Looking for a road bike but don't have a clue!

[anonymous-user]

Deanf said:

Thank you for all your input.

The bikes I'm interested in are:
The moda stretto.
Cube gtc pro compact.
Specialized tarmac.

The cube is priced at £1350 at the local (tredz).

What bike is the best in terms of value and componentry?
Thank you.

Not sure about those, but PlanetX & Boardman would seem to be top of the pile regarding spec V cost!

[Obiwonkeyblokey]

i would argue focus has the best spec/cost as you get ultegra and full carbon ( but then i would be biased)

[Roman]

Deanf said:

Thank you for all your input.

The bikes I'm interested in are:
The moda stretto.
Cube gtc pro compact.
Specialized tarmac.

The cube is priced at £1350 at the local (tredz).

What bike is the best in terms of value and componentry?
Thank you.

Moda followed by the Cube. Both have better equipment than the Tarmac.

The Moda's wheels are more expensive (£300+) and the Rival/Force mix lighter (and nicer in my opinion) than the Ultegra/105 mix on the Cube.

Moda is the the best equipped and best looking in my opinion and it's assembled in the UK by a UK based company - it would be an easy choice for me.

[LRdriver II]

I think the Specialized frames just look crap.. with the tall steerer tube, weird sloping toptube down to the seat stays. Not very pleasing from an eye-candy point of view.

Moda or Cube would get my vote too... (Moda actually best)

[Agoogy]

Can't tell you how desperate I ma for a spare £1000....

Huge saving here:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-avanti-carbon-comp...

[Deanf]

My local is getting a Cube in for me to try, ill give them a ring and see if they can get a moda in aswell.

Cheers guys.

[anonymous-user]

Agoogy said:

Can't tell you how desperate I ma for a spare £1000....

Huge saving here:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-avanti-carbon-comp...

thats a great deal and a superb bike for upgrading but it was was a bit overpriced at £1800 in my humble opinion. probably didnt sell well because most people looking at that price bike would expect (nay demand!) ultegra. Shame, the raleigh frames are well respected.

[Parrot of Doom]

Remember, decent road shoes will cost you £150 or thereabouts. Don't forget that.

[Deanf]

Yea Thats not a problem. My local is going to be sorting out a deal on the whole lot.

Can't wait!

[dubbs]

Carbon = All HYPE, erm..... no. There's some great metal frames out there definitely and many better than th echeap carbon one's but I'd like to see an ally frame performing as well as my Cervelo S3 (with the same rider before someone sits Contador next to me on a Raleigh Grifter!!;))

Focus are good, Boardman are a great budget bike that MANY swear by.

I've heard good things about Cube too. I'd say you're paying the right sort of money to get something very well specced and "different" - nice to be riding something people take an interest in rather than just another specialised.

[The Walrus]

If you can stretch a canyon is another one to consider, but you won't be able to try it before you buy it but you can return it within 30 days.

[AyBee]

I'd be pushing the budget and looking at this if I had the money...
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/litespeed/arch...

[The Walrus]

I had a look at one of those the other day, on paper in my opinion it was over priced when new and is only now more competitvely priced rather than a bargain.

It also looks horrible IMO.

[Parrot of Doom]

Meh, who needs a plastic bike? One of these will probably be my next bike:

http://www.renovobikes.com/

[ndg]

I like the fact that those renovo's are marketed as light weight! Heavier than my 5.5" travel MTB frame........

N.

[samwilliams]

ndg said:

I like the fact that those renovo's are marketed as light weight! Heavier than my 5.5" travel MTB frame........

But surely you can forgive a little weight when they look that pretty?

Edited by samwilliams on Thursday 20th January 12:59

[anonymous-user]

re the Renovo, £2K for a 3.6 lbs frame?!... i'm not one of those who gets obssessive over component weight but £2k wil lget a sub 2lbs Storck or Ridley, yes its a different material and probably rides comparable to columbus xcr or reynolds 953 but to me its a novelty frame where the do it because they can, not because there is a real market for it.

[Parrot of Doom]

You're telling me you notice 1.5lb of weight on a frame?

Really?

[croyde]

Surely that's the weight of a good dump in the morning.

[Crippo]

Seemes most of the advice here is about what spec for how cheap. Not really the issues the OP needs addressing if he knows nothing about road bikes.

My advice first off is go to your Localk Bike shop ...assuming its good on road if not then find one that is. Ask for them to fit you out on a bike. This does not mean you are 5'11" so need a 56cm either because fit comes down to flexibility issues which everyone has and peculiar body make up which again everyone has.
Not all carbon frames are equal, never mind frames of dissimilar material. Also will you need mudguards because many road bikes will struggle to wear a set, what gearing do you need...Compact, triple, double.
These are all questions that your local bike shop can help you with.
If you just want a bad riding crap chinese cheap as chips frame hung with some nice bits then pursue the usual forum recommendations.