Buying from Evans on a budget...

[KyleHW]

Hi guys,
in relation to my previous post, I will be buying a new road bike, more then likely from Evans due to my situation.
I will be maxing out at about £550 and need some advice on the bikes within this category.
I have seen the Trek 1.1 H2: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/11-c-h2-2015-road-bike-ec053978
Also the GT GTS 2015: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/gts-comp-2015-road-bike-ec070845

Is there any major/minor faults with either bike as I will be riding on my days off on medium length rides and also to and from work, however a just rucksack is sufficient for my job so i wont need any extra bags.
This is a first bike and im new to all this so pointers and advice is welcomed (and needed)

Thanks guys!!
-Kyle

 

[Tojo]

Don't just look at one dealer at the minute as all the major manufacturers are bringing out their 2016 bikes and there are deals to be had on 2015 bikes, search on google for the bike you are looking for and you will find a deal somewhere especially if you are prepared to wait it out a couple of weeks as that is how the market is NOW....

 

[KyleHW]

Don't just look at one dealer at the minute as all the major manufacturers are bringing out their 2016 bikes and there are deals to be had on 2015 bikes, search on google for the bike you are looking for and you will find a deal somewhere especially if you are prepared to wait it out a couple of weeks as that is how the market is NOW....

yes it is only due to me being bought a bike as a present that I say Evans due to vouchers that can be used. I will look elsewhere but Evans is most likely gonna be the place as it will be financially easier

 

[mustang1]

If this is your first bike then you may want to consider budgeting for accessories:
Floor plump, portable pump, multi tool kit, couple spare tubes, tire removers. Budget £80 for these items if buying from Evans. See if you can get a deal. I've seen Allez going for £480 on close-out. Add the above items and you'll be within budget.

 

[vickster]

Very mixed opinions on the Kingston Evans, I'd go to Wimbledon

If locking the bike for any length of time anywhere in London, including Kingston, add another £80 or so to your budget to get a high quality d lock and a secondary cable. Also don't forget insurance, adding to home contents is usually cheapest (depending on terms of policy it may cost nothing)

Of those two bikes, the trek will have a better frame, the gt has a better groupset, although not a lot in it. The gt is only available in a small, the trek only in 54-58cm so depends how tall you are

I'd go to the Wimbledon branch, see what they have in your price range and have some test rides. You need photo ID and a bank card. If you cycle with a helmet, take yours with you

 

[alicat]

Never heard of the GT brand so speaking personally would go with the Trek.

They only have the GT in a small. Will it fit?

 

[Drago]

The major manufacturers launched their 2016 line ups in May and June, so now is the time to look for a suddenly oh-so-passe good deal. Go look now, but while Evans are traditionally good for cracking deals on outgoing models be sure to check out the likes of Wiggle and Paul's who also have a rep for similar goodness,

 

[Cyclist33]

Never heard of the GT brand so speaking personally would go with the Trek.

They only have the GT in a small. Will it fit?

Still, GT is a big brand.

 

[Cyclist33]

Not sure the reliability of the suggestion that the Trek will have a better frame than the GT has been verified so I would go see which one you like better.

 

[jefmcg]

If locking the bike for any length of time anywhere in London, including Kingston

Um, especially Kingston.

Agree that Wimbledon Evans is probably a better shop. And Evans will get in any bike for you they stock. You need to pay a deposit, but it's refundable when you test the bike - just to stop no-shows.

The two bikes you list are limited sizes. You could only fit both is you are exactly 5'6" according the suggested sizing.

With Shimano groupsets, they are in order of increasing quality Tourney->Claris->Sora->Tiagra->105->Ultegra->etc etc. At your price range it's probably Claris or Sora, with Tiagra if you are lucky. The main differences you'll notice are number of gears on the rear wheel and the feel of the shifters under your hands. Ride both, and see what you feel.

Don't forget that Evans price match. If you can find anything cheaper at one of a long list of online shops, Evans will charge the same. I paid £30 less than the shelf price for a lock I purchased there. Also if you are buying a helmet etc, you can probably drive more of a bargain. Probably best not to mention the vouchers until you have settled on a total price.

 

[vickster]

@Simontm On the subject of Kingston Evans :-/

 

[Simontm]

@Simontm On the subject of Kingston Evans :-/

Go to Wimbledon

 

[KyleHW]

Um, especially Kingston.

Agree that Wimbledon Evans is probably a better shop. And Evans will get in any bike for you they stock. You need to pay a deposit, but it's refundable when you test the bike - just to stop no-shows.

The two bikes you list are limited sizes. You could only fit both is you are exactly 5'6" according the suggested sizing.

With Shimano groupsets, they are in order of increasing quality Tourney->Claris->Sora->Tiagra->105->Ultegra->etc etc. At your price range it's probably Claris or Sora, with Tiagra if you are lucky. The main differences you'll notice are number of gears on the rear wheel and the feel of the shifters under your hands. Ride both, and see what you feel.

Don't forget that Evans price match. If you can find anything cheaper at one of a long list of online shops, Evans will charge the same. I paid £30 less than the shelf price for a lock I purchased there. Also if you are buying a helmet etc, you can probably drive more of a bargain. Probably best not to mention the vouchers until you have settled on a total price.

oh I wasn't sure if evans did price match, im sure I can find a higher spec bike elsewhere cheaper and show evans the proof, might be a good way to do it. I was hoping for Sora or Tiagra, im sure I can find something with extensive searching. thanks for the info

 

[KyleHW]

Very mixed opinions on the Kingston Evans, I'd go to Wimbledon

If locking the bike for any length of time anywhere in London, including Kingston, add another £80 or so to your budget to get a high quality d lock and a secondary cable. Also don't forget insurance, adding to home contents is usually cheapest (depending on terms of policy it may cost nothing)

Of those two bikes, the trek will have a better frame, the gt has a better groupset, although not a lot in it. The gt is only available in a small, the trek only in 54-58cm so depends how tall you are

I'd go to the Wimbledon branch, see what they have in your price range and have some test rides. You need photo ID and a bank card. If you cycle with a helmet, take yours with you

looks like I will be heading over to Wimbledon then haha, thanks for the tips

 

[vickster]

Nicer roads around that store to test ride. You can test it on Wimbledon hill for starters