My first carbon, £1500 budget, help

[SteveBM