Minefield of bikes

[Andywinds]

Hi all,
I've recently joined a complete newbie to road cycling. I've been looking at road bikes for a while now and don't really know what would suit me. I don't want to spend over 1k but would also like something that will not fall apart straight away!
I'm 5'11" and at the moment weight between 15.5 and 16stone but hoping to get this to 14.5 and 15stone. Not sure if this makes a difference but included it anyway.
I've heard some say that if you get a cheaper carbon bike then the drive train etc are of a lesser quality and that going for a Alu bike might be a better option??
All opinions welcome.
Cheers
Andy

Ps just to add I am currently borrowing a old Carerra vanquish which weighs 10kg.

 

[colin-java]

Hi all,
I've recently joined a complete newbie to road cycling. I've been looking at road bikes for a while now and don't really know what would suit me. I don't want to spend over 1k but would also like something that will not fall apart straight away!
I'm 5'11" and at the moment weight between 15.5 and 16stone but hoping to get this to 14.5 and 15stone. Not sure if this makes a difference but included it anyway.
I've heard some say that if you get a cheaper carbon bike then the drive train etc are of a lesser quality and that going for a Alu bike might be a better option??
All opinions welcome.
Cheers
Andy

Ps just to add I am currently borrowing a old Carerra vanquish which weighs 10kg.

Hi, I'm in a similar position to you actually, I was 15.5 stone, but now 2 lbs over 13.5 stone mostly from riding new mountain bike.
I noticed I was always overtaking other people on mountain bikes, but being overtaken by road bikers, which is why I'm after a road bike as well, since I can go further/faster with less effort.

I've put a similar post in the forum, I've been recommended this bike..
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXLDNRIV/planet-x-london-road-sram-rival-22-road-bike

But the bike I had my eye on for a long time which the price has now dropped is...
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/18050/cannondale-synapse-105-5-disc-racing-road-bike-2015

So apparently the SRAM rival 22 is better than the 105, and the synapse doesn't have a complete 105 groupset, due to the 50/34 chainset(I think its called), which is FSA,
and the disk brakes are not 105.

Yes you are right, you can get cheap carbon bikes, with good frames, but they might only use sora groupset.
I personally would go for alu frame and a decent groupset, either tiagra, 105, or an sram.

 

[vickster]

Do you want a bike with a more aggressive riding position to go a bit faster or would prefer a more relaxed riding position that will be more comfortable for full days in the saddle?

Planet X, Dolan and ribble usually have a decently equipped carbon bike fit under a grand. Carbon is ultimately just another material. Personally I find my carbon or steel bikes more comfy on longer rides. Just seem to better soak up the rough roads I ride

At 16 stone you can ride whatever bike you want

 

[Andywinds]

Thanks for the replies, really helpful. I suppose I like the idea of being able to go faster and more aggressive in places. I will look at the bikes you have suggested Vickster. Thanks Colin-java I will look at those bikes. Just out of interest some of these bikes have disk brakes, and I'm used to hydraulic brakes, but are they overkill on a road bike?

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the replies, really helpful. I suppose I like the idea of being able to go faster and more aggressive in places. I will look at the bikes you have suggested Vickster. Thanks Colin-java I will look at those bikes. Just out of interest some of these bikes have disk brakes, and I'm used to hydraulic brakes, but are they overkill on a road bike?

Depends if you are going to be riding a lot in the wet really, espe3cially in traffic where the extra braking power might be useful! The pros seem to manage in the mountains ok without them