Carbon road bike for £1,000

[Yazzoo]

Ok I know this has been done to death but I need your help! The OH's Trek has seen better days and is gradually falling apart, constantly replacing parts and it now feels as though we are at the point of 'flogging a dead horse' with it so giving up!

He would like a carbon frame, with 105 (or equivalent) at least. Wheels, bars, posts etc can all be upgraded at a later date after some savings. He's a 54" (in Trek) about 5'9" and lightweight, wants something of a racey position, not endurance. No disc breaks and no electronics (although I'm sure its not an issue at this price point). General road riding on mostly good surfaced roads, few sportives and a view to amateur race next season. Open to secondhand as long as in good nick etc.

I think I now have bike blindness from looking at so many!

We don't have a Decathlon for miles so they're out, he's also been warned about buying 'cheap carbon' by some knowledgable racing types in our club - although I'm not sure where/how they formed this opinion - is it fact or snobbery etc but it's ruled out the likes of Ridley and Dolan.

If you know of anything that fits the bill please send me a link before I get to the point of never wanting to see another bike again!

 

[Freds Dad]

This may fit the bill

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/gran-fondo-25-2015-road-bike-ec069062

 

[Hacienda71]

Dolan sell some excellent frames and bikes. They have supplied bikes to pro teams and iirc the hire bikes at Manchester velodrome are Dolan. Be careful you don't get sucked into bike snobbery. Too many people will tell you you must have a bike with an Italian name when in reality it comes from the same factory in Taiwan or China as its British counterpart.

 

[Milkfloat]

If he wants 105 or above and not 'cheap carbon' then he better get a great deal. I don't think there is a huge amount out there that will beat the value for money that the Ribble/Doland/PlanetX's of the world will offer under 1K.

 

[Yazzoo]

This may fit the bill

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/gran-fondo-25-2015-road-bike-ec069062

Thanks I'll show him but that does look more endurance than road to me, bargain though!

Dolan sell some excellent frames and bikes. They have supplied bikes to pro teams and iirc the hire bikes at Manchester velodrome are Dolan. Be careful you don't get sucked into bike snobbery. Too many people will tell you you must have a bike with an Italian name when in reality it comes from the same factory in Taiwan or China as its British counterpart.

I know, I've tried reasoning with him but a few of the bikes big guns have spoken to him about this and know far more about it than us, will do some more research and see if I can't find some better arguments. The Ridley and Dolan bikes look like great value for money to me!

 

[Yazzoo]

Sorry I mean Ribble, not Ridley!

 

[vickster]

Cube can be got a decent prices for example

They tend to come up small so the 56cm here should work

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...gclid=CMPkiv6znscCFXDHtAodAocOuA&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or Scott

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p6202/SCOTT-CR1-20-COMPACT-2014

Or Cannondale

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5473/CANNONDALE-SUPERSIX-EVO-105-6-2014

Pauls have other models too

However, tell him to get something different, stand out from the big brand MAMILs
I did Ride London, not one other Pearson did I see , I lost count of Cannondale, Trek, Specialized...it's possible that there were plenty being ridden by the fast guys who went out first however...

Does he want the best bike for him and his budget or just to get involved in some w*lly waving with his pals?

 

[vickster]

Dolan sell some excellent frames and bikes. They have supplied bikes to pro teams and iirc the hire bikes at Manchester velodrome are Dolan. Be careful you don't get sucked into bike snobbery. Too many people will tell you you must have a bike with an Italian name when in reality it comes from the same factory in Taiwan or China as its British counterpart.

British name for me

 

[Hacienda71]

Thanks I'll show him but that does look more endurance than road to me, bargain though!



I know, I've tried reasoning with him but a few of the bikes big guns have spoken to him about this and know far more about it than us, will do some more research and see if I can't find some better arguments. The Ridley and Dolan bikes look like great value for money to me!

If your partners mates are saying Dolan don't make good bikes or have no history then I am sorry but they really are talking rubbish. Terry Dolan has made frames for the likes of Chris Boardman, has supplied bikes for UCI Continental teams and produces well regarded track frames used at the highest level. Terry sells direct to the public to keep costs down and his bikes get excellent reviews.
They may not cost as much or sound as cool or glamorous as a Pinarello or Cervelo but they make very capable bikes that have performed at the highest level. It would be interesting to know why they think Dolan aren't up to the mark. I have raced against guys on Dolans and they certainly weren't being held back by their bikes.

 

[pawl]

Sorry I mean Ribble, not Ridley!

I have a Planet X carbon Ultegra 11speed .
Sheffield may be a bit far to travel. I went to the shop as I was a bit unsure about sizing I didn't have a full bike fitting,they put a bike on a turbo and made various reccomendations about lengths of stem and cranks and frame size.
They reccomendations large I would have gone for medium based on my Giant frame.
Well satisfied with the result.

 

[Saluki]

+1 for Planet X.
Although we were living in Wymondham, South Norfolk, we took a day trip up to Sheffield and had some test rides before settling on a Pro Carbon, 10 speed Ultegra for £999. I am delighted with it. Here are a few for you. That TdF comes with 105s for £999. I have a 'large' frame size as I am close on 5'8" (I thought that I was 5'7" but the doc insists not) and it's fine for me, with it's 80mm stem.

I had a try on a friend's Dolan, it was a fabulous bike. I really liked it. Think it was running SRAMs but can't quite remember, it was 18 months ago now. Tried a Ribble Gran Frodo too, lovely bike but I was slightly put off by not being able to have a test ride on a regular one, as the one I rode had been upgraded to the moon and back. Your Husband's 'friends' are talking out of their backsides BTW. Tell them to do one.

 

[Yazzoo]

Does he want the best bike for him and his budget or just to get involved in some w*lly waving with his pals?

I hope that's not what they do when I'm told they're off for a club ride! lol

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, will put them to him after work later.

Like I said I'm not sure what the problem with Dolan etc is, don't see it myself but will do some more research. Last thing he wants is to buy something he's been advised against, have problems with it, then forever hear 'I told you so!' - the buying online without seeing/sitting etc worries me slightly

 

[vickster]

Given your location, perhaps go to Pauls in Norfork. @Saluki has said good things about them too. Call in advance so they can have identified models in the shop

 

[ianrauk]

I was going to point you in the direction of @Nigel182 's bike. But seen you got there already.
For what it's worth, I've seen the bike in the flesh so to speak and it's a lovely bike. Well looked after too.

 

[Saluki]

Pauls in Dereham are great. There is a Morrisons around the corner for lunch while you are at it
Lovely friendly staff in Pauls.