Help me decide which one?

[Marky Boy]

Apologies as I know this has been done to death. Anyway after reading various other threads on £1k I have come down to these 3 challengers.

Focus Cayo 150 Ltd

Comes in at £880 with discount. Looks like an awesome bargain to me and has pretty good reviews.

Planet X pro carbon rival

Comes in at £999. Looks pretty with it's carbon weave and is pretty light, but is it worth an extra £120 for Sram rival?

Cannondale CAAD8 105

Also £999. Cannondales experience in frame building. Though it seems expensive for an aluminium frame to me when compared with the above. Would I just be paying for the name?

All comments welcome. The bike will be used mostly for jaunts into the hills at weekends as I live in the Scottish Highlands. I'm erring towards the Focus, but just wanted some informed opinion before I commit.

Thanks

[Marky Boy]

That is pretty much how I was thinking about it. The Focus certainly looks a better deal to be honest as at that price I can get pedals and a new helmet and still be under £1k.

I thought it might just be worth checking with the PH masses first though as I have been away from cycling for a few years and I'm not too sure what is what.

[Marky Boy]

jodypress said:

I don't think you can go wrong with either Focus or the Planet-X. Both good bikes for the money and have good after sales support (Wiggle and Planet-X).

Is it worth checking if there is much of a difference in the geometry? I know you get a trial period with Wiggle, unsure about Planet-X.

This is a bit I'm a rather unsure about. I haven't ridden a bike in about 5 years, and before that it was all off road stuff. So truth be told I'm not entirely sure what will fit me correctly in terms of geometry. I live at the opposite side of the country, or known universe going by delivery charges up here, so I can't pop into to try the bikes out. So I think this is going to be very much a suck it and see exercise.

I'm only 32 and average height 5'11 so I would assume most bikes would fit reasonably well with a little tweaking. I've emailed Wiggle and they have said if I send them my height and inseam they will advise which size to get.

As you rightly mention though, at least with wiggle/Focus if I find it doesn't fit I can send it back.

Anyway I'm now pretty decided on getting the Focus. Hopefully I should have it ordered tomorrow before I go crazy looking at bikes on the web and confusing myself.

[Marky Boy]

Agoogy said:

Running a similar thread a while back..I discounted the Focus because of it's finish...you may like it of course in which case there is little competition.
I then looked at Bottecchia Duello(on recommendation from TonyHetherington), Bianchi Via Nerone Tiagra from a mate and the Scott S40 I think it was...and The Caad8 because it's the default...

In the end it was the best shop that helped me...I got properly measured for body type size and then the bike manfacturer that fitted me was chosen...luckily that was Bianchi, which I can well imagie are trading on their name a bit at this level, it is a damn fine looking bike and once set up should be very comfy. The staff at AW in Reading know their stuff and aren't patronising...

I really really fancy the Bianchi Via Nirone also. Though I've read on other threads it seams to be over-priced for what it is.

Unfortunately there are no decent bike shops around here; so I'm going to have to order it online and take a chance.

[Marky Boy]

Thanks for all your input chaps.

Just to update this, I have now ordered the Focus. I did really fancy the Ribble but I felt that the Focus was better value as I could get the 20% off from Wiggle. So that allowed me to get a helmet and pedals under the magic £1k.

Anyhow, I'll be sure to post some pictures when it arrives so that others that have to make the same decision at this price point can have a look.

Cheers.