I Want to buy my first road bike

[SueJJJJ]

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first road bike & can buy one through my cycle to work scheme. I'm wanting to do 'way of the Roses' this summer (previously did a C2C on my trek hybrid). Due to using the C2w scheme I'm limited to where i can buy....My budget is £500 - £1000. Currently looking at the Boardman Fi from Halfords £799 & comparing it to the Cannondale Synapse 5 105 compact 2013 costing £1050... Not knowing what is good or bad in chainsets, shifters, brakes...! its all just words to me... Any advise would be appreciated,.... will I be getting more bike for my money by buying the cannondale??
Many thanks!

 

[SquareDaff]

Hi, I'm looking to buy my first road bike & can buy one through my cycle to work scheme. I'm wanting to do 'way of the Roses' this summer (previously did a C2C on my trek hybrid). Due to using the C2w scheme I'm limited to where i can buy....My budget is £500 - £1000. Currently looking at the Boardman Fi from Halfords £799 & comparing it to the Cannondale Synapse 5 105 compact 2013 costing £1050... Not knowing what is good or bad in chainsets, shifters, brakes...! its all just words to me... Any advise would be appreciated,.... will I be getting more bike for my money by buying the cannondale??
Many thanks!

Welcome to the forums!!
The Boardman is excellent value for money and always gets great reviews in all the magazines. Good equipment and usually a damn good ride. Don't be put off by the fact its from Halfords!! I've had 2 of them (the CX and the Hybrid Pro) and never had any complaints with the bikes themselves.

Afraid I can't comment on the Cannondale as I've never ridden one - but I'm sure someone else on here can advise.