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£2,000... What would you recommend?

by Jamin78
Sat, Feb 25, 2017 07:53
25

I've been road cycling for only a year, so I got an old Dolan off ebay for £200, just to see if cycling was for me....Now after 3,000 miles I'm thinking it's time for a lovely new bike.

I've set my budget at £2,000...And I'm thinking of an Ultegra groupset and carbon...

Any thoughts between the Dolan Tuono, the Ribble Ultimate and the Merlin Nitro?

Or are they all pretty similar?

Thanks

James

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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25 comments

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peted76 | 7 years ago
0 likes

a few bike places have outlet's such as https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/clearance/  

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Steve7 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Hi matthewn5 I would stick with old dolan and buy me a bike,ha,ha.smiley

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allanj | 7 years ago
2 likes

Ultegra is very nice, but the latest 105 is pretty much indistinguishable in use, though a bit heavier.  I'd go for a good frame and wheels with 105 over something less good with ultegra any day

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newtonk | 7 years ago
0 likes

If you fancy something British built and you're in/near South London then have a look at this bargain:

http://www.gbcycles.co.uk/p/49993/Orro-Gold-Ultegra-Di2-Racing-3-Road-Bike

Not ridden one myself but the reviews seem very positive. 

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Jamin78 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Thanks arfa, very good point. I tend to sway towards 50 to 60 miles, in either the hills of the peak District, or the Cheshire plains. With the odd 70/80 mile ride thrown in.

My size and weight is a factor worth mentioning, as I'm only 5ft 5inches tall, and 68kgs. So I'm wondering whether I can get away with a more aggressive geometry and rim brakes.

In terms of weather, I don't mind going out in the wet, but I plan to keep my old Dolan as my winter bike.

Finally, my preference for Ultegra is purely based on how well my 15 year old Dolan still works! Perfect gear changes and decent braking!

Thanks again, all these replies are helping

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arfa | 7 years ago
1 like

Lots of advice here which could be spot on but you don't tell us what type of riding you want to do and this should be the biggest influencing factor in the replies.

For example, if you want an out and out sprinting bike (stiff, great for transmitting power under duress) a specialised venge or cannondale caad are both in budget.  If you wanted an endurance/long range bike, neither would be ideal and a roubaix or synapse would be good calls.

As for canyon, great bikes but delivery times appear a bit "flexible" and  think about after care, i.e. who will sort out any problems (which will come), you or someone locally.

Is there a nearby LBS/dealer able to service/repair your chosen bike ? I would lean towards them if so.

For me, ultegra is as much groupset as I need (the "marginal gains" of the superior groupsets aren't worth the outlay for the cycling i do).

Controversial I know but what type of weather are you going to be riding in ? If it is year round UK, discs should be considered for the money saved on not grinding your wheels away/braking consistency in crap weather. You have clearly racked up a few miles in short order and riding rim brakes through winter with decent mileage will see them ground down over a season or two.

For your budget, I would recommend my commuter which is an aluminium  cannondale CAAD12 with hydraulic discs. Why ? It is a lot of bang for buck, racy and responsive but it is  not something to go for really long rides on for me due to its more aggressive geometry. Granted it is not carbon but it doesn't flex as much when you put the power down. 

Anyway, if hou have specific riding plans/usage, let the forum know as this could change everything !

 

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allanj | 7 years ago
0 likes

Have a look for a 2015/2016 cervelo R2 (£1600) and get the wheels upgraded with your change- fantastic bike

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Griff500 | 7 years ago
2 likes

If you shop around, there are still some very good bargains on circa £2.5k 2016 models. At this price it is difficult to buy a bad bike, and blindfold, models from the major manufacturers are probably indistinguishable. How about a Scott Addict Ultegra, list price 2.5k, available for 1.8. Similarly Focus Cayo or Cube Attain. And don't believe that the advertised, discounted price is the end of the story. With two grand in your pocket, you have a lot of bargaining power.

