C2W Choices - £1000

[sonartribe]

I'm looking for some advice for my C2W options.

I was originally going to go down PlanetX/Ribble carbon route, but now that work use Halfords as a C2W provider, these are not an option. I do have the option of using the other retailers that take their C2W vouchers, and Dolan was on the list, but the 12.5% surcharge is a bit steep.

So I've decided that I'm happy to go for another Alu bike with a decent groupset, which the new Shimano 11 speed 105 seems perfect. So I'm left with these options

Cannondale CAAD8 105 2015
Felt F75 105 2015
and as an outsider
Cannondale Synapse Disc 105 2015

I ride recreationally, some sportives each year, but have also started to compete in sprint triathlons. So looking for something that's a bit of an all-rounder, with a reliable groupset.
From what I can see, there isn't much difference between the CAAD8 and F75, other than Felt have gone away from BB30 to Hollowtech. I have concerns over the synapse, since it limits the wheel upgrade route because of the disc.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[cosmicbike]

Ride each one, buy the one you like most..

 

[Deleted member 35268]

The Felt is Carbon, which is Nice!

 

[jowwy]

I'm looking for some advice for my C2W options.

I was originally going to go down PlanetX/Ribble carbon route, but now that work use Halfords as a C2W provider, these are not an option. I do have the option of using the other retailers that take their C2W vouchers, and Dolan was on the list, but the 12.5% surcharge is a bit steep.

So I've decided that I'm happy to go for another Alu bike with a decent groupset, which the new Shimano 11 speed 105 seems perfect. So I'm left with these options

Cannondale CAAD8 105 2015
Felt F75 105 2015
and as an outsider
Cannondale Synapse Disc 105 2015

I ride recreationally, some sportives each year, but have also started to compete in sprint triathlons. So looking for something that's a bit of an all-rounder, with a reliable groupset.
From what I can see, there isn't much difference between the CAAD8 and F75, other than Felt have gone away from BB30 to Hollowtech. I have concerns over the synapse, since it limits the wheel upgrade route because of the disc.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

i have just bought the same synapse 105 disc, it looks a very well put together bike and its light too. Don't know how it rides yet as its still in the box waiting for santa to pick it up

 

[Cyclist33]

The Felt is Carbon, which is Nice!

No it isn't!

 

[Drago]

It's alloy, but its a s**t hot frame. Will knock cheap carbon jobs into a cocked hat, and Felt bikes are beautifully finished. Even the cable ferrules are Felts own design, with the Jim Felt logo embossed upon it. Even the crimps on the end of the cables are colour coded to the bike. The attention to detail is fanatical.

 

[Cyclist33]

It's alloy, but its a s**t hot frame. Will knock cheap carbon jobs into a cocked hat, and Felt bikes are beautifully finished. Even the cable ferrules are Felts own design, with the Jim Felt logo embossed upon it. Even the crimps on the end of the cables are colour coded to the bike. The attention to detail is fanatical.

I know all that, I had a z100 which was alarmingly pretty, although at the end of the day a crimps a crimp.

Just stating as a point of info that the f75 isn't carbon.

 

[Drago]

And I just agreed with you, while pointing out that being an aluminium alloy was certainly no handicap in this instance. I didn't realise we had to summarise everything we'd said?

Our OP has made an excellent shortlist. The F75 and CAAD8 are both seriously good machines which punch well above their price. It's gonna come down to which fits him best, or which he prefers the ride of, so some test rides would be in order.

 

[sonartribe]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm still mulling it over, and I have another to throw in the mix, which is the new 2015 Cube Peloton SL. The spec is a mix of 11spd 105 with ultegra deralieurs, Mavic Askiums, and it has the added benefit of internal cable routing, which neither the CAAD or the Felt has. It becomes available in early Nov, which isn't too far away, and I really like the look of it!

I'll see which of those I manage to go and have a sit on.

 

[Dan Ferris]

I am to considering some options with this scheme so I'd be interested in your final choice.

 

[doouk]

Just to say Tredz accept the halfords voucher without a surcharge. I got mine from there though not at Sale prices.

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm still mulling it over, and I have another to throw in the mix, which is the new 2015 Cube Peloton SL. The spec is a mix of 11spd 105 with ultegra deralieurs, Mavic Askiums, and it has the added benefit of internal cable routing, which neither the CAAD or the Felt has. It becomes available in early Nov, which isn't too far away, and I really like the look of it!

I'll see which of those I manage to go and have a sit on.

Hi @sonartribe

I have just put down a deposit on a 2014 Cube Peloton Race fom www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk.

if you take a look at my thread on discounts/offers it will show more detail but basically this...

2014 Cube Peloton Race through cyclescheme - sale price £749 (25% off) +10% upcharge (on sale price) due to fees incurred by retailer from scheme = total price £824.

So that will be £824 - whatever I save on tax & N.I which the online calculator suggests I will pay £560 ish for the bike total.

Winstanleys do a wide range of brands & literally hundreds of bikes but only have a very small showroom.

Based in Wigan their main business is online sales.

They still have 2014 Cube Agree (full carbon) with Shimano 10 speed Tiagra & Fulcrum wheels @ £899 & higher specced models too as well as Felt, Bianchi & loads more brands.

 

[The Brewer]

I like Giants

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-1-2015-Road-Bike_73908.htm

 

[doouk]

I like Giants

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-1-2015-Road-Bike_73908.htm

That's what I have got.

 

[Peteaud]

I'm looking for some advice for my C2W options.

. I have concerns over the synapse, since it limits the wheel upgrade route because of the disc.

.

Disc wheels are available from

Kinesis
Reynolds
Mavic
Zipp
or any of the handbuilt guys.

From around £170.00 upwards.

And you are not grinding the wheel rim away every time you brake.