Here's my mates thoughts, based on the bikes already suggested on this thread(he's based in Beverley, hence the hills comment): My humble opinion is that they are pretty much all the same, stay away from triples -(three cogs at the front) and I would suggest a 34 - 52 tooth (compact chainring at the front) good for the hills around here, they are heavier and weight is the all important factor. Basic rule is you get what you pay for so pay as much as you can, because if you get the hook you will want to upgrade, although what people often do is buy an entry level first bike which then gets relegated to a winter bike when they buy something a little better for summer riding. Entry level top end bikes which are great value are Planet X based over in Doncaster: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPGRFN/planet_x_pro_carbon_gran_fondo_road_bike The differnce a carbon frame makes would be massive compared to the bikes on the list - plus resale value is also good is its looked after. Size and comfort are more important than brands but probably the giant or orbea for me. Last thing support your local bike shop is a common term used in cycling as there is always a danger that they will disappear due to online sites.
cheers Lambo. I've drifted from Giant, to Boardman because of the greater range on the Boardman's rear casette now with your mates opinion I'll have to ponder again. With a fe obvious caveats, I do agree with the using the local bike store.
DMD, Last Saturday I took the plunge and bought a Giant Defy 0 (alu frame with Ultegra group set). Awesome! If you can't find it check out the Defy 1. Cracking reviews with particular mention of the exceptional frame and group set. A brilliant road bike for a newbie. I developed OCD about researching this purchase. Cycling friends have said you will find it difficult to get a better bike at this price point. Please PM me if you want any further info. MoH
Cheers Mingo. I'm normally decisive. I've dithered less buying cars and houses, but for some reason bikes make me ponder. I was the same last year choosing the hybrid (which sometimes became choosing a road bike). I was like a woman shopping, right around the houses and back to my first choice. That was a Giant and I'm really happy with my decision there.
DMD I bought my bike from Pedal On. I live within 40 minutes of their shop in Tadley so had the advantage of going and trying first. Staff (Simon) was brilliant; actually talked me out of spending more money on a CAAD 10. Plus, they operate a scheme called podium points which will allow you to buy over £200 worth of cycling gear (free). I got an additional military discount as well. The Defy 0 is a european spec model that is not freely available in the Uk and, better still, is NOT white! Just got in from a 15 mile ride. My gear selection is really working the Ultegra group set! Lost my chain once but hey I am still learning MoH
My pedals were £150 - more stupidly priced here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-dura-ace-pd-7900-spd-sl-carbon-road-pedals/ The frame was more than some cars, and the Sram red groupset is a grand new (although I got it for a lot less. Claim to fame is that I bought the frame off Davina McCallls hubby. Something you are all missing - Cycle to work is just a tax break that let's you avoid VAT (sometimes) and income tax as you pay from your pre taxed earnings. The "schemes" are in fact profit making businesses that facilitate the purchase, and they usually tie you to one set of stores. Halfords has its own scheme, so you can only buy their bikes if your work are in that one! You need to check which shops are part of your scheme. £1k is a competative price bracket due to the schemes, so there are few "dogs" at that price. Planet X can get you a storming deal as they buy bulk and cut out the middleman. If you get the bug - you will soon be doubling the budget and getting another anyway. I spent that on clothes! I'd go for a cheap titanium from PX - you can do what you like to them and they bounce back. No paint to chip. Mine handles crappy winters easily and the shiny carbon Cento Uno only comes out in dry sun! Be careful - cycling threads can get like a c@ck contest - who has the biggest and blingest. I had a 10 year savings scheme pay out and I treated myself - built a bike for not much over £2k that retails for over 6 grand. A lot of luck and getting the right bits off fools who buy bikes then never use them. And I worked hard for 10 years to have the cash to treat myself on something that actually keeps me fit. It has done a fair few mountains abroad already. Expensive hobby - the gear is way overpriced too.
tee hee He sold me a new frame (used twice) just because a few weeks after he got the bike equipped with electronic gearing, Wilier released the identical model with internal routing for Di2 wiring. Expensive upgrade - £2.7k for a few internal tubes! Sure he can afford it. Also - more people you ask, the more conflicting advice you get.
Nothing wrong with Aluminium Alloy bikes , seems everybody wants carbon these days though Can't argue with most of the advice , you want compact gears 50-34 front , something like 12-27 rear and you will have no problem with hills around here , most important of all make sure the bike is the right size for you
