Just when I thought i had made my mind up!

[Sunny Portrush]

I hope this isn`t breaking any rules but I have another thread where i was trying to decide between a Cannondale and a merida bike. I thought I had my mind made up on the Cannondale before I received a flyer from another LBS.

They are offering £500 off one of these - http://www.mekkbicycles.com/Potenza-SL-5.0-105.aspx.

Now, is it wrong to assume that because it is dearer then the other bikes I was looking at that it will be better? I`ve also yet to sit on it so that may make a difference. Any advice well appreciated!
FWIW, here are the other two bikes I was looking at

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/cannondale-synapse-tiagra-14

http://2013.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2014/38/ROAD/Scultura+904

 

[vickster]

It's a different material for starters to the others, carbon rather than alloy with carbon forks. It'll be lighter and also probably more comfortable over rough surfaces, but you need to sit on al and see what geometry works for you. The cannondale is more of a sportive, relaxed geometry

 

[young Ed]

just because it costs more doesn't always mean it is better a ferrarri costs more than a jcb fatrac (a huge beast tractor) but the ferrarri is no good for plowing!
sorry
also remember when you sit on it it might not be the worlds best saddle so just bear that in mind as saddles can be changed
wouldn't go for the connondale though due to lack of shimano hubs and some other mechanical components aren't shimano making spares possibly slightly harder to come by but that might just be me be a shimano fan boy and a bit narrow minded!
Cheers Ed

 

[young Ed]

crank, rims, stem and brakes are all non shimano as well hubs and yes carbon is lighter and may be more comfy especially if you are in britain! (carbon isn't as good at shock absorbing as suspension though just don't get too excited)
Cheers Ed

 

[youngoldbloke]

If the Potenza is £899 that is a fantastic bargain - some 105, inc. chainset, R500 wheels are fine, and Ritchey finishing kit. You can always change the saddle - IME unless you can specify it I would expect to. Here is a recent review of the Mekk Poggio, with Sora, which you can find for less than £700 online - again great value. Of course, have to echo all the other advice about size, fit and comfort. Unless you have a good idea of the geometry that suits you, and the size you need, you really need to sit on/test ride the bike/s if at all possible.

 

[SteCenturion]

Yes the Mekk looks a good deal for the $$$$.
It might even be a good bike - would have to read the reviews 1st though.
All I say is this - not all carbon is created equal - so not all carbon frames are light or stiff etc.
Giant did an alloy TCR in 2013 that weighed a lot less than even some mid range carbon framesets.
I bought a carbon Sintesi a few months ago because it was a). Unusual (not common) & to me therefore more interesting.
b). It was reduced by £1000
c). Had full Sram Force group set.
Next up I plan to buy the Cube Peloton Race I mentioned on C2W in your other thread.
Oh yeah - the 1st thing I did to the Sintesi was rip off the wheels, tyres, saddle, handlebar & stem as I wanted my choice of kit on it & I will do the same to the Cube - selling off all the original (O.E) parts as new unused.
Not that I am wealthy (skint now in fact) I just prefer a bit of individuality & not to have what the manufacturer wants me to have.