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De rosa r838 2015 ultegra or cube litening c:62 2016

by Marvin3635
Wed, Oct 28, 2015 16:55
8

I've cycled to work for 15 years and I'm currently in Majorca where I go twice a year hiring a road bike with my 2 sons. I'm 40 this year and finally treating myself to a road bike (I've wanted one since I was 16 but the time was never right). I have these 2 bikes in mind and happy to spend 2k, please advise on the pros and cons of each bike if you have the time and I am open to any other suggestions at the price point. I want a bike with full ultegra and do not want disk brakes. I am a golfer and really don't understand enough about the quality of frame argument over cheaper components.

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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8 comments

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gmehje1 | 9 years ago
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Hi,

I have the older CUBE LITENING SUPER HPC PRO COMPACT 2013 BIKE - very very good. Light, responsive, full Ultegra. Slight amount of road buzz. Put a Canyon VCLS seatpost on: http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/components/seat-post-seat-pi... and some upgraded wheels. All you would ever need really (unless you want di2 of course).

 

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Marvin3635 | 9 years ago
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Hi Martyn, we've hired a specialised Tarmac ultegra which I have enjoyed. I take sport quite serious (play golf off plus 1 and run marathons) so want a bike that I will grow into and meet my future needs, I envisage upgrading the wheels but don't want to buy another bike too soon. I would love to build my own bike but accept my limitations. Thanks the input.

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Marvin3635 | 9 years ago
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Hi Martyn, we've hired a specialised Tarmac ultegra which I have enjoyed. I take sport quite serious (play golf off plus 1 and run marathons) so want a bike that I will grow into and meet my future needs, I envisage upgrading the wheels but don't want to buy another bike too soon. I would love to build my own bike but accept my limitations. Thanks the input.

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Martyn_K | 9 years ago
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Marvin, can i ask what bike(s) you have hired in Majorca on your visits?  I ask as both of the bikes you note as your shortlist have a race geometry. You also note that you are finally buying your first road bike, could the race geometry be too aggressive for a first serious road bike?

I have had no experience of the De Rosa but have ridden many happy miles on a 2014 Cube Litening. With Cube you are going to get fantastic value, they really push the spec of their bike. The Litening is quick, stiff and direct. You do get a fair amount of feedback through the bike and it can sometimes feel skittish depending on the road surface.  I would not hesitate to get another to be honest.

As a footnote there are lots of good deals at the moment. Most of the bike names have given their race frames a complete overhaul this year (2016) and as such the old model frames are going for good money. You may do well to build your own if you are confident with a spanner and have an idea of what spec you want.

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Marvin3635 | 9 years ago
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Thanks for the help, I was siding towards the de rosa to begin with, I thought the price on wiggle was too good to be true and a local bike shop said the frame was very dated and heavy. Maybe because he didn't stock it ?

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allanj replied to Marvin3635 | 9 years ago
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Marvin3635 wrote:

Thanks for the help, I was siding towards the de rosa to begin with, I thought the price on wiggle was too good to be true and a local bike shop said the frame was very dated and heavy. Maybe because he didn't stock it ?

I can't find a weight anywhere but doubt it is "heavy"- there may well be lighter out there.  It's also hard to see that it is dated- it was updated for 2014 and has all the usual stuff- tapered head tube etc.  It does look like it has been discontinued for 2016- which probably explains the good deals.

Do you have a local dealer or are you looking to buy online?

 

 

 

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allanj | 9 years ago
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Also the De Rosa is higher geared (53/39 11-25) than the Cube (34/50 11/28).  Which is better deepends on how hilly it is where you ride and how strong you are

 

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allanj | 9 years ago
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Both very nice bikes, probably better wheels (aerodynamic though not very light) on the Cube- not much in it otherwise in terms of spec.  Some good deals around on the De Rosa at the moment.

The biggest here choice is around image (if that matters to you)- classic Italian v upstart German.  

Lots of choice at that pricepoint, local availability and service etc should come into your decision.  Happy shopping!

 

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