Claud butler echelon next logical step?

[Jon courts]

I'm pretty new to cycling and my first bike was a 2007 CB San Remo triple. i commute to work and although its pretty weighty its a good solid bike which i like the look of. im now ready to spend a little bit more (500 quid range) and the CB echelon seems the next logical step as its the next one up in the CB range with carbon forks, various other improvements and looks the part. My queries are:-

Is this model any good and does it offer good value?

Are there any better bikes on the market in the same price range?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[HovR]

Just had a quick look at Evans - All bikes they stock in that price range from big name brands (Spesh, CB, Dawes, Pinnacle) tend to be almost the exact same spec as the CB Echelon. Generally speaking they all have Shimano 2300 groupsets, alu frames with carbon forks.

If you're not worried about having a big brand name, the B'Twin Triban 5 (£499.99) from Decathlon has a Shimano Sora groupset - Which is the next step up in Shimano's hierarchy, and a carbon fork and seat stays.

The other option is to buy second hand - You should be able to get a lot of bike for £500 second hand.

 

[Jon courts]

Just had a quick look at Evans - All bikes they stock in that price range from big name brands (Spesh, CB, Dawes, Pinnacle) tend to be almost the exact same spec as the CB Echelon. Generally speaking they all have Shimano 2300 groupsets, alu frames with carbon forks.

If you're not worried about having a big brand name, the B'Twin Triban 5 (£499.99) from Decathlon has a Shimano Sora groupset - Which is the next step up in Shimano's hierarchy, and a carbon fork and seat stays.

The other option is to buy second hand - You should be able to get a lot of bike for £500 second hand.

Cheers for this Ill have a look at the others you mentioned. Yes - I've been looking a bit on ebay, not sure whether to bid without test riding though! Are there any decent second hand sites specific to cycling that you would recommend as opposed to ebay?

Thanks again

 

[HovR]

Other sites? CycleChat Classifieds! Lots of other forums (Bike Radar etc) also have a classifieds section. I personally wouldn't buy without trying the bike - See if you can contact the seller to arrange a test ride.

If this is in your size, it's a lot of bike for the money. Good condition, too. Boardman Comp Link.

 

[Jon courts]

Haha. this is literally my first day on here and i hadn't realised the classified section was so extensive. That's a nice bike but think its a bit big for me though as im only 5.10 and its a large (assuming 56cm+). Thanks for the tip though.

 

[HovR]

Are you sure it won't fit? Further down the thread the OP states that the bike is a 56cm frame, the lower end of large. Evans sizing guide recommends Large for heights between 5'9" and 6'0", although obviously sizing is fairly personal.

Here's another suggestion: Ribble Dedacciai, full Shimano 105 groupset, £425 leaving you some money for extras. The bike has more miles than the Boardman Comp, but also is cheaper with a slightly better spec. Size isn't specifically mentioned, but you are within the height guidelines given by the OP.


If you want to buy new, many people are pleased with the Specialized Allez. Very similar spec to the CB Echelon, so it's really a question of aesthetics/personal preference. Available with both compact or triple chain rings.

 

[Jon courts]

Wow, yes that does seem a nice spec for the money. Think i'm going to get shut of mine on here first then see whats in the kitty/available and go for it. Yes many people have recommended the allez to me for the money - call me silly but I just prefer the look of the Echelon! Suppose it's like getting a car though - you know some make more sense but often go with the one you prefer the look of!

 

[jonny jeez]

I know Cb had a name as a cheap bike (was it the Falcon brand) a few years ago...but I can tell you I've ridden my CB for over 15 year and its still as sharp and direct today as it has always been. no creaks, not rattles, frame is tight and in remarkable nick (poilished ally that has never been repolished).

I moved into a full roadie (specialized) late last year and am happy with the shift but still rely on the CB for heavy duty mountain biking (single track with drops) park rides with the kids and the occasional frosty commute (well, one in truth)

 

[Jon courts]

Yeah. I've got a CB San Remo now and its a solid bike which made me initially want to stick with a CB. However, when riding about and noticing other cyclists and their chosen ride i didn't see any (in 2 months cycling - most common was spesh) so wondered if they weren't popular for a particular reason (bad rep etc). Yes Id keep it for winter but wife won't let me due to space!...