Which road bike circa £600?

Which road bike circa £600?

Author
Discussion

f13ldy

Original Poster:

1,432 posts

202 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
After finding out neither my company or that of the Mrs don't operate the Ride2Work scheme. My plan for a Bianchi is out the window.

So my budget is half of what it was at £600.

What's the best bike in this range? I've been looking at the Giant Defy. Specialized Allez (although my riding partner has one, so maybe not) and the Scott Speedster.

I'm gathering they are all much of muchness at this price range. But is one clearly better than another?


curlie467

7,650 posts

202 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
I do hear good stories about both the Giant and the Specialized, i suppose it may come down to personal preference and what you feel more comfortable on, it is you who has to ride it and not someone who recommends one over the other, try them for size and go from there.
I have just come through this dilemma but with mountain bikes, in the end i went with the bike that i thought suited me best for my budget, there were better `names` out there but the one i chose i felt most comfortable on and i think that is the most important thing in choosing a bike.

louiebaby

10,651 posts

192 months

Wednesday 2nd June 2010
quotequote all
Local bike shop + trying some '09 models = Win

Evans are doing a warehouse clearance online too. £600 should get you something comfortable, quick, and if you the change to a road bike won't be too much to write off in couple of years when you will appreciate a much better model.

Also, think about shoes and pedals in your budget if you don't have them.

(£500 for a bike and £100 for bits and bobs will still see you on a reasonable steed.)

f13ldy

Original Poster:

1,432 posts

202 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all
I had been trying to look online for 2009 bikes but being 5ft 9. Everything in my size range is sold out.

Going to have to find out where my local bike shop is. All I can think of is Evans and Cycles UK.

PH5121

1,964 posts

214 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all
I can recommend the Giant Defy in that price range. (I have just got a Defy 3 which is around that price).

Roman

2,031 posts

220 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all
Should be easy to find an 09 Raleigh Airlite fairly local in your size at a good price:
http://www.ashcycles.com/web/index.php?main_page=p...

Decathlon (store at Surrey Quays) with carbon rear + 20 speed Campag:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-3-54-57-728842...

Others would be the Boardman Comp (I think) for £650

All excellent for the money.

Or for less value but (for whatever reason) greater perceived 'mass market' brand appeal: Trek 1.2 or Bianchi Via Nirone 7

Justayellowbadge

37,057 posts

243 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all

okgo

38,102 posts

199 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all
god they look so sexy. I need one.

boolay

1,550 posts

239 months

Thursday 3rd June 2010
quotequote all
Defy 3.5. Bought one last month and very pleased. Go for the 3 if you're not too tight on budget