be any issues using a carbon road bike with Disc brakes on a direct trainer?
    You got a trainer more expensive than your bike...
    The trainer is a tool to make your riding outside more enjoyable, so the bike the main component.
  • joe_totale-2
    joe_totale-2 Posts: 1,333
    If you have a cheap bike use that for turbo training and not the new best one. Some manufacturers warranties doesn't cover potential damage from turbo trainers:

    http://road.cc/content/feature/216681-i ... bo-trainer

    Not to mention that your sweat can be quite corrosive for the frame.
  • joe_totale-2
    joe_totale-2 Posts: 1,333
    In terms of bikes I ride a Dolan E'tape and it's bloody great, you can get an Ultegra R8000 one for £1299:

    https://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-b ... -rs10.html

    I loved how much you can customise when you buy it and you may be able to treat yourself to a wheel upgrade to take it to £1500.

    Their disk brake carbon bikes are currently over budget but they often seem to have special offers.
  • yiannism
    yiannism Posts: 345
    I am pretty sure that you can find Bianchi intenso that tiks all your demands, comfortable, with the history of the oldest bike manufacturer with the iconic celeste. An enthousiastic bianchi owners club too. The only downside the awful reparto corsa brakes, but you can change them on cheap anyway.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    Think I made a big mistake in not going for the Cube Attain GTC Pro Disc 2017 for just over £1k it's a steel but sold out in my size 53 and 56 might be too big as I'm only 5ft 8" :(

    I think I'd go for a carbon bike with 105 instead of Ultegra if the wheels were decent like Cosmics etc.
  • rokt
    rokt Posts: 493
    I think you'll find a 56cm Cube is about the right size for you.
  • ExCyclist
    ExCyclist Posts: 336
    Ridden a good few carbon bikes - Boardman, Giant, Ridley, etc.

    Just bought a new Caad 12 Ultegra and That wipes the floor with the above mentioned. Fantastic bike. Wheel upgrade happening now which will make the bike even better.
  • lettingthedaysgoby
    lettingthedaysgoby Posts: 1,732
    Rokt wrote:
    I think you'll find a 56cm Cube is about the right size for you.
    That said I’m 5’7” and the 53 is right for me.

    I do have very short legs though (28” inside leg)
  • kingstongraham
    kingstongraham Posts: 28,099
    Focus Cayo Ultegra in 54cm at JE James for £1500.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    lettingthedaysgoby wrote:
    Rokt wrote:
    I think you'll find a 56cm Cube is about the right size for you.
    That said I’m 5’7” and the 53 is right for me.

    I do have very short legs though (28” inside leg)

    That’s interesting, I’ve always gone for a medium or 54, just measure myself again or rather the wife did and I’m 173cm which according to Giants size chart means I need a 53 but my inside leg is 32” which might make a 56 OK /I think!

    I’ve gotten over the colour of the giant, and read reviews of 105 5800 vs Ultegra 6800 and basically they’re the same performance but Ultegra is 300g lighter which doesn’t worry me!

    I’m very tempted to chance the Giant but will have to look in to how I’ll fit it on the Neo without QR.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    With regards to having a turbo trainer more expensive than my bike and using the best bike on the trainer!

    I bought the Tacx Neo when it was on discount and got a further 10% of with BC making it £850 so I jumped at the opportunity to get what most consider is the best at such a bargain price. I love Zwifting and with our poor weather and my work I do use Zwift a lot not just as a training tool but for fun, I actually enjoy riding with the PACK etc. :)

    My wife let’s me keep one bike in the house so for security and peace of mind it’s the best one which is kept in my Zwift cave and I do make sure it’s protected against sweat etc.
  • chippyk
    chippyk Posts: 529
    YiannisM wrote:
    I am pretty sure that you can find Bianchi intenso that tiks all your demands, comfortable, with the history of the oldest bike manufacturer with the iconic celeste. An enthousiastic bianchi owners club too. The only downside the awful reparto corsa brakes, but you can change them on cheap anyway.

    In my opinion Bianchis are gloriously over priced for what they are. Reparto Corse brakes are FSA I believe. Change the pads and they’re alright.
  • pinchez
    pinchez Posts: 76
    What’s people’s thoughts on RIBBLE SPORTIVE RACING BLACK Carbon with 105 and Ksyrium Elite Wheels for around £1500?
  • gary_sparrow
    gary_sparrow Posts: 181
    arlowood wrote:
    You could do worse than the Planet X Pro Carbon - currently on offer at £1200 for an Ultegra R8000 specification

    https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPUL ... -road-bike

    I will no doubt get trolled for suggesting this as many on here view the Pro Carbon as yesterday's technology. However I've been riding one I built up 18 months ago and I can't fault it. OK so it has external cabling but that's no bad thing when you come to replacing gear or brake cables. Also it has a standard threaded 68mm BSA bottom bracket so that's a plus in my book - no creaking problems found with some press fit designs. In addition, I have been able to fit 28mm tyres and that's something you can't say for a lot of carbon rim brake framesets


    That’s pretty decent bike there for the money . What brand of 28mm did you put on ? Didn’t think they took 28
  • gary_sparrow
    gary_sparrow Posts: 181
    ExCyclist wrote:
    Ridden a good few carbon bikes - Boardman, Giant, Ridley, etc.

    Just bought a new Caad 12 Ultegra and That wipes the floor with the above mentioned. Fantastic bike. Wheel upgrade happening now which will make the bike even better.


    Which Giant- tcr ?
    I’ve a caad 12 myself but rode a tcr 2017 model for a short while on holiday and found it far more compliant and comfortable . I’ve put 28mm on the caad to help the comfort factor . I do like it but don’t feel it’s as stiff and quick as other bikes I’ve rode .
  • joebristol
    joebristol Posts: 327
    I’ve just sold a Boardman Team Carbon and swapped to a new Caad 12 105 Disc. Kept the same saddle and I’d say the Caad is actually more comfortable than the Boardman. I think the Boardman had a little more zip when accelerating despite having worse wheels (had aksium elite on it vs Hunt 4season road wheels now). The Boardman was about 500 grams lighter though,

    The handling on the Caad seems more fun and lively / responsive which is good. I had a Caad9 which I swapped out for the Boardman about 7 years ago and it’s the handling that I still remember from that.

    My point is Carbon isn’t the be all and end all - it depends how it’s laid up vs how well engineered the equivalent alloy frame is.

Categories