£1000 Road bike.

[Bevanton]

Hi guys,

I'm new to road bikes so could do with a little guidance. I'm going to buy a bike throught the cycle to work scheme which has a limit of £1000.
I've done a bit of looking around a was wondering what you think about the following and which you would choose for a first time Road Biker?
Thanks for your time,
Ben
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FBPXPRORIV12/planet_x_pro_carbon_rival_road_bike_2012

http://www.dalescycles.com/2012-giant-defy-composite-3-p2367

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/special...s/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/45364

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_832095_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[DeepBurn]

I'm no expert on the bikes (although they all look lovely!!) but I do know the Cycle to Work scheme budget of £1000 includes accesories too - just in case you hadn't considered using some of the budget on other things as well as the bike.

 

[Bevanton]

Didnt realise that but already have lock, helmet etc so should be ok.

Thanks though.

 

[sabian92]

Make sure you have a decent D-lock for your bike. A cable lock will be snapped in seconds and if you're locking up a grands worth of bike, leaving it locked with a £5 cable lock is asking for it to be nicked

 

[vickster]

As buying on c2w is it for commuting? If so, you may need to consider compatibility wih guarts, rack, heftier tyyres etc

 

[Bevanton]

Have a Kryptonite D-Lock so it should be fine. Fingers crossed!!
It is for a commute but its only 10 mins to work so its mainly for leisure so not sure i'll need guards etc.
Any thoughts on which is the better bike?
Thanks guys

 

[SportMonkey]

I have a Specilialized Allez 16 (2011) and a Trek 2nd District (2011). I have to say that I'd not buy an Allez again. It's worthy of note that for the "same size" frame the Trek is about an inch smaller. Get fitted properly, and if you have a local Evans give them all a spin.

And I'd have this:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-6-tia-2012-compact-road-bike-ec031475
Or:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/streetracer-sr01-tiagra-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031069

 

[vickster]

Can you use your C2W voucher anywhere and how tall etc are you? The other thing you'll need to establish is whether the retailer you use will take the voucher on end of line / reduced models - some won't

The Defy will be a very good bike, but there is only medium available on the link you posted, very much last knockings - it is only Tiagra but a carbon frame

The Specialized will be a great frame, but imo, it is overpriced, Tiagra for a grand is a lot - I just paid £700 for a 2012 Giant with comparable spec

The Planet X is good value - but SRAM - not a bad thing, but you may prefer Shimano shifting

There is some feedback on the Halfords, best components for the money but won't be the best frame

I think I'd be looking for an alloy frame + carbon forks with 105 groupset for a grand - Giant Defy 1 springs to mind - if you can find one

Best thing is to go look at the bikes, sit on them, testride them and get advice from the shop on sizing - it is quite easy to get it wrong if unfamiliar with roadbikes

Happy shopping

 

[Bevanton]

Amazing. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Sonofpear]

There is plenty to choose from in the under a grand bracket. Have a look at some of these. Like vickster said go to some shops and try some out and get a feel for them

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

 

[Sonofpear]

Personally think the giant defy 1 looks lovely in the flesh, and a mate has the boardman team which is also a cracking bike

 

[wbmkk]

I have a Specilialized Allez 16 (2011) I have to say that I'd not buy an Allez again.

Can I ask why ?

The Allez is nearly always mentioned in a positive manner ... I am interested in getting one too, ie upgrading from an old Raleigh Winner. With 54 year old legs and similar aged lungs I think I need something lighter now.

 

[SportMonkey]

Can I ask why ?

The Allez is nearly always mentioned in a positive manner ... I am interested in getting one too, ie upgrading from an old Raleigh Winner. With 54 year old legs and similar aged lungs I think I need something lighter now.

It's not light, it's not sharp, my Trek really does outperform it. I would suggest finding somewhere and seeing what different brands feel like. I do push hard on both bikes to be fair.