Full carbon road bike with Shimano 105 £850

[griffter]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mach-700-carbon-road-bi...

What do we think?

[griffter]

Thanks for views.

Well I've taken the plunge. Moving up from a 12 speed with downtube shifters (ok, via one of decathlon's finest red triban 300s) I'm expecting this to feel like it's from 50 years in the future. I'm also ditching the toeclips (at least on this and the triban).

It all started with the "full carbon for less than £400" a few months ago... (which I missed out on).

[griffter]

I know what you mean about the frames ( ironically they look like they are from "the planet X"!), but that was part of the appeal. I like the traditional horizontal top tube and racier geometry over the triban. The blurb I've read suggests it's not built for comfort, and so should sit along side the triban nicely. My triban is a (large, comfort-oriented) 62 so I went for a 59 with the 700.

Planet X looks good too but geometry more similar to triban?

[griffter]

It's arrived. All I've done so far is take out of the box to check for damage. Bear in mind my frames of reference are an '89 531-framed bitsa and a '12 triban 300.

First impression is WOW. Frame is indeed from outer space. Good quality, flawless finish and beautiful detailing in the flesh. Finishing kit and groupset (actually it's nota 105 crank) match the bike well. Internal cable routing is neat.

Only criticism so far is downright stupid packaging of shoes, cleats and a puffa jacket (unprotected) in the bike box. Could easily have ended up with damage.

I'll try and build it tonight.