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Daveyraveygravey | 7 years ago
0 likes

Have you got an Evans near you? If so, go and try a Cannondale Super Six and a Synapse, and maybe a CAAD. All great bikes, good value, and you've got one of the best "race" bikes and one of the best "sportive" bikes, and a one of the best ally bikes if you try the CAAD.
Then do some research and see if there's anything else out there that will give you more of a buzz, whether it's slightly better wheels, or kit, or 50 quid less, or a nicer paint job, or some frame detail you prefer.
I had about 2k to spend two years ago, did 6 months of research, and bought a Giant Propel because spec wise it was bang on the money, and to me it looked WAY better than anything else I could afford. Haven't ridden it since Thursday and I'm itching to get back on it.

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Jamin78 replied to Daveyraveygravey | 7 years ago
0 likes
Daveyraveygravey wrote:

Have you got an Evans near you? If so, go and try a Cannondale Super Six and a Synapse, and maybe a CAAD. All great bikes, good value, and you've got one of the best "race" bikes and one of the best "sportive" bikes, and a one of the best ally bikes if you try the CAAD.
Then do some research and see if there's anything else out there that will give you more of a buzz, whether it's slightly better wheels, or kit, or 50 quid less, or a nicer paint job, or some frame detail you prefer.
I had about 2k to spend two years ago, did 6 months of research, and bought a Giant Propel because spec wise it was bang on the money, and to me it looked WAY better than anything else I could afford. Haven't ridden it since Thursday and I'm itching to get back on it.

Are you following me? I was down at Evans at the NCC today, getting them to request a synapse and supersix in my size, to help me decide whether I want racy or endurance. I was knocked over by how helpful they were, and knowledge, even with me being pretty blunt about just doing some initial research. Top advice, Evans is a great place to start.

Avatar
Daveyraveygravey replied to Jamin78 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Jamin78 wrote:
Daveyraveygravey wrote:

Have you got an Evans near you? If so, go and try a Cannondale Super Six and a Synapse, and maybe a CAAD. All great bikes, good value, and you've got one of the best "race" bikes and one of the best "sportive" bikes, and a one of the best ally bikes if you try the CAAD. Then do some research and see if there's anything else out there that will give you more of a buzz, whether it's slightly better wheels, or kit, or 50 quid less, or a nicer paint job, or some frame detail you prefer. I had about 2k to spend two years ago, did 6 months of research, and bought a Giant Propel because spec wise it was bang on the money, and to me it looked WAY better than anything else I could afford. Haven't ridden it since Thursday and I'm itching to get back on it.

Are you following me? I was down at Evans at the NCC today, getting them to request a synapse and supersix in my size, to help me decide whether I want racy or endurance. I was knocked over by how helpful they were, and knowledge, even with me being pretty blunt about just doing some initial research. Top advice, Evans is a great place to start.

 

I don't know why they don't offer it as a paid for service, along the lines of give us fifty quid and we'll set you up on three bikes and you can ride them for half an hour each.  I'm sure it would help a lot of folks resolve some of the issues we all have when looking for a new bike.

I'm really not convinced this sportive/racy geometry has any meaning, at least for most of us.  If you're an unusual size or shape or have a back problem it might make sense, but I doubt any of us can tell the difference between half a degree angle here, 5 mm longer there, even half a kilo more or less.  The Propel is meant to be an aero bike so you probably wouldn't want to go on a long ride on it, but I did a 27 hour Everesting on mine.

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gonedownhill replied to Daveyraveygravey | 7 years ago
0 likes

Daveyraveygravey wrote:

Jamin78 wrote:
Daveyraveygravey wrote:

Have you got an Evans near you? If so, go and try a Cannondale Super Six and a Synapse, and maybe a CAAD. All great bikes, good value, and you've got one of the best "race" bikes and one of the best "sportive" bikes, and a one of the best ally bikes if you try the CAAD. Then do some research and see if there's anything else out there that will give you more of a buzz, whether it's slightly better wheels, or kit, or 50 quid less, or a nicer paint job, or some frame detail you prefer. I had about 2k to spend two years ago, did 6 months of research, and bought a Giant Propel because spec wise it was bang on the money, and to me it looked WAY better than anything else I could afford. Haven't ridden it since Thursday and I'm itching to get back on it.

