First road bike since childhood, help required please

[brissleboy]

So, my fellow work directors and I have decided to enter a team for this:

http://www.actionforcharity.co.uk/eventdetailsnew2...

Unfortunately though, I haven't had a bike for many years so this seems like a good enough reason to go get one... trouble is, I know very little about road bikes and the amount of choice/options/brands out there seems a little daunting for a novice like me.

So, the purchase will be via the Company C2W scheme that I believe has a £1k limit and this is what I have learnt so far:

1) Shimano 105; and
2) Good aluminium frame better than a cheap carbon one
3) Brands to look at: Felt, Ribble, Cannondale...

Any help would be much appreciated

Thanks in advance!

[nammynake]

Don't get hung up on 105 groupset - the new Sora and Tiagra are more than adequate. Loads of options for that budget - this question is asked (and answered) weekly so using search function will throw up loads of good advice.

[jamiebae]

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/sportive/...

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/road/sportive/...

I'd look at both of these, I have a Volant and it's a really nicely finished bike, and a bit of a change to the usual over-styled offerings from the big brands who seem to want their alu bikes to look like they're made of carbon.

The Equilibrium is a good year-round prospect, with mudguard eyelets and a more relaxed riding position so depending on what your priorities are it's also worth a look.

If you're just starting out I'd also look to budget for a bigger cassette (and maybe a med-long cage rear mech too) which will make the climbs a lot easier. I'd say a 28 tooth is a minimum, 30 or even 32 would make it easier still.

[yellowjack]

Merida Ride Alloy 94 will get you a good (6066) hydroformed Aluminium frame, internal cable routing, and most of a 105 group (less brakes) with compact chainset and what looks like a hill-friendly 12-30 cassette, all for RRP £999.99

It's available in White with Blue/Black accents, or in 'Team Lampre Merida' colours...

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Ride-Alloy-94-2014-...

http://www.cyclesuk.com/10495896/products/merida-r...

Review here... http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/...

Drawbacks? A bit 'hefty' at 9.2 kg, and the wheels and brakes bring it down a bit overall. Highlights? You're buying from the manufacturer. Merida make all their own bikes in their own factory, alongside making bikes for other brands, so some of it's competitors will be made in the same factory. Oh, and the full carbon fibre fork, and carbon fibre seatpost, both of which take the sting out of the reputation of Aluminium frames for being 'unforgiving' on longer rides.

I had it's predecessor, the Merida Road-Race, in 905 (Ultegra) flavour, and until it got damaged by a van (along with my shoulder) I regarded it as very much a "keeper".

[caterhamboy]

If you've got a decathlon near by this is well worth a look. 8.9kgs, 105 gears and brakes and yours for £749 and 2 yr warranty on parts and 5 yrs on frame.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8...

[PedroB]

A little early to fully endorse it yet but I picked up a Cube Peleton Race today on the C2W scheme, it was £999. Ali frame, carbon fork, Full 105 setup including the cranks. Nice Mavic wheelset too.

Edit: It is a cracking looking thing IMO too: http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/peloton/pelo...

[TheLemming]

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_team_carbon...

Boardman Road Team Carbon - The various discounts work with CTW vouchers and means it's closer to £800.
Which leaves space for pedals, shoes, helmet, gloves, bibs, jersey...


8.6 kg, largely tiagra kit and a well regarded carbon frame.
Bit of a bargain that one.

[brissleboy]

Thanks for all the help chaps, really appreciate it, buying cars is so much easier!!

[brissleboy]

PedroB said:

A little early to fully endorse it yet but I picked up a Cube Peleton Race today on the C2W scheme, it was £999. Ali frame, carbon fork, Full 105 setup including the cranks. Nice Mavic wheelset too.

Edit: It is a cracking looking thing IMO too: http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/peloton/pelo...

I like that. A lot.

[jamiebae]

Basically, everyone is recommending what they have themselves

There are very few bad bikes at the £1k price point, just make sure it fits properly and you like the look of it

[esuuv]

Seriously - is Pistonheads broken?

OP said "director" how is anything less than a Dogma F8 going to be suitable?

[TheLemming]

http://road.cc/content/review/123955-verenti-insig...

Review today on road.cc

Looks like a total bargain tbh and reviewed very well.

[jamiebae]

TheLemming said:

http://road.cc/content/review/123955-verenti-insig...

Review today on road.cc

Looks like a total bargain tbh and reviewed very well.

Wiggle own brand - made by Ridley so a decent bike.

Can you get C2W bikes from Wiggle though?

[anonymous-user]

As much as I say it doesnt really matter, you sound as if you would be better swinging a leg over something so pop to Evans or a local big retailer and have a look around. Once you get an idea as to what frame size you are looking for, you can then find a better, more customer centric, local shop who can adjust components such as stem as necessary to get a better fit. Think of it like buying an off the peg suit then getting the trousers taken in rather than going to a tailors and getting a made to measure suit.

Boardmans are tremendous bikes for the money and I loved mine. You can do a lot worse for the money. The geometry is a subtle blend between comfort and "a bit more racier" and the spec is usually pretty good. they used to be referred to as "racers" for a reason, I cant stand the current trend of sit up and beg road bikes usually seen plodding along at 15 kmh....

[JEA1K]

PedroB said:

A little early to fully endorse it yet but I picked up a Cube Peleton Race today on the C2W scheme, it was £999. Ali frame, carbon fork, Full 105 setup including the cranks. Nice Mavic wheelset too.

Edit: It is a cracking looking thing IMO too: http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/peloton/pelo...

I concur. My Mrs got one of these in October ... but in red, white and blue. http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/peloton/pelo...

[Gizmoish]

caterhamboy said:

If you've got a decathlon near by this is well worth a look. 8.9kgs, 105 gears and brakes and yours for £749 and 2 yr warranty on parts and 5 yrs on frame.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8...

That really is a corking spec for the money. I wish Decathlon wouldn't write so much crap all over their bikes and their welds are usually a bit 'industrial', but in pure value terms, awesome.

[Daveyraveygravey]

Check out PlanetX - do a great carbon machine for £1k. Also look at Canyon and Rose - online only but big value. Sensa bikes sold by Merlin cycles got good reviews last year.
Or wait til late September/October when last year's bikes drop in price.
Or trawl eBay and get a used bargain - my bike is a £500 special but I love it.
Sounds like you haven't been on a bike for a while so maybe don't go mad now. In a year's time you'll either love it and will have a much better of what you like and floats your boat, or you'll realise it isn't for you and that thing gathering dust in the garage only cost you £500 not a big fat grand.