Cycle scheme new bike advice

[bootneck]

I am sure this topic has been done to death and so any replies will be really appreciated.

I am about to purchase a new road bike through the 'scheme' and only have a one month window to do so then my company close it for another year, so i'm under a little pressure to get it right.

Of course the million dollar question is what is right?

Im not new to biking but just do it for the enjoyment but may, just may, push myself into joining the local road race club for a bit of fun with the new purchase.

I have a budget of £1000

The bikes I have been recommended by various LBS are as follows:-

Trek 2.1 with Shimano gears

Wilier Laverado (hadn't ever heard of them) with Campagnolo gears

Boardman road carbon Ltd with Sram rival? gears


Finally a Specialised Allez Elite 2010 which at £799 is a couple of hundred pounds cheaper than the rest.

The reason for including the Allez is that a number of reviews make mention of it's more upright position and the comfort factor over distances.

As i'm knocking firmly on the door to middle age and of a size and weight where the idea of reducing wind resistance is a long lost dream.
So comfort far out weighs saving a couple of seconds of time.

So I would welcome any advice on these or any other bikes that might fall into my category.

 

[Garz]

The wilier or the boardman are fantastic specs so would both be good buys. I opted for the boardman comp as review wise it was almost as good as the higher specced model but way cheaper (cost me £600). I though wasnt on a 'scheme' so this factored heavily in my decision, will the scheme allow you to purchase essentials like clothing, helmet etc as these can cost a fair whack on top?

 

[marchammer]

Hi.I would go for the Wilier cos i think its a better looking bike (very important part) and the Boardman has had supply issues.

 

[bootneck]

Thanks for the advice Garz, the Boardman at £600 or the Specialised at £799 I guess is the way to go if I want to get some clothing etc. How comfortable is the Boardman Comp over distances? as i said in my original post comfort is a major factor for me as don't want to get home feeling stiff as a board.

Marchammer I have read about Halfords not getting them in, the young store assistant seemed to think it wasn't an issue but didn't sound too convincing. I did like the look of Wilier but as I said iv'e never heard of them, not that it says anything about their quality, more my ignorance.

Do you have one? if so what do you think of them?

 

[Old Walrus]

Hi Bootneck,

Same dilemma here, you wouldn't also work for a large 'firm' based in Lewes with its 'scheme' starting on 1/10 would you?

A colleague with the Boardman swears by it and it looks and weighs the part. The view of a bike mechanic was whilst the kit is good the frame is pretty ordinary. The only person I know with a Wilier (costing far more than £1k) also rates it, I have no idea how the sub £1k ones match up.

I'll probably be going down the Allez Elite road, I'm commuting on a Tricross at the moment but would like a fast bike for off-duty trips and removing 'guards and rack each time is a pain. Try and test ride as many as you can. Best of luck!

 

[Garz]

Thanks for the advice Garz, the Boardman at £600 or the Specialised at £799 I guess is the way to go if I want to get some clothing etc. How comfortable is the Boardman Comp over distances? as i said in my original post comfort is a major factor for me as don't want to get home feeling stiff as a board.

Well boot, mine has been a great introduction to road cycling. I have completed many 50+ rides on it and done one charity event recently that was 100 miles. Comfortable enough although I guess most rides beyond 60 miles tend to get sore in the bum depending on how conditioned you are.

As with any bike you can adjust or change the saddle, I wouldnt let a saddle sway my decision of a bike put it that way.

A colleague with the Boardman swears by it and it looks and weighs the part. The view of a bike mechanic was whilst the kit is good the frame is pretty ordinary.

Ordinary frame? For the price your paying its actually not bad. If you want better frames then your going to have to get near or enter the £1k+ bracket. Like you friend says (obviously your not using his advice then?) its very good spec, especially as he swears by it!

 

[bootneck]

Old Walrus

Yep we work for the same outfit based in Lewes but I moved from that daily commute some years ago and work out 'West' on the 'Downs'.

Thanks for the advice, you know what it's like with up to a £1000 budget i'm sorely tempted to go up to the line. I was focused solely on the Allez but with advice from various LBS the choice has widened as the price goes up!

Can I ask if your bike mechanic has any view on the Allez Elite?