Road Bike Suggestions

[wobert]

As a reasonably seasoned MTBer I've decided to sample the "dark side" of the roadie world by signing up to the Gran Fondo Conwy next April, opting for the full 104 mile Mawr circuit.

Alas I have no bike on which to do this, so using the n+1 principle I've spoken to my Financial Director to allocate some funds to allow a purchase to be made...... :-)

Budgeting around £800.

The roadie world seems to be awash with competing brands and TBH I'm just a little confused.

I've been to my LBS (shops) and have a number of potential bikes that would be suitable for the budget.

Trek and Specialized Allez Elite are the ones that have been recommended, and I've taken a look, but not sat on Ribble and Planet X options too.

Intend to use the bike for weekly / weekend rides plus the odd sportive too.

Just looking for some feedback on the above or whether there are any other options out there for the money?

Thanks,

Robert

[wobert]

Risotto said:

Have you taken a look at the thread about the £399 carbon framed Ventura? Good value for money and there would be plenty left in your budget for upgrades...

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=143...

Edited by Risotto on Tuesday 19th August 20:48

Yes, I've been following that thread......

[wobert]

jamiebae said:

Biased 'I have one' opinion - a Genesis Volant is an interesting left field pick, you might find a reduced 2014 model with Tiagra for that price and to me it looks way nicer than most of the competition.

That's not one I'd considered, looks interesting.

Whilst the Specialized is a decent spec for the money, the "left-field" idea sits well with me. My MTB is an Orange P7, so buying British is the norm for me (I'm on my second Orange!)

[wobert]

Went and had a sit on a 56cm Volant and was quite taken with it.

I also had the chance to try an equivalent Scott and Cube Peloton, all pretty good.

Ended up biting the bullet on the Volant 20 for £660 after a bit of haggling, which I think is pretty reasonable for full Tiagra ( including crankset and brakes).

Pick it up next Friday :-) !