Options for a road bike - up to 2K
Discussion
Done to death around the 1K mark, but I'm looking for a comfortable bike (so sportive rather than out and out race bike) up to around £2K. I like a few hills, and I usually do less than 30 mile rides, but hoping a new bike will extend this (I'm currently on a 15kg mountain bike).
I'm going to the bike show tomorrow to look at Canyon and Rose, but anything else I should look at? Quite happy with left field choices, and I'm keen to look at disc versions as well as traditional brakes.
Any good bikes I should consider?
Considering a Rose CDX / CGF or Canyon Endurance CF to give an idea of what I'm currently thinking about
I'm going to the bike show tomorrow to look at Canyon and Rose, but anything else I should look at? Quite happy with left field choices, and I'm keen to look at disc versions as well as traditional brakes.
Any good bikes I should consider?
Considering a Rose CDX / CGF or Canyon Endurance CF to give an idea of what I'm currently thinking about
As good as the Canyon is (and it is) the current "bite your hand off" offer is Planet X
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXRT57FORCE22/plane...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-...
With that budget I'd likely buy either of these and spend the difference on wheels. Personally, I'd take the RT-57 at the sale price, then drop some very nice wheels on.
There are lots of nice wheels out there that would transform the poor factory fit wheelset, from Zondas at about £250 to Dura Ace C50s on sale at Wiggle for a grand. Planet X has decent deals on their own brand carbon clinchers to get everything one-stop.
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXRT57FORCE22/plane...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-...
With that budget I'd likely buy either of these and spend the difference on wheels. Personally, I'd take the RT-57 at the sale price, then drop some very nice wheels on.
There are lots of nice wheels out there that would transform the poor factory fit wheelset, from Zondas at about £250 to Dura Ace C50s on sale at Wiggle for a grand. Planet X has decent deals on their own brand carbon clinchers to get everything one-stop.
TheLemming said:
As good as the Canyon is (and it is) the current "bite your hand off" offer is Planet X
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXRT57FORCE22/plane...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-...
With that budget I'd likely buy either of these and spend the difference on wheels. Personally, I'd take the RT-57 at the sale price, then drop some very nice wheels on.
There are lots of nice wheels out there that would transform the poor factory fit wheelset, from Zondas at about £250 to Dura Ace C50s on sale at Wiggle for a grand. Planet X has decent deals on their own brand carbon clinchers to get everything one-stop.
ukstaff20 in the discount code box will take 20% off the price of anything at PlanetX, not sure if it's official so use at your own risk.http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXRT57FORCE22/plane...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXNANORIV22/planet-...
With that budget I'd likely buy either of these and spend the difference on wheels. Personally, I'd take the RT-57 at the sale price, then drop some very nice wheels on.
There are lots of nice wheels out there that would transform the poor factory fit wheelset, from Zondas at about £250 to Dura Ace C50s on sale at Wiggle for a grand. Planet X has decent deals on their own brand carbon clinchers to get everything one-stop.
Good to see you are not afraid of direct sales, if the Canyon doesnt do it for you, consider the Cervelo R2, its the same frame as the R3 albeit with a different fork which has greater tyre clearance. The 3T fork on the R3 was super tight for 25mm tyres so they addressed this. Its a good mix of 105 and FSA drivetrain, 3T finishing kit. Overall its the most sensible option, the R3 frame is legendary and is where the bulk of the money is, just check out the cost of the frameset alone. This means you have a great basis for upgrading. Dont fall for the average frame with shiny groupsets, go for the high end frame and replace parts as and when you need to and it wont be long before you end up with the superior overall bike.
If a 54cm will fit you, this is a bargain http://www.slanecycles.com/cervelo-s2-bike-shimano...
If a 54cm will fit you, this is a bargain http://www.slanecycles.com/cervelo-s2-bike-shimano...
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 11th February 11:42
Those planet x bikes look great VFM and I am almost pulling the trigger on one, but imo they look more focused racing machines, rather than slightly relaxed "sportive" geometry.
