Italian (and other european) road bikes at £1000

[vickster]

Oops, must've been thinking of Orbea!

 

[vickster]

Annoyingly a shop around the corner from where I work sells them but doesn't do C2W scheme. Quite a bargain:
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/orbea-a...s/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/22499

Very nice, but yes, clearly out of my budget.

To note, most shops don't offer C2W on sale bikes - you'll be stung for RRP (may get a free bottle cage or something). Do your sums very carefully on C2W, it's not the great deal it once was from a saving perspective and you will be tied to the employer (especially as most shops give a decent discount for 'cash'). Some retailers offer interest free (e.g. Evans) or an interest free CC for 15 months also offers a great deal if need credit

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Oops, must've been thinking of Orbea!

When I first heard of them I assumed they were Spanish, named after that region of Spain.

I wouldn't be surprised if the name was chosen for that very reason.

 

[screenman]

Err! PlanetX has a shop and does bike fits.

 

[2pies]

To note, most shops don't offer C2W on sale bikes - you'll be stung for RRP (may get a free bottle cage or something). Do your sums very carefully on C2W, it's not the great deal it once was from a saving perspective and you will be tied to the employer (especially as most shops give a decent discount for 'cash'). Some retailers offer interest free (e.g. Evans) or an interest free CC for 15 months also offers a great deal if need credit

That's a fair point, but I still think that tax saving from earning is better than the £100 you could save from sale or cash items. I'll ask the shop though.

As Evans have the most choice of bikes, which is important because I'm very tall (6'4") I think I will try a few bikes out.

 

[Tomba]

Cycling Active mag had a review of a Kuota Korsa Lite (£999 rrp) this month and rated it at 92%. Had Sram Apex, Shimano wheels. Looked like a nice bike. Got 20 out of 20 for comfort and value.

Forgot to mention they're Italian.

 

[James D]

Hi 2pies,

I've just been through the same process, my Giant SCR2 was starting to look a little rough round the edges and I managed to get a 2011 Pinarello FP1 on sale at Cycle Surgery for £999 in the C2W scheme (now just waiting for my voucher to turn up so I can pick it up!). It was between a Bianchi at Evans Cycles and the Pinarello but just fell in love with the FP1. Italian design, you can't beat it. I did quite a bit of research on the FP1, see http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-pinarello-fp-uno-12-45956 for a review on the 2012 model. My advice is to buy the bike you really want, don't get too hung up on small differences in spec etc. Just make sure it fits you properly!

 

[2pies]

Hi 2pies,

I've just been through the same process, my Giant SCR2 was starting to look a little rough round the edges and I managed to get a 2011 Pinarello FP1 on sale at Cycle Surgery for £999 in the C2W scheme (now just waiting for my voucher to turn up so I can pick it up!). It was between a Bianchi at Evans Cycles and the Pinarello but just fell in love with the FP1. Italian design, you can't beat it. I did quite a bit of research on the FP1, see http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-pinarello-fp-uno-12-45956 for a review on the 2012 model. My advice is to buy the bike you really want, don't get too hung up on small differences in spec etc. Just make sure it fits you properly!

Thanks for the comments.

Been a bit busy so haven't had a chance to follow up on this for a week or so, until now. However, I think my quest for an Italian Stallion may be short-lived, it seems most Italian bikes only go up to 58 or 59cm frames. At 6'4" its likely I'll need at least a 60cm, my current bike is 61cm.

I've now switched my attention to Cube, Scott and Cannondale (American, but too nice to ignore) bikes which all are well reviewed and cater for the larger lads. But that's for a different thread.....