How Scientific is Your Bike Selection Criteria?

[JtB]

I think Bianchi road bikes generally look stylish, this particualar model costs roughly what I want to spend and I like the colour. Assuming I also like the "test ride", is there really anything else of importance I need to consider?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/via-nirone-7-tiagra-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031993

 

[Blue]

The most important thing to consider is the intended purpose - leisure, sportive, racing etc etc. By thinking about what you want to do with the bike you can make sure the geometry, gearing, wheels etc suit your purpose before trying and buying.

 

[HLaB]

I look also at the components and gearing; that bike would be a little too low geared but its not Sora and it looks good. The feel, eg comfort and weight are the main deal maker/ breaker.

 

[JtB]

Its for leisure, I'll still use my 35 year old Carlton (with panniers) for commutes. My rides are currently limited to 40 miles, not because I get tired, but more because I end up aching too much. My Carlton is too heavy and the frame size is just too big. Trouble is I bought it when I was still growing and I overestimated how much growing I still had left to do.

 

[JtB]

Focusing on the best components you can get for the money, there's this bike for similar money that comes with a Shimano 105 groupset: Cube Pelonton Race. The thing is though, Cube road bikes don't seem so popular as Bianchi and I'm guessing there must be a reason.

 

[ChefDicko]

i think when you are looking at bikes in the same prices bracket there going to be quite simular anyway, unless you can get a 2nd hand bike of a much higher pedagree