The RT-58: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ULT6800/plane... is more relaxed/comfy
Or the Canyon Endurance range
The RT-58: http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ULT6800/plane... is more relaxed/comfy
Or the Canyon Endurance range
Interestingly (for me!) I'm in the exact same boat as the OP, except heading to the show on Friday.
I've been steered away from the Planet-X/Ribble bikes as the frames whilst Carbon are not the best quality and apparently there are finish/alignment issues. Yes you get the bells and whistles in terms of groupset, but it can be a bit of lipstick on a pig syndrome?
Similarly, if you then look at the likes of the Cervelo and spend 2K, are you getting a high end frame (and brand marketing?) but then suffer groupset wise with just 105 components and heavy wheels?
I guess the trick is to find the middle ground somewhere.
For what it is worth, my current short list has the Rose CGF 3100 with Di2, the Bianchi Sempre Pro Ultegra, a 2014 Argon 18 Krypton Ultegra and the new Mekk Primo 6.2.
Hoping to have a look at them at the show - particularly the Rose which is my current favourite.
I've been steered away from the Planet-X/Ribble bikes as the frames whilst Carbon are not the best quality and apparently there are finish/alignment issues. Yes you get the bells and whistles in terms of groupset, but it can be a bit of lipstick on a pig syndrome?
Similarly, if you then look at the likes of the Cervelo and spend 2K, are you getting a high end frame (and brand marketing?) but then suffer groupset wise with just 105 components and heavy wheels?
I guess the trick is to find the middle ground somewhere.
For what it is worth, my current short list has the Rose CGF 3100 with Di2, the Bianchi Sempre Pro Ultegra, a 2014 Argon 18 Krypton Ultegra and the new Mekk Primo 6.2.
Hoping to have a look at them at the show - particularly the Rose which is my current favourite.
pablo said:
Good to see you are not afraid of direct sales, if the Canyon doesnt do it for you, consider the Cervelo R2, its the same frame as the R3 albeit with a different fork which has greater tyre clearance. The 3T fork on the R3 was super tight for 25mm tyres so they addressed this. Its a good mix of 105 and FSA drivetrain, 3T finishing kit. Overall its the most sensible option, the R3 frame is legendary and is where the bulk of the money is, just check out the cost of the frameset alone. This means you have a great basis for upgrading. Dont fall for the average frame with shiny groupsets, go for the high end frame and replace parts as and when you need to and it wont be long before you end up with the superior overall bike.
If a 54cm will fit you, this is a bargain http://www.slanecycles.com/cervelo-s2-bike-shimano...
As usual Pablo is correct, lovely lovely frame set that will be all you'll ever need. If a 54cm will fit you, this is a bargain http://www.slanecycles.com/cervelo-s2-bike-shimano...
Edited by pablo on Wednesday 11th February 11:42
Isn't that RT57 frameset quite old now? Hence the mega package deals.
Thanks for the replies, all food for thought.
The Cervelo looks fantastic, but I feel it may be a step too far for me, what I don't want to do is buy something that I'm put off riding due to severe position (although that doesn't look too severe?)
Rose CGf with Di2 was also on my shortlist to look at, as is the CDX with Di2 if there is a cheeky discount at the show (although I doubt it) need to sit on a few to make my mind up.
The only issue with Rose is that being a bit of a magpie, they don't look as nice as some others - maybe better in the flesh though. Certainly not a deal breaker and I'm happy with distance buying if I can sit on one first.
The Cervelo looks fantastic, but I feel it may be a step too far for me, what I don't want to do is buy something that I'm put off riding due to severe position (although that doesn't look too severe?)
Rose CGf with Di2 was also on my shortlist to look at, as is the CDX with Di2 if there is a cheeky discount at the show (although I doubt it) need to sit on a few to make my mind up.
The only issue with Rose is that being a bit of a magpie, they don't look as nice as some others - maybe better in the flesh though. Certainly not a deal breaker and I'm happy with distance buying if I can sit on one first.
