Best bike at £1k CTW limit?

[3narf]

OK, best value road bikes seem to come from Ribble, Planet X and Btwin, but what's everyone's experiences and opinions?

Is the budget carbon option better than a quality aluminium frame? I'll be mainly using the bike for day rides and hopefully Sportive events, and continuing to use my mighty Falcon singlespeed 'Aryton' for commuting!

Looks like I've finally got my work to adopt the scheme.

 

[Louch]

Better alu frame with better components than a budget carbon with budget components. Weight difference is minimal at that price range

Have a look at Cube bikes range, the peloton range are under 1k at 850 and 999 and both cracking bikes for the money. Im in a rush o leave for work or I'd post links, @SteCenturion will likely be along shortly to share

 

[Soltydog]

Depends who your employer runs the scheme through too. You may not be able to use Planet X etc. My employer uses Cyclesolutions & whilst they have bikes from just about all the big boys you can't get bikes from the likes of Planet X & Ribble If you can use Planet X be aware that they add a % for bikes purchased through a C2W scheme to cover additional admin costs

 

[winjim]

Looks like I've finally got my work to adopt the scheme.

Finally? How much pressure did you put on them?

 

[vickster]

You might want to read the Ts & Cs of the scheme as to expected % of using the bike for C2W if pressure was put to get the scheme, they might be more enthusiastic in enforcing its correct use

You may also find if the scheme restricts you to buying a bike at full RRP, you could get a better bike at a reduced price on a credit card. Then it's yours, no conditions to its use etc

As above, without knowing where you can get the bike from, it's hard to say what the best bike would be. Dolan carbon bikes looks good and you can spec as required. But they change a surcharge for C2W

 

[Drago]

The best value bike for a grand isn't likely to be the best bike.

 

[3narf]

The best value bike for a grand isn't likely to be the best bike.

It's a moot point, isn't it?

I reckon it has to be the best bike and best value...

I mean, if it's not as good a bike, it won't be good value, will it?

 

[3narf]

It's a long story... They did it briefly in 2013 just as I left the company! Since I came back I've been trying to get them to do it again. I don't see why they don't have it running continually tbh, but they seem to want to do it for a fixed period...

Finally? How much pressure did you put on them?

 

[vickster]

This looks good value and less common than the Ribbles and PXs, but you need to be able to add £99

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/orbea-a...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/62157?listing=true

Take a few C2W schemes but they also do 0% finance

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cycle-schemes/content/fcp-content

 

[3narf]

This looks good value and less common than the Ribbles and PXs, but you need to be able to add £99

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/orbea-a...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/62157?listing=true

Take a few C2W schemes but they also do 0% finance

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cycle-schemes/content/fcp-content

Thanks! I was looking at those. They have a disc one in my LBS but they're a bit heavy apparently.

 

[vickster]

How heavy is heavy? Do you need disc brakes on a sportive bike? Unless you do plan to use it for commuting after all

That has 105 brakes which are said to be more than adequate

 

[3narf]

Yeah, I agree. I just meant the disc model is a bit heavy. I don't need discs tbh.

 

[vickster]

I don't think Cyclesurgery do on the road test rides, but they should be able to stick a bike on a turbo for you

 

[3narf]

I don't think Cyclesurgery do on the road test rides, but they should be able to stick a bike on a turbo for you

There isn't one near me unfortunately. There might be after we move, though!

I'm also looking at the CAAD8 and a few other like the Dolomite 6 and Vitus...

 

[vickster]

I wouldn't personally spend a grand on a Dolomite. Vitus good VFM but Chain reaction only, if I were spending a grand, I'd want to at least sit on the bike and preferably ride! You are in London, there are lots of Cyclesurgery branches, biggest in Victoria and Spitalfields