Bike Upgrade... But which bike?

[stumpy66]

I have an allez and a defy, i prefer the defy as its more upright, which i prefer for sportives, i find it more comfortable for long distances imho

 

[RoadBikeRecommendation]

With your budget (and hope to get a bike to compete on) I would be watching ebay like a hawk for a nearly new £900-1000 bike to come up and swoop in for £700.

 

[Arjimlad]

My 2011 Defy 2 was £550 or so in February... there may still be some about..

 

[Ethan]

Can i ask this question - why is that people think that when you want a bike upgrade you should look for 2nd hand goods all the time?

why can't we have a nice shiny new bike, like what the guy who is selling his 2nd hand bike is going to get with his 2nd hand bike selling money?

£750 is a lot of money to some people and some people would expect to get a good spec new bike for the money, rather than someone else's second hand goods........

for me i like the Ribble sportive and the Giant defy...........

This is just my opinion, and don't hold it against me.
But I'd rather have a better product than a shiny product! (Not that there is anything wrong with any of OPs bike choices - I'd kill for the lot of them. Seriously suffering bike envy recently Just not willing to work my self into a depression, 45+ hours a week on £4.95 to get a new bike, which I'd have no bloody time to ride anyway - but that's a different story hey!)

I'd love a nice, brand new shiny bike. But it makes more sense to spend the same amount of money on something which I wont out grow!
For example, I've been looking at a new bike (which is now no longer a possibility) for a similar budget as OP, give or take a hundred squids, I found a Kuota Kharma with a mishmash of ultegra and 105 within the price range.
As much as I'd adore a brand new Rose bike (which seems to be my latest fettish), it would make more sense to get something like the Kuota which has better wheels and a better groupie, its probably a wiser long term choice as far as I see it!
Spend that money on something second hand and I leave feeling that I got more for my money, which creates its own 'shiny' feeling! I can give it a polish, over look the chips in the paint and sit there thinking 'I got more bike for the same price!', that will certainly leave me chuffed!
Maybe thats just me, I'm a sucker for a bit of bike porn.
Doesn't work out in the end though, just end up upgrading things that really don't need upgrading and spending a fortune on whatever you buy

I fully understand why many people would rather have a new bike though, it makes sense!
Especially if you've got a little interest free friend, and don't want to be waiting what could turn out being an age for a bike in good condition in your area!

And having said all that, I know damn well my next bike upgrade will end up being a brand new rose pro 200 that I can't really afford...

I'd personally go for the Ribble or Basso, OP.

 

[frayBentos59]

I'd say go for the Spesh solely because I'm blinkered and have some sort of OCD when it comes to their kit.

 

[David Dobedoe]

My six pence worth would be that if you want to road race and ride sportives, I would put the emphasis on road racing spec. Bikes really designed for racing do racing well. If your fit and fast enough to enjoy racing you'll fly round sportives. Bikes designed for sportives may be compromising speed and handling for comfort/more relaxed position. For the money your talking about I'd look at the ribble race bikes (and others). Probably build something around a 7005/budget frame aluminium race frame and the best wheels (Probably low end Mavics) that fit the budget with half decent kit. Tyres make a huge difference and are a relatively cheap and easy upgrade once your ready to race so perhaps start out with a good training tyre.. Lastly, if your really wanting to race don't bother with a compact chainset. You'll not need it in the races and you need to train to not need it elsewhere.

 

[Theo42]

RoadBikeReommendation, I was looking at the Allez Triple...

 

[Theo42]

I'm thinking of throwing the GTR Series 5 into the mix too... anyone got/rode one and can comment?
Also, with the thought of wanting to do some Cat 4 racing next year, I am looking at the Ribble 7005 Ultralite Racing.

Thanks for all the advice and comments so far... keep them coming... I'm still undecided and don't want to make a rash decision. I've been to LBS but obviously can't try out all the bikes on my shortlist.

Spesh is winning the vote but I need to look into the different Allez (ie, Elite, Triple etc)

(I was so tempted by going above budget for the pure sexy look of the Ghost Race 4900 - Mrs Theo is not keen on my impulsive side!!! haha! It do look and sound nice though )

 

[jowwy]

for an extra £100 take a look at the canyon 6.0 - full 105 groupset looks a steel

 

[youngoldbloke]

+1 - Canyon Roadlite AL 6.0 - complete 105, Aksium, GP4000s - all top kit, 8.15kg - £819

(Edit - great minds think alike)

 

[Theo42]

WOW... I like the look of the Canyon! And the website is fantastic setting the geometry to my actual measurements!

 

[NotthatJasonKenny]

I wish I knew someone with a canyon so I can actually see one!

 

[Theo42]

Yeah, without seeing/testing one it's a tough call... but the website and reviews I've just read instil alot of confidence... SOOOOOOO tempted.....

 

[Theo42]

Triple or compact crankset... can someone explain (in newbie terms) what this actual means? It seems people have differing views on which they prefer for different applications.

 

[NotthatJasonKenny]

You answered that one yourself! There are two views on here re trebles or compacts, for and against and it boils down to preference, riding style and your enjoyment or otherwise of hills.