Are you following me? I was down at Evans at the NCC today, getting them to request a synapse and supersix in my size, to help me decide whether I want racy or endurance. I was knocked over by how helpful they were, and knowledge, even with me being pretty blunt about just doing some initial research. Top advice, Evans is a great place to start.

I'm really not convinced this sportive/racy geometry has any meaning, at least for most of us.  If you're an unusual size or shape or have a back problem it might make sense, but I doubt any of us can tell the difference between half a degree angle here, 5 mm longer there, even half a kilo more or less.  The Propel is meant to be an aero bike so you probably wouldn't want to go on a long ride on it, but I did a 27 hour Everesting on mine.

 

I think you've maybe disqualified yourself from being in the majority by viture of having done an Everesting in 27 hours! That makes you an above average cyclist for certain, even if you don't think so.

Well done by the way!

 

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SingleSpeed | 7 years ago
1 like

Or the Emonda ALR a little harsher than the SL6 but a lighter framset than the Carbon and you can flog off the ultegra and put it towards Dura Ace for a similar price...

A little bit of a faff but a better bike for the money

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moorsey72 | 7 years ago
1 like

Trek Emonda SL6, I have the SL5 and it's a fantastic bike that has great stiffness for climbing but plenty comfortable for longer rides, got fantastic reviews with good reason.  It has an understated beauty about it (although mine is bright green )

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Jamin78 replied to moorsey72 | 7 years ago
0 likes
moorsey72 wrote:

Trek Emonda SL6, I have the SL5 and it's a fantastic bike that has great stiffness for climbing but plenty comfortable for longer rides, got fantastic reviews with good reason.  It has an understated beauty about it (although mine is bright green )

Great shout... It's definitely on the list, if I go more towards the racy side...

Thanks

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stomec | 7 years ago
1 like

Boardman SLR endurance 9.2 is 2k. Has some dura-ace if you want added bling. Good review recently in cycling weekly and may be delivered slightly sooner than the canyon. 

Got mine last month - loving it. Black and white colour scheme isn't too exciting but the ride is great. 

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Jamin78 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the advice, I need to do more research... Much appreciated

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matthewn5 replied to Jamin78 | 7 years ago
0 likes

Jamin78 wrote:

Thanks for the advice, I need to do more research... Much appreciated

With respect, don't 'do more research'. Go and test ride more bikes.

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drosco | 7 years ago
1 like

Canyon, as above.

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wycombewheeler | 7 years ago
3 likes

canyon endurace 9.0?

full ultegra, not ultegra with cheaper chainset/chain/brakes. £1950

7.0kg decent wheels

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Woodsman replied to wycombewheeler | 7 years ago
2 likes

wycombewheeler wrote:

canyon endurace 9.0? full ultegra, not ultegra with cheaper chainset/chain/brakes. £1950 7.0kg decent wheels

this!

 

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Jamin78 replied to Woodsman | 7 years ago
0 likes
Woodsman wrote:

wycombewheeler wrote:

canyon endurace 9.0? full ultegra, not ultegra with cheaper chainset/chain/brakes. £1950 7.0kg decent wheels

this!

 

The only thing putting me off Canyon is the online side, as this is my first new road bike purchase, I want to make sure the fit is right. Maybe I'll change my mind after I've been to a few more bike shops, and got a better sense of sizes and geometry. Though the canyon website tells me that I must have made an error when I enter my particulars, which is somewhat off putting and rude!

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mattydubster | 7 years ago
3 likes

Agree with above.  Great to get a 2016 model if you're lucky, and at a stupid low price.

 

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HalfWheeler | 7 years ago
2 likes

£1000 to £1500 will get you plenty of bike. Go for a 2016 model, they'll be reduced and get you more bang for your buck. Put the rest towards a cycling holiday somewhere awesome.

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Woldsman | 7 years ago
1 like

Giant TCR Advanced 1 2017 for £1699?  

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/tcr-advanced-1

Spend the change on some other goodies 1

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