First carbon road bike - looking at around £1400

[Mr_K_Dilkington]

I'm looking to upgrade to my first carbon road bike. I ride a lot at weekends (ride both days, typically 30-40 miles around Richmond Park on Saturday mornings and then longer rides on Sunday - 50-60 miles typically) plus commuting 10 miles each way to work 5 days a week). I'm looking to spend around £1400 as this is what it seems like is required to get a decent entry level carbon bike (I'd know you can get them slightly cheaper than this, but I'd rather go one up from the true entry level carbons and get a 105 groupset etc.).

These are the ones I'm looking at so far:

Boardman Road Pro Carbon 2014 (£1300): http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_992060_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#tab2

(are the Boardmans any good - I don't really trust Halfords and I don't know the Boardman brand too much to be honest)

Cube Agree GTC Pro 2014 (£1400): http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-ag...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/53485?listing=true

Cube Agree GTC Pro Compact 2013 (£979!!!): http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-agree-gtc-pro-compact-road-bike-2013/rp-prod111918

(is there much of a difference typically between previous years models and this years? Is Cube as good a brand as the big name pro sponsorship brands?)

Trek Madone 3.1 C 2014 (£1400): http://www.cyclesurgery.com/trek-ma...nents-bikewear/fcp-product/46129?listing=true

Bianchi Vertigo Veloce 2013 (£1375): http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/vertigo-veloce-2013-road-bike-ec045185#features

Bianchi Vertigo 105 2013 (£1400): http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/vertigo-105-2013-road-bike-ec059628#select

( I do love the aesthetics of the turquoise Bianchis)

Fuji Altamira 2.5 2014 (£1395): http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/altamira-25-2014-road-bike-ec053289#select

Which of these would be best (I haven't tried any of them yet, which is obviously one of my next steps)? Any others I may want to consider or any tasty deals people have seen online?

Cheers!

 

[MikeW-71]

You've a good shortlist there I reckon. Boardmans are well reviewed and good bikes, just some of the Halfords mechanics let them down a bit. Cube is a good brand, there is often little difference between model years other than a new paint job (that goes for every make TBH).

One more to consider:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb...t.tcr.composite.2/14971/66533/#specifications

Which one is best? The one that fits you and that you enjoy riding. Get out there and test ride some

 

[simon007]

I think it's a good list but I would also add another bike that would fit your needs and is in your budget plus allows you to 'buy British'..the Planet X RT-58 carbon which has a great spec. It is a sportive rather than a race set up. That was one reason I chose it. Plus the great spec. http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58ULT6800/planet-x-rt-58-ultegra-6800-11-road-bike
What do you think of it?

 

[StuAff]

And another Trek to consider- the Domane 4.0. Madone 3.1's a great bike, but the Domane geometry might suit you better, and the ride will be (even) smoother. Some of last year's are still available (different colour but same spec) with discounts down to £1250 or so, this year's is £1500.
Worth considering if you want something racier, or more comfortable, or a bit of both...a few test rides in order I think....

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Canyon?
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3239

From the list you gave, my advice would be to steer clear of bike with FSA chainset - others differ in this but my experience with them is awful, and I reckon it's a cost-cutter that costs more in the long run (or not so long run!). So, from the list you gave I'd opt for the Cubes, and they also appear the best spec to me.

 

[SteCenturion]

What size frame will you need ?

There are guys & girls on here who are very good at spotting a great deal.

Can I throw a wildcard in ?

I will anyway.

Sintesi Z2 or M2 @ tweekscycles.co.uk - full Sram Force & full Toray T800 carbon frame & fork with 1545g Ritchey WCS Zeta wheelset - 2012 model but 2012 price £1500.

N.B - "TURQUOISE" - don't let the Bianchi fan boys see you call it that.

Bianchi's are overpriced - under specced & over rated too

 

[SteCenturion]

Cube GTC Pro 2013 @ £979 !!

No brainer - great bike - go buy it.

 

[AndyRM]

Ribble and Wiggle also have great carbon bikes in that price bracket. As do Decathlon.

 

[cyberknight]

The boardman got a best on test recently in a cyclingplus review , as usual they are well made and well specced , the review says the "low " is that if you want to upgrade as most of the components are at the top end for the price range.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-boardman-pro-carbon-14-47909/

 

[jowwy]

Add 200 to the budget and get a specialized tarmac sport for 1600. Enjoy the bike immensley

Then close the thread. Winner

 

[cyberknight]

Cannondale synapse 2013 comes just in your budget if you shop around , this years model got bike of the year .
http://www.discountcyclesdirect.co.uk/catalog/product.php?CI_ID=14061&O_ID=1

 

[Peteaud]

Add 200 to the budget and get a specialized tarmac sport for 1600. Enjoy the bike immensley

Then close the thread. Winner

Sorry Jowwy, whilst i can see your point, and i like the tarmac, i would add another £300 and buy the Cannondale Synapse 105.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-carbon-6-105-2014-road-bike-ec053647

It is bike of the year, looks damn good, and gets rave reviews.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/...ns-cycling-plus-bike-of-the-year-video-40347/

Beaten by @cyberknight and that bike is value.

Now you can close the thread.

 

[jowwy]

Sorry Jowwy, whilst i can see your point, and i like the tarmac, i would add another £300 and buy the Cannondale Synapse 105.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-carbon-6-105-2014-road-bike-ec053647

It is bike of the year, looks damn good, and gets rave reviews.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/...ns-cycling-plus-bike-of-the-year-video-40347/

Beaten by @cyberknight and that bike is value.

Now you can close the thread.

That maybe - but all the bikes hes listed are of the more racey geometry and not the head up geometry of the synapse.

Also the tarmac frame is worth the price tag alone.....its a no brainer in my book

 

[kedab]

see that profile snap? that's a TCR Composite 3 - Giant's entry level carbon. it is a phenomenal bike - consider i'd not been on a racer since i was a nipper and had only been back on a bike 18 months (hybrid), it took me about an hour to feel confident on it. it's so surefooted it's incredible. it came with a 105 set up (brifters & rear derailluer) mixed with a bit of Tiagra but if you're looking for something you won't feel like you've overspent on and got some really good value for money, this is the bike you're looking for. cost me 1k

 

[Peteaud]

That maybe - but all the bikes hes listed are of the more racey geometry and not the head up geometry of the synapse.

Also the tarmac frame is worth the price tag alone.....its a no brainer in my book

I went for the Synapse as the OP wants it for everything, inc commuting, and the Synapse is a very good all rounder. Both the Tarmac, and the Supersix have stunning frames (you have one, i have the other) but for general day to day stuff all year long i would pick my Synapse.