Audax bike choice - £500 limit

[PpPete]

Had a look at Giant Defy 3.5 and Trek 1.2 this morning.
Defy looks like they carried over the chunky carbon fibre styling into a aluminium bike. Trek definitely looks better, although the welding looks a little "agricultural". We do have a friend of a friend who can pull a few strings on the price at that particular LBS too.
Spesh Secteur is another one to be looked at soon.

 

[PpPete]

Well he went for a Spesh Secteur in the end. Lovely looking bike.

Was severely unimpressed on first ride though. 20 miles and "clanking" sound from rear wheel. Eventually traced to a loose spoke. Tightened it up a bit for him, but I think wheel is now slightly out of true (bit of brake rub). I noticed the tensions were all over the place. I could sort it for him, but I've told him it's got to back to dealer to give them a chance first.

 

[John Ponting]

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.

Or the newish Trek 1.1 at £499.99.

 

[Danny]

If he has a strict £500 price limit I would consider getting a used touring or audax bike on eBay. You should be able to pick up something decent for around £300-£400.

Alternatively he could look at a Revolution Country Traveller @ £499.