Which brand offers best value for money?

mckechan, April 14, 2012

At somepoint in the next 12 months, I am going to buy my first full on road bike. My budget will be approximately £1200-1500 and I am happy to go either side of that. What I will be looking for most is value for money.

What brand do you think offers the best value for money in this range?

I feel less fashionable brands (e.g., Raleigh) may be better, or is it always a case of you pay for what you get.

I would love to hear your opinions, especially if you can link to a couple of examples?

Thanks

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Road.cc bike forum

Having done the same in January with my first road bike, I went for Planet X. Chuffed to bits with it (RT-57), done everything I want it to do. Can't go wrong at their prices.

posted by Spud [38 posts] 14th April 2012 - 19:50

Great first budget. My first road bike was 500!

posted by Super Domestique [1115 posts] 14th April 2012 - 21:53

I want to get something that will feel that much quicker than my Boardman hybrid (which was £849. I don't actually have the money available (which is why I said within the next 12 months! )

posted by mckechan [72 posts] 14th April 2012 - 23:30

If you don't mind taking a punt on line then Canyon are worth considering. Carbon:

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2507

Alu:

http://www.canyon.com/_uk/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2504

Or possibly stick with Boardman if want something you can get your hands on before buying?

Rob

posted by robert.brady [112 posts] 15th April 2012 - 7:43

I'm looking at Dolan bikes ATM, seem bargainous...

posted by meehaja [25 posts] 15th April 2012 - 16:10

Dolan, for sure.

posted by Patrick1964 [35 posts] 15th April 2012 - 16:29

You're gonna get as many answers here as there are bikes I think.

If you are looking for value for money I'd certainly take a look at the german brand Cube.

They usually stick some sweets on their bikes that belong on models on a click or two above the designated price range.

posted by seabass89 [221 posts] 15th April 2012 - 17:44

This is great everyone. Several brands I have never heard of! Kepp 'em coming!

posted by mckechan [72 posts] 15th April 2012 - 20:14

I got a Fuji Team Pro, full Ultegra, Ksyrium Race, Conti tires, and a decent saddle for under 1400 quid. I think the nearest Trek with a similar spec was twice the amount.

posted by davecochrane [43 posts] 16th April 2012 - 2:01

Planet X will do you a carbon bike with SRAM Red for that price.

Felt or Focus would also provide good bang for your buck.

If the bicycle was invented tomorrow, it would be seen as the solution, not the problem

posted by notfastenough [1966 posts] 16th April 2012 - 9:29

Ribble are another one worth a look
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikebuilder.asp?action=showframes&sub=conf...

posted by joemmo [416 posts] 16th April 2012 - 13:25

What do you think of this deal from Wiggle on the Basso Laguna 105?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/basso-laguna-105-2011/

Seems like a really sexy bike, but is 105 a bit of a mid-range groupset for its original pricing?

posted by mckechan [72 posts] 21st May 2012 - 22:32

I don't know if you've read what I said on another post, but consider the Cervelo S1.

I know what you're thinking: A CERVELO!! VALUE FO MONEY?

But this bike is proper chopper. They were using them in the pro peleton in like 2006, and it's the cheapest bike you can buy that's had full on aero treatment in a Wind Tunnel.

So:

Frame, forks, headset and Seatpodt for £798.99 of the Tri Store
SRAM Apex or Rival off ribble for either £360 or £436
Planet X finishing kit, Stem, Bars, Saddle, tape for less than £100
Wheels, Shimano R501 for c. £80 off ribble.
Tyres, Schwalbe Ultremo R1s for £20 each.

That, dear reader, is a bargain.

Oh, and if anyone's interested, they're selling Ui2 on Ribble for a penny less than £800.

That, too, is a bargain.

Sir Velo

posted by Raleigh [1519 posts] 21st May 2012 - 22:40

There are some fab bikes listed and i would recommend looking at Ribble to create up your own special bike - my bro has one and it's lovely and smooth.

I, however, have a Felt bike. Not commonly mentioned as there aren't many suppliers in this country but Garmin used them before joining with Cervelo and £ for £ they are spot on.

Mine cost just under a grand.

Stumpy

posted by stumps [1561 posts] 21st May 2012 - 23:11

it depends what you class to be a bargain.

we had a planet-x in the other day which had dropouts that were so far out of alignment it was scary. that and the l/h dropout was too large so the axle moved inside of it.

i think the more mainstream seem better bets despite not getting the higher groupsets as they'll have a better quality of frame.

posted by mathewshotbolt [57 posts] 25th May 2012 - 8:34

Wow - that's not the kind of issue I thought would arise when robots are building them in a factory in the far east?

If the bicycle was invented tomorrow, it would be seen as the solution, not the problem

posted by notfastenough [1966 posts] 25th May 2012 - 8:53

Well, thank you for all your advice. In the end, I didn't take any of it and I've ordered my bike today, the 2011 Basso Laguna for £1320 (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/basso-laguna-105-2011/)

The only review I found was fairly mixed to be honest, but it was reviewing a £2.5k bike (ok that was with Ultegra, not 105), but I still think this will be good value for money.

I wasn't planning to get one so soon, but I have an interest free credit card that is interest free until next April and I just couldn't help it. I am really excited!

Even my girlfriend was supportive of me buying it now and she is quite keen for something made of Carbon for herself.