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Re: Road Bike buying advice

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  • August 1, 2013 at 3:25 pm #19512
    virginracer

    I’m currently in the process of trying to choose a road bike.
    I used to ride MTB, and now have taken the decision to get fit again!

    My budget is £1000, (on the cycle2Work scheme) and i’m becoming increasingly confused on what’s good/bad and what to avoid!

    I would really appreciate some help/advice on what to get.
    Once i’ve gotten used to riding a road bike again, i will be (hopefully) putting a lot of miles on the bike, so want to make sure that i get it right first time (choosing the bike).

    I have looked at:
    Cube Peleton Race
    Felt Z85
    Mekk 1.5
    Scott Speedster 20

    I’ve been advised by friends to avoid Sora, make sure the bike has carbon forks, and try to get the best kit (frame aside) that you can.
    But, because i know so little (other than, that looks nice!) i have no idea if what i’m liking, is actually any good.
    I don’t care about bike envy, or the kudos it’ll generate (or not) just want to make a sound purchase and investment.
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Thanks

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Viewing 8 replies - 16 through 23 (of 23 total)
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  • August 1, 2013 at 8:20 pm #750507
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    Cycle_Jim

    I have a MEKK, its fantastic!
    I have a MEKK, its fantastic! Done about 2000 miles since easter. Joy to ride, fast and as trek have pointed out the frame is great so in time very upgradeable! My other choice was the canondale CAAD tiagra – both great bikes, mekk had a better deal.

    August 1, 2013 at 5:01 pm #750505
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    virginracer

    Thank you to
    Thank you to TrakBikesUk.

    Your final paragraph is outstanding advice, and if i’m honest the best advice i’ve received so far!

    Never really thought of it that way, and a great analogy!

    Seems i got caught up in the Sora/Tiagra/105 argument, then of course there was the bike envy, apparently some brands are “cooler” than others! Thankfully i didn’t buy into that, just got confused with the components etc!

    I’ve yet to look at your bikes, and i will.
    Thank you for your input.

    August 1, 2013 at 4:45 pm #750503
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    virginracer

    Thank you both for your
    Thank you both for your advice.

    BashTheBox, i’ll look at past threads and hopefully will get more ideas!

    Ricolek, I will google the Canyon and see what you’re so excited about!
    The cycle2Work scheme is another way of purchasing a bike, will help from your employer.

    When i’ve finally made a choice/decision i’ll post it here!
    And so the search goes on…!

    August 1, 2013 at 4:43 pm #750501
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    TrekBikesUK

    Hello! Clearly, I work for
    Hello! Clearly, I work for Trek, so that’s what I’m going to talk about.

    We’ve just introduced our new 1 Series bikes which have a redisigned frame for this year, and carbon forks. There are 3 models in the 1 Series, the most expensive of which is £875 (which leaves you some room for kit with Cyclescheme, if you need it).

    If what you want to spend is £1000 on the bike only, then that puts you into the Domane 2.0. There are several reviews available on this bike (this fine site reviewed the 2.3 which has the same frame: http://road.cc/content/news/73585-just-trek-domane-23). It’s pretty safe to say that the Domane is a bit of a game-changer.

    I would highly encourage you to take a couple of test rides, as the bikes already mentioned won’t fit you the same as others. Fit is absolutely essential.

    Also, please don’t be fooled into buying a bike based on the components. You want to invest your money in the best frame you can get. The components are the moving parts that will wear out and eventually need to be replaced. You can always upgrade them later on. There’s no point in having great furniture if your house isn’t built that well.

    Happy to answer any questions you have.

    August 1, 2013 at 4:16 pm #750499
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    jug_23

    Would recommend one of these
    Would recommend one of these (from this store too!):http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/Genesis_Equilibrium.html

    I got the 20, but the 10 looked great too. Hope that helps.

    August 1, 2013 at 4:13 pm #750497
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    bashthebox

    Oh yeah, the Canyon is lovely
    Oh yeah, the Canyon is lovely too. But seeing as it comes from Germany, I’ve a feeling you might struggle with the cyclescheme.

    August 1, 2013 at 3:54 pm #750495
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    ricolek

    Gonna go again and recommend
    Gonna go again and recommend Canyon Roadlite 6.0 AL, which I own. Sports a Shimano 105 set, weighs 8,15 kg, has carbon fork, can’t fault my choice so far.

    Not being from UK, I don’t know about the cycle2work scheme though, what that even means haha.

    August 1, 2013 at 3:48 pm #750493
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    bashthebox

    Have a look at PlanetX and
    Have a look at PlanetX and Boardman, maybe Ribble too – they all make bikes for that £1k cycle scheme budget. There’s a good few threads lurking with similar questions too, so have a browse through past pages on this forum.
    It’s really intimidatingly complicated, getting into road bikes, but the more you ride with people and endlessly discuss groupsets and gear ratios, the more you will know. It’s endless geeky fun!

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