Help With The Almighty Decision.

[Jason Kerrigan]

Ok a few weeks in to cycling and im hooked. I have decided that my muddyfox from Amazon just won't cut it, i already know im devoted enough to cycling to make the leap and purchase a new road bike i have done my research and i have the following. Please i beg of you just because you are a fan of a specific brand do not let that sway your decision, be honest this in an important purchase to me and need responsable answers. After all it is my money

Thank you.

Their is a Poll above fell free to select your answer. Or respond below

Minium of £650 all i can afford at this moment in time sorry.

Triban 5 "£429"
( http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-black-id_8239801.html )

Giant Defy 5 2013 "£499"
( http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-5-2013-Road-Bike_56261.htm )

Specialized Allez Compact 2013 "£550"
( http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-compact-2013-road-bike-ec040963#reviews )

Trek 1.1 C 2013 "£550"
( http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/11-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040340 )

Giant Defy 4 "499"
( http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.4.compact/11833/56806/#news )

Ribble Sportive 7005 "£610"
( http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/r...part=BB13RIBSPORTIVE7005&sub=conf_BBRA&bike=1 )

Felt Z95 2013 "£650"
( http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/z95-2013-road-bike-ec046334 )

 

[Radchenister]

Why a Defy 5 if the budget is £650?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.4.compact/11833/56806/

 

[bruith]

Why a Defy 5 if the budget is £650?

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.4.compact/11833/56806/

Hmm. Must have missed that sorry, Thank you

 

[Banjo]

The felt has a carbon fork unlike some. Also a wider range of gears than most compacts 34/32 will get you up anything. Have to say I voted for it because I think it looks good

Ribble Sportive is a great bike but Ribbles poor reputation with customer service if anything goes wrong after you buy puts me off them alltogether.

 

[bruith]

The felt has a carbon fork unlike some. Also a wider range of gears than most compacts 34/32 will get you up anything. Have to say I voted for it because I think it looks good

Appreciated

 

[smokeysmoo]

A couple of obvious choices that seem to have been overlooked for you to consider;

Triban 5, Triban 3

Lots of happy 3 owners HERE

 

[bruith]

A couple of obvious choices that seem to have been overlooked for you to consider;

Triban 5, Triban 3

Lots of happy 3 owners HERE

Im sorry. any others i should add and ill edit the post?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I can't help but I have a Specialized road bike and a Felt Hybrid and I would happily buy either make again.

 

[Rob500]

Is £650 the total max budget or just the max bike budget?

What I mean is if it's the total budget then I'd consider aiming for one of the lower priced options so I'd have some sterlings left over for bits and bobs: spare inners, track pump for the house, lights if needed etc.

 

[2Loose]

You can't have 'Fact' on a bike choice...it's all a bit subjective really. Like a pair of shoes, some fit some people better than others for different tasks.
However, Cycling Plus voted the Defy4 a superb bike for the money just before Christmas and I really can't fault the frame or build on my older Defy 2, so that would be my choice\opinion.

You really must try these things for fit\size to judge them properly for yourself though.

 

[bruith]

Is £650 the total max budget or just the max bike budget?

What I mean is if it's the total budget then I'd consider aiming for one of the lower priced options so I'd have some sterlings left over for bits and bobs: spare inners, track pump for the house, lights if needed etc.

I know i have already put money aside for those.

 

[samsbike]

I have no opinion on which bike but would advise trying them as well as supporting your lbs. The latter more for you to help with fit and any issues that may happen afterwards. Also if you are not mechanically adept then having someone local is a big bonus. Also you may get a discount on the kit.

Finally do not underestimate the important of test rides and aesthetics of the bike , things like colour etc are important as well

 

[Colin S]

I have a RIbble Sportive
Its a very good bike for the price but might be worth upgrading the tyres and/ or the wheels

Colin

 

[vickster]

Go ride them. Evans are good for test ride, just need a credit card

 

[outlash]

Go ride them. Evans are good for test ride, just need a credit card

I can only echo that, there's a load of bikes at the price point you're looking at and while the equipment is much of a muchness on most of them, you may find the geometry and size of the frame different enough to make the difference between enjoyment and tolerance of the bike.


Tony.