Matt_N said:
As usual Pablo is correct, lovely lovely frame set that will be all you'll ever need.
Isn't that RT57 frameset quite old now? Hence the mega package deals.
I don't know if it's quite old but it's been updated at some point with internal cable routing. Also appears to be Di2 ready (not that mine will ever see a Di2 groupset). It's a bargain in my eyes, I pondered which bike for months before settling on it.Isn't that RT57 frameset quite old now? Hence the mega package deals.
I bought a Cannondale Synapse Ultegra three weeks ago. Been riding mountain bikes for ten years and wanted something for sportives, road rides and general fitness training. I'm amazed at how comfortable it feels. There are a lot of hills near me so the low gearing suits me for now. Only been out on half-a-dozen 2-3 hour rides but it's such a pleasure to pedal. Had a decent bike fitting and so far no numbness or new twinges to distract me. My last road bike was a right old bone-shaker and I part-exchanged it soon after.
No doubt I could have got something with a better spec / frame / components etc but I also simply loved the colour. Reminded me of my first ever 'racer', a Carlton Pro-Am, back in the late 70s. It is all about colour, right?
No doubt I could have got something with a better spec / frame / components etc but I also simply loved the colour. Reminded me of my first ever 'racer', a Carlton Pro-Am, back in the late 70s. It is all about colour, right?
This topic has been covered before and at this price point. It's certainly been covered on bike radar forums.
I have a planet X and I really like it. However, at £2k you have a lot of choice especially from the main stream manufacturers such as specialised and Giant. The Giant TCRs are excellent bikes.
The main issues with planet X are the customer service, local availability and the finishing kit.
I am slowly replacing all the finishing kit on my planet x. I tried buying a ex demo frame from planet x in the summer of last year. That went really well....not.
I agree with what others have said about buying at RT-57 and throwing some decent wheels at it and away you go. Maybe look at their new nano light too? I've seen one in the flesh and it's a decent looking bike Nd feels quite light.
Di2 isnt impossible at £2k. Westbrook cycles are offering a Scott CR-1 frame with Di2 kit for around £1200 which gives you change for some decent wheels and finishing kit
!
I have a planet X and I really like it. However, at £2k you have a lot of choice especially from the main stream manufacturers such as specialised and Giant. The Giant TCRs are excellent bikes.
The main issues with planet X are the customer service, local availability and the finishing kit.
I am slowly replacing all the finishing kit on my planet x. I tried buying a ex demo frame from planet x in the summer of last year. That went really well....not.
I agree with what others have said about buying at RT-57 and throwing some decent wheels at it and away you go. Maybe look at their new nano light too? I've seen one in the flesh and it's a decent looking bike Nd feels quite light.
Di2 isnt impossible at £2k. Westbrook cycles are offering a Scott CR-1 frame with Di2 kit for around £1200 which gives you change for some decent wheels and finishing kit
!Can't comment on their road bikes but I'd echo the sentiments regarding Planet X customer service. I bought a 456 Evo steel hardtail MTB from them and whilst it's an excellent bike and a riot to ride their customer service & communication was shocking. Was like pinging a credit card order into a black hole and hoping for the best 
Felt do a nice looking sportive bike with discs for £2k, it's in one of the mags.
I'm going to the show tomorrow, looking for something a bit more racy but nearer 1500. Struggling seeing beyond a Propel, like the fact they look a bit different.
Have you looked at Orro, Dolan or Aprire? Beacon fell too.
I'm going to the show tomorrow, looking for something a bit more racy but nearer 1500. Struggling seeing beyond a Propel, like the fact they look a bit different.
Have you looked at Orro, Dolan or Aprire? Beacon fell too.
j00pY said:
...I am in the market for a 2015 supersix 105. All prices on the web seem to be fixed to £1500.
I believe the Cannondale distributors discourage stores advertising discounted prices on current year stock. 10% off (or 10% worth of accessories) is often available for the asking though.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff