Aspiring Roady trying to choose between 2 bikes....

[Bruce Sammells]

Hi all,

Looking into getting my first road bike and have narrowed it down to 2....

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT2/planet_x_pro_carbon_shimano_ultegra_road_bike

http://larkfieldcycles.co.uk/bikes/road-mens/2014-trek-madone-21-c/

I know the Planet X offering is very good for the money, but I know nothing about them and I am a bit unsure about forking out a grand on something I cannot see/try before I buy!

The Trek on the other hand is easily available through my local bike shop and they offer a full bike fitting etc as part of the purchase...

So the question is whether to stick to the local shop and stay safe in the knowledge it can go back there with problems and they will size me up properly or go for the better components and a carbon frame from mail order?

Any help will be appreciated!

Bruce

 

[TissoT]

Planet X ... easy ! what height and inside leg are you ?

 

[Bruce Sammells]

5 foot 8 and 29 " inside leg....short legs long torso. I've been measured up by my LBS, buying through cycle to work so waiting on voucher...

 

[Bruce Sammells]

Been advised to look into 54cm frame.....

 

[HLaB]

Planet X have stores in Barnsly and Sheffield I beleive and having dealt with them online I'd rate them but if its your first purchase of a road bike I'd go for the safe lbs option too.

 

[Bruce Sammells]

Yeah, I've looked into their location but its just too far away from me, nearly 300 miles!

 

[VamP]

They are quite different bikes, what are your selection criteria?

 

[Bruce Sammells]

£1000 budget, something that's a good option to get me into road cycling after a few years on trails, want to improve fitness etc, not looking to race or anything....

 

[VamP]

This is a better deal than the Trek, and saves a few bob for a performance fit, which will be superior to whatever an LBS will do for you.

The PX offer is good, but this is better IMO.

Having said that, for your purposes, this will do the job just as well.

 

[Bruce Sammells]

I need to spend the full 1000 as its a C2W voucher, I've got an extra 100 voucher for kit and clothing wise got it all from my MTB, (shorts/jerseys)...

Main question is should I stick with my local shop or risk online shopping with no trial ride?

 

[Bruce Sammells]

Also, the fitting service my LBS offer is pretty detailed, 1.5-2 hour session for around £150 or free if you buy the bike there, they've taken measurements of my body, even fitted me for shoes, they've told me to go back once my C2W voucher arrives and they'll get me sorted.

 

[TissoT]

Go for the Plant X !

 

[vickster]

Go ride the trek

Giant defy 1 very good vfm for a grand or less

 

[Kies]

Bruce - stick with the lbs - they are doing the extra for free and you will be able to go back to them for advice and other equipment. They are taking the time to build a relationship with you and as long as you like the bike - run with it.
As Vicky says - a Defy 1 is a better bike for 1k - I bought one last year with no regrets after 2000 happy miles

 

[Bruce Sammells]

I have looked into the Giant but can't find a dealer close enough that runs with C2W, I'm kinda limited where I can go due to buying with a voucher