Read lots but more confused!? (big guy)

Haha, yeah I sold it - probably for less than it was worth, but I did sell it off season and wanted to get a more appropriate winter bike. I ended up getting a trek 5400 for a steal... alas it's even less appropriate a winter bike, but I'm an idiot so it doesn't matter.

The Baracchi's a more relaxed sportive frame - quite comfy, but if you stand up and put power through it, you can feel it flex. It also wallows when descending or taking corners fast, which isn't great news for a slightly nervy handler like me.

Despite all that,I loved the bike and was sorry to see it go. I do follow the new owner on Strava though, and am content in the knowledge that the bike's getting ridden properly.

Picking up on the 'weight of the bike' point, I'd go so far to say it should be a concern, - but not in the way you think - you should specifically AVOID super light bikes.

Possibly I am being unduly cautious but its based on my recent experience of having several aluminium bikes break on me. I am also big, having gone from over 16 St to under 14, but at 6'2 I'll never be a whippet. As such, I've opted for titanium, which is heavier than equivalent priced carbon and aluminium, but is certainly strong, with a decent warranty as well.

I'm 6.2 weigh 15.7 and have a canyon SLX with Camp Record its a great bike. Super Stiff with decent running gear. I would/will buy another. I have an entry level Willer as well, good bike but you get pretty basic gear with the Frame.
The only thing I'd do different next time is drop, the Canyon, straight into a bike shop and get it stripped and regreased as they were a bit stingy on that front. And maybe go for Dura Ace spec one as alot of shops " Don't touch Campag Mate"

I'd go against that advice. Condor make lovely things, but my oh my that's an expensive route for your first bike. And this is coming from someone who did go down that exact route!

If you're looking at a £2500 top budget then I'd suggest a trip to Condor. Ask them what a 105 build on a Squadra frame would be and I suspect you'll be in budget (I'd also look at the Super Acciaio if you can).

The Canyon etc will be cheaper but for your first bike, especially if you're spending a lot I'd really recommend going to a shop and focussing on getting the fit right, it makes all the difference.

Also worth considering that if you get really stuck in to it and 2 years later find yourself a stick thin racer type then you'll need to change your geometry again anyway as your core will be stronger, your flexability better etc. The same person riding 3k per year and looking at sportives has very different needs than if they are an 8k per year 2nd Cat racer.

I went with carbon for first bike, and less than 2 years later am hankering after something really swish that is precisely what I'm looking for, rather than the current one which is merely 'fine'. I should have:

1. Gone for alu so I could keep this as a winter bike.
2. Kept the budget at maybe £800, letting the missus know that I would be spending more in time.
3. Good aluminium is better than cheap carbon, and that's the space you're in at under £1.2k-ish.
4. Over the coming 12-24 months you will change. Flexibility, riding position, riding style, body weight, pedaling style, joining a club, getting faster, going further, preferences of stiffness/comfort and how they are affected by slight changes in components/clothing/position, discovering you can/can't climb/sprint/descend/power along on the flat. Or even (heaven forbid) deciding that you're not that keen after all (burn the witch! ) All these will affect what kind of bike you *really* want.

All this is before you've ended up buying clothing and kit for different weather. Summer base layers/jersey/ shorts/socks/gloves, winter base layers/jersey/jacket/gilet/tights/socks/overshoes/gloves/liner gloves, pedals, shoes, eyewear, helmet, helmet liner, track pump, little saddle bag with tools, home toolkit, turbo trainer, sufferfest videos, workstand, GPS device, diamond ring to keep the death stare off the wife's face... you get the idea!

Oh and don't forget you'll also have maintenance costs. Maybe twice a year I end up with new tyres/tubes/bar tape/more cleaning products etc, plus at least an annual service off the club mechanic.

Above all, though, have fun. The freedom and the scenery, and the combination of sociable clubmates, fitness, fresh air, techie kit and gadgets can't be beat!

Genuinely not trying to be rude here, but at this stage, the weight of the bike should not really be much concern to you.

By your own admission, you are a big fella and will make up for over 90% of the rider+bike weight.

Best thing to do is pick the bike that fits you best. If it is comfy, you will be more inclined to get the miles in and get the weight down. That will make a huge difference.

If I was you, I would not spend a great deal just now. If you spend 600 - 1000, you will find it very difficult to get a bad bike. Even the basic Shimano 2300 groupset is actually really good. That's what i use on my commute - 200 miles a week in all weathers and it never misses a beat. £600 would get you on a nice frame with either 2300 or sora with a strong and reliable set of wheels. Good shout on the SPD.

Why not set yourself a target weight and use the promise of a lighter, racier machine as a motivational tool?

Good luck on the search.

Spend as much as you can afford and keep on riding. I don't think that you can go wrong with the Van Nic, I have one and love it. I have mates with Canyons and Wiliers and they all rate them very highly indeed. I think that you know that you'd like a really well specced bike and you're planning on doing a lot of riding on it. What's stopping you? Go out and get one and get riding!
As you are London based, SPD pedals make sense, you could wreck road cleats just with the constant unclip and foot down that you have to do to escape the big smoke. I like the single sided A600 but you may prefer double sided for ease of use in the city. I'd watch for toe overlap too, it doesn't matter at all on the open road but it is a pain navigating through traffic.
150+ miles a week will see that weight flying off you. Good luck on all your cycling adventures.

Buy an expensive bike and enjoy it.

Simple answer is don't rush it...really, if you're thinking of spending £2.5k + make sure that you're getting the bike that is right for you.

Just from taking a quick scan through your mail, you've got both ends of the Specialized spectrum in there; super stiff sprinter's special (Venge, as ridden by Cav et al.) with a fairly harsh ride and aggressive geometry and, at the other end, the Roubaix, designed for the cobbled Spring Classics, with much more relaxed geometry and a more compliant ride. Just check out the thickness of the seat stays on each and that will tell you a lot about the bike's intended purpose.

To save you making a costly error, why not shorten the list a little, lay down a £50 deposit for a 48hr test ride (on a Giant Defy Advanced? [highly rated bike, full Ultegra, good finishing kit, fits somewhere in the middle of the earlier mention spectrum]) and that way you will know for sure if you like it.

You could schedule the test ride for April 28th

Deposit is refunded if you buy the bike. I know Giant and Spesh offer this; not sure about the others.

Stop reading and start riding; 'tis the only way you'll know for sure

I had a Grand Turismo. Rode Lejog on it and Flanders. Great bike, very comfy but the standard seat clamp kept cracking. 3 replaced under warranty. You said you're heavy so something to watch out for. I eventually bought a cheap double BMX type clamp for it.
Oh, watch out for Fulcrum 5's bearings if the GT is still equipped with those?- un-greased and not sealed so soon seize in wet weather.

Spend £3k at Canyon and make us all jealous. You won't regret it. Your wife might.

buy something that is the right size for you.

All of these bikes may not necessarily be the same size and some may not work well for a guy of your size.

Start with the geometry and go from there.

I just bought a PlanetX pro carbon SRAM Rival for £1k.

I was in the same boat as you albeit have upgraded from a hybrid. Best value for money given the group set and I'll upgrade the wheels in a year...

Deffo worth a look