In need of a guru

[Road Rasher]

Hello all!

Firstly, I'm going to apologise as this is another, probably very dull message about which bike to buy for x amount. So if you're sick of reading these, you may stop here.

If you're still reading, it means you have a heart of gold and may be willing to help! So, I'm obviously after a road bike. I would like full carbon and at least 105's. Also, something pretty would be desirable! I'm sure that this wouldn't please the purists, but if I'm going to spend a lot on a bike, I want to look at it and feel proud of the aesthetics as well experiencing the pleasure it gives me whilst riding it.

Anyway, my budget initially started around the £1k mark, then it went up to the £1200 mark and now it seems to be getting out of hand! For example, I have seen two bikes available for the following amounts -

Giant TCR Advanced 2 (2012) for £1599

Cannondale Supersix 105 (2012) for £1430

The only difference I can see is that the Giant has Ultegra and the Cannondale has 105's.

Now, this will be my first road bike. A couple of my friends are into cycling, and I have managed to ride the same Cannondale and thought it was a lovely bike, albeit I only went around the block in it. But my plan is to build up some confidence on it with some park rides and then join them in 30, 40 or 50 mile trips.

Am I crazy for considering such high performance bikes to start with? Is there a better model I can get for the same price or cheaper?

Any or all advice greatly appreciated.

 

[vickster]

Planet X with ultegra for a grand or something like a ribble gran fondo is also around a grand

Where do you live as proximity to specific suppliers should also be considered as a newbie

My first roadbike, carbon came from pearsons as they are a mile away and I wanted the help (almost bought an alu bianchi from another lbs about 4 miles away)

What do your friends into cycling think? Get one to mooch around the shops with you for support

Oh and here's a gnu which how I initially read your thread title!

 

[Road Rasher]

I live in south east Kent near Margate.

I've also seen a Cube agree GTC Pro on eBay for an ok price, but it's a 56cm frame and I'm 6'1 which apparently isn't a good fit. It's a shame because it's a stunner!

My friends are advising me to get their bike! I've only been doing research for a little while, but thre seems to be a big trend in recommending other people the bike that you own!

Many thanks for the quick reply Vickster

 

[young Ed]

if you could stretch to between about £1,500-£2,000 then the specialized roubaix is worth a look. very popular with various members on here and is a generally great bike
oh and it is right up there in the fastness points!
Cheers Ed

 

[Saluki]

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT6800/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike
£999.99, I've just bought one myself in a rather fetching blue colour. If you speak to the nice bods at Planet X you will be able to put on the bar width that you want, change the saddle choice if you like and should get a choice between Ultegras and SRAM Rivals too.

I was deeply impressed with the Pro Carbon, hence buying one.

 

[Road Rasher]

Once again, many thanks for the ongoing tips. I really appreciate it.

I've seen a Cube GTC Agree Pro near me that is a 58 frame for £900 which looks very lovely. Just waiting got the seller to inform me about some details.

From what I can see, it has very good ratings (I'm a sucker for a professional review!)

 

[Cyclone1]

Was in the same situation, was about to pull the trigger on a Cube Agree GTC Road and then found Dolan....

You have a choice of carbon frames, groupsets, wheel sets etc etc. plus it's a bit different and fairly rare on the roads compared to the mainstream brands.

In the end just to be sure I paid them a visit for a look / see and check for fitting....

However there are many, many bikes to choose from and importantly there is some great advice / experience on here to help you...

Good luck
Jules

 

[Bryony]

I live in south east Kent near Margate.

I've also seen a Cube agree GTC Pro on eBay for an ok price, but it's a 56cm frame and I'm 6'1 which apparently isn't a good fit. It's a shame because it's a stunner!

My friends are advising me to get their bike! I've only been doing research for a little while, but thre seems to be a big trend in recommending other people the bike that you own!

Many thanks for the quick reply Vickster

If you're close to Margate then pop into SP Cycles in Broadstairs and have a chat with them. They are a friendly bunch, and will advise you in which bike is best for you, and not try and persuade you to buy a bike you don't want. They have always been full of great advice whenever I've gone in there for help.

Also Locks of Sandwich is a pretty good shop too.

Good luck with the bike shopping, might see you out on the roads of Thanet sometime!!

 

[Peteaud]

The supersix is all about the frame, as the 105 parts wear out you can upgrade.

Having got one (a 2012 model) it gives me a big grin every time i ride it.

 

[Road Rasher]

Yeah, they're the ones who have the Giant TCR Advanced 2. It's an absolute beauty of a bike, but I'm not sure if that's a ridiculous amount to spend on a first bike, hence me seriously looking at second hand options. I'll certainly pop over to sandwich though, as that's a local shop I haven't looked at yet, thanks

 

[Road Rasher]

It is very tempting to just plump for the supersix. Especially as it's the only serious road bike I've ever ridden!

Does £1299 + 10% admin fee - tax through cycle to work scheme sound an ok price for this?

 

[SteCenturion]

Message @Cuchilo who owns a TCR Advanced & really likes his.

I think it is a great price for a bike of that quality.

The only downside I can see is that you are pretty much stuck with Giant or Ritchey stems due to Giants unique head tube diameters.

The wheel set is generally thought of as good & robust but not a great wheel.
Not really a deal breaker though.

Would buy a TCR in the blink of an eye if I could find the exact one I want on 0% over a long term (but then I want too many bikes) & probably don't need them.
I found my old Giant Defy too big at 6ft (size large) but you may be fine at 6-1.

I haven't ever tried a Cannondale so couldn't vouch for them but highly regarded by so many. Not keen on the styling myself so wouldn't buy.

Go try them all out.

 

[Cuchilo]

I thought I could feel my ears burning
I would have thought you could get a TCR 1 Advanced (2013) for £1600 or close to it .
I started out thinking like you and went for a Defy 5 to see if I got the bug . I got the bug !

Am I crazy for considering such high performance bikes to start with?

I don't think so if you know you are going to ride it but there is a down side if its your only bike . You wont want to leave it anywhere ! Mine doesn't leave my ass when I am out on it so nipping to the shop could be a problem .
I wouldn't want my TCR as my only bike for that reason alone but I am very very happy with it as my " best bike "

 

[Road Rasher]

Thanks again for the replies

That's another issue that I'll have to work out before my purchase - to buy a bike from a company's more sportive range or race range. One of my friends is pressuring me not to get a sportive bike (Defy, synapse etc) because he thinks I'll eventually regret it, but the reviews are so good it's difficult to ignore!

 

[Cuchilo]

Thanks again for the replies

That's another issue that I'll have to work out before my purchase - to buy a bike from a company's more sportive range or race range. One of my friends is pressuring me not to get a sportive bike (Defy, synapse etc) because he thinks I'll eventually regret it, but the reviews are so good it's difficult to ignore!

Position wise I think its all down to how you set the bike up . There is only mm between the Defy and the TCR going on what I have measured . I think I could set both bikes up to the same riding position if I wanted .