£700 Roadie

[ckeo]

Hi All,

First off, thanks for all the welcome messages on my first post! Much appreciated.

So, I need some help. I've never owned a road bike before but I'll be picking one up later in the year through CycleScheme (currently pestering my HR to start it earlier, want to take advantage of the tredz sale!) and I've got no idea where to start.

Well, not a great idea anyway. I'm currently looking at the Cube Peloton Triple 2014, Specialized Allez Sport 2014, or the Giant Defy 3. I am, however, completely open to new recommendations. I'm after what is essentially the best bit of kit I can get in my price range, I know when it comes to these names they tend to be more or less the same and it all comes down to enjoyment/feel and look. However, are there any hidden gems I'm missing out on by not knowing better? For example I've just seen this:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Lapierre-Audacio-200-2014-Road-Bike_67752.htm

Which has upgraded Claris components over the Sora components of those listed above, but I've never even heard of Lapierre! I'm not too fussed by looks, it just needs to be functional and chirpy enough for some heavy weekend riding, but comfortable enough (where possible) for the quick 15 minute ride to work every day.

Help me, CC, you're my only hope.

 

[Cyclist33]

I think Claris is below Sora...

It's really takes yer pick of the three listed as all will do roughly the same job. Of the three, I would get the Defy 3. Oh hang on, I did!!

 

[ckeo]

I think Claris is below Sora...

It's really takes yer pick of the three listed as all will do roughly the same job. Of the three, I would get the Defy 3. Oh hang on, I did!!

Aha see what I mean! Just because Claris was released later I assumed it was better! Thanks for the response!

 

[AndyRM]

If you're only looking at Tredz, I'd consider these as well:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Genesis-Volant-00-2014-Road-Bike_67513.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Caad8-Sora-2014-Road-Bike_66102.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Synapse-Sora-2014-Road-Bike_66123.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Felt-Z85-2014-Road-Bike_67303.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Roux-Menthe-2013-Road-Bike_60730.htm

Up to the £700 mark you're getting Claris or Sora and a carbon fork with an aluminium steerer. Increasing your budget will see improvements in components and wheels (components more than wheels IME).

 

[moo]

Giant Defy 1 for £699 with 105:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/281112/products/giant-defy-1-compact-road-bike-2014-black-red.aspx

Compact rather than triple, if that matters to you.

 

[ckeo]

If you're only looking at Tredz, I'd consider these as well:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Genesis-Volant-00-2014-Road-Bike_67513.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Caad8-Sora-2014-Road-Bike_66102.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-Synapse-Sora-2014-Road-Bike_66123.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Felt-Z85-2014-Road-Bike_67303.htm

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Roux-Menthe-2013-Road-Bike_60730.htm

Up to the £700 mark you're getting Claris or Sora and a carbon fork with an aluminium steerer. Increasing your budget will see improvements in components and wheels (components more than wheels IME).

Thanks Andy.

I'm not limited to Tredz, they just seem to supply quite a wide range of brands in my price range. Anywhere else you'd recommend that's part of Cyclescheme?

Also, that Genesis is incredibly good looking.

 

[ckeo]

Giant Defy 1 for £699 with 105:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/281112/products/giant-defy-1-compact-road-bike-2014-black-red.aspx

Compact rather than triple, if that matters to you.

Thanks

Triple/Compact makes no difference, have also been looking at the Peloton Compact, same price.

 

[raleighnut]

I quite like the Roux-Menthe but then I'm a steel fan

 

[vickster]

Genesis Equilibrium 00

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Genesis-Equilibrium-00-2013-Road-Bike_57509.htm

 

[AndyRM]

Thanks Andy.

I'm not limited to Tredz, they just seem to supply quite a wide range of brands in my price range. Anywhere else you'd recommend that's part of Cyclescheme?

Also, that Genesis is incredibly good looking.

Genesis make some lovely bicycles. They've a version of the Madison used by pros.

Ribble, Wiggle and Merlin all support the Cyclescheme (I think).

The Giant Defy that @moo has found is excellent value.

To be honest, you could drive yourself absolutely nuts looking at bikes on the internet. If you're not rushing into things, I'd draw up a proper shortlist of what you like the look of and take it from there. £700 will get you a decent, versatile bike that you can use for anything.

 

[Kestevan]

Could do much worse than the Planet-X RT58 Alloy
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

Guy at work has just bought one and thinks it's the dogs dangly bits.

 

[ckeo]

Could do much worse than the Planet-X RT58 Alloy
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ALUTIA/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike

Guy at work has just bought one and thinks it's the dogs dangly bits.

Thanks for this link, rocketed straight to the top of my list.

 

[September]

If you're only looking at Tredz, I'd consider these as well:

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Roux-Menthe-2013-Road-Bike_60730.htm

Up to the £700 mark you're getting Claris or Sora and a carbon fork with an aluminium steerer. Increasing your budget will see improvements in components and wheels (components more than wheels IME).

That one seems awfully expensive for what it is?...

 

[vickster]

That one seems awfully expensive for what it is?...

Why so? Steel, carbon fork, Sora...seems about right, also a good colour from an uncommon UK brand. Think a Genesis or Eastway would be the same or more

 

[September]

Why so? Steel, carbon fork, Sora...seems about right, also a good colour from an uncommon UK brand. Think a Genesis or Eastway would be the same or more

Clearly just my inexperience! I've simply seen other brands with similar specs for £100-200 less. You're right, lovely colour