First 'race type' bike

[billy1561]

Hello all

Looks like my employer will be taking up the cycle to work scheme (hopefully) so i am looking to treat myself to a decent road bike.
Currently i have an mtb and a hybrid, hence the thought process for a roadie.
Asked in the Local shop and was shown a few different types with a promise of a test ride once i get the green light.
So far i have looked at Giant defy for £650 £700 and £750 first was alu second was with carbon forks and third was carbon seat post too.
Also got shown an Orbea onix for £1300 which was all carbon i think.

Now the guy said that i would see a tremendous difference from the hybrid to even the cheapest roadie and obviously each time i went up the cost scale it would improve.

Basically what i want to know is would the Giants be as good for me regarding comfort and speed etc as the top priced bike? Was told the Giant had good geometry for comfort but cant remember what he said about the Orbea.
The price is not really a barrier but i don't want to spend top whack if the bike is hardly better (for me) than one at haf the price.
Thanks,
Billy.

 

[StuAff]

Hello all

Looks like my employer will be taking up the cycle to work scheme (hopefully) so i am looking to treat myself to a decent road bike.
Currently i have an mtb and a hybrid, hence the thought process for a roadie.
Asked in the Local shop and was shown a few different types with a promise of a test ride once i get the green light.
So far i have looked at Giant defy for £650 £700 and £750 first was alu second was with carbon forks and third was carbon seat post too.
Also got shown an Orbea onix for £1300 which was all carbon i think.

Now the guy said that i would see a tremendous difference from the hybrid to even the cheapest roadie and obviously each time i went up the cost scale it would improve.

Basically what i want to know is would the Giants be as good for me regarding comfort and speed etc as the top priced bike? Was told the Giant had good geometry for comfort but cant remember what he said about the Orbea.
The price is not really a barrier but i don't want to spend top whack if the bike is hardly better (for me) than one at haf the price.
Thanks,
Billy.

Onix is indeed full carbon, all the reviews I've seen have been very positive. Sportive-oriented, so should be great for comfort. As to whether it's worth the extra- ride it and the Defy and find out if you think it is. Either way, remember the frame's the most important bit to get right (in terms of fit, build quality and riding characteristics)- anything else that you want to change or upgrade will be easy after that.

 

[PaulSecteur]

Just my 2p, Im sure others may dis-agree...

I would be anxious leaving a full carbon bike in the average bike shed, with people shoving their £70 argos bikes pedels against my frame.

Howerver, If you are buying the bike for your pleasure rides and using the carbon one for work then its a mute point.

*I have no experience of owning a carbon frame, so its just circumstantial from whet I have read/ heard*

 

[billy1561]

The comfort aspect is good to hear although not completely top of my 'must haves'.
As for the bike shed it's an excellent point but not really an issue as i can bring the bike inside where i work.

 

[Alien8]

Unless you're a pretty good rider to start with I don't think alu or carbon frame will be the limiting factor to your speed. Presumably these bikes have different groupsets? Also wheel set differences will have an impact. Are you just going to use it for commuting? Anyway, as has already been said, try all the bikes you're interested in and remember that it's okay to follow your heart rather than head when making a final choice.

 

[billy1561]

Well after a 30 year break (yes really) i took to cycling again about a year ago and have enjoyed it so much that i sold my car so yes i have to commute by bike but i have a hybrid for that. Guess i just want something different that gives me comfort and the ability to cover a bit of distance when i get the urge.
Not a complete novice but far from savvy when it comes down to the nitty gritty. For example what's a groupset?

 

[cyberknight]

For example what's a groupset?

Drivetrain components , basically the more expensive the better they are.

With shimano for road bikes it is , 2300, sora,tiagra 105,ultegra,dura-ace.

i use 2300 and although they are "entry" level they are solid and work fine.

 

[billy1561]

Cheers mate