Audax bike choice - £500 limit

[PpPete]

Trying to help one of my son's friends (16 y.o.) choose a new bike.

It will be used on our JoGLE in August, but he doesn't want a "tourer" - and it won't be used to carry any amount of luggage, (support vehicles sorted)

He's seen the basic Spesh Allez 16 at £499, but I think something with a longer wheelbase, 'guard clearance, and either a 50/34 compact or a triple would be better.

So i'm thinking something more on the lines of an "Audax" bike.
Not a whole lot of choice with a £500 limit !

Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[jimboalee]

Is the JOGLE 14 x 100km, 7 x 200km or the whole thing in one bash?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

How about the Ribble 7005 Audax - it's £580 at the moment.

Colleague bought one, loves it. Hated the service although he's over that now.

 

[PpPete]

Is the JOGLE 14 x 100km, 7 x 200km or the whole thing in one bash?

20 x 80 km
TBH he could do it on his dad's old steel clunker - but he wants a new bike.....



3BM - I thought of Ribble too. Outside his price range... and whilst I'm quite happy to put with Ribble's crappy service on components for the sake of a few quid saved, I'm not going inflict it on anyone else.

This is under consideration, but again outside his £500 limit, and I think he'd really rather buy from LBS if he can. We have plenty of good ones round here, all the big name brands well represented.

 

[Landslide]

Trek 1.2 or similar (again a bit over his limit, but look out old stock)?
Will take 28c tyres + mudguards, options for both compact and triple chainsets. Mrs Landslide has the WSD version, gets on with it great.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Dawes looks good - actually pete have you thought of the Raleigh Airlite 100, similar spec I think and it's £500!!

http://www.cyclelife.com/Product.aspx?pg=5125&pt=14&pc=1

Mudguard clearance too

 

[RedBike]

Another vote for the Ribble from me. Loved mine. (Sorry)

Edinburgh cycles revolution series always seem to good value for the money.

 

[mark barker]

Dawes looks good - actually pete have you thought of the Raleigh Airlite 100, similar spec I think and it's £500!!

http://www.cyclelife.com/Product.aspx?pg=5125&pt=14&pc=1

Mudguard clearance too

My friend just picked up an Airlite 100 from Go Outdoors... he loves it!

http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/airlite-100-p152963

 

[GrumpyGregry]

If you can stump up another £99 Surosa have two bikes that fit the bill perfectly.

 

[jimboalee]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-51-63-69567479/#INFO-DETAIL

Leaves him £50 to spend on shorts with a good insert.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/sport-2-51-63-69567479/#INFO-DETAIL

Leaves him £50 to spend on shorts with a good insert.

That's a lot of bike for the money isn't it?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

That's a lot of bike for the money isn't it?

I rec Jimb's won

 

[niggle]

What about these for £450?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/sentinal-10-2010-road-bike-ec021917
Last year's model is £50 more but does have 9-speed Sora, only in L & XL:
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/sentinal-10-2009-road-bike-ec018113

 

[jimboalee]

Offer Arlowood £450 for his Mercian. That's if its the right size fro you.

 

[PpPete]

If it were for me (and the right size) I'd be interested in the Mercian, but I've promised myself no more steel bikes. (I already have too many) And fairly sure he wants brand new.

The B'Twin may lose out on lack of mudguard clearance.

The Pinnacles, although otherwise well-equipped, have rather "cheap" sounding wheel spec.

I'm going to see if I can mug a local Dawes dealer for a better deal on the Sportif for him. If not, may have to be the Airlite, unless he can stretch his budget, in which case the Surosa comes into the frame.

Thanks all for your input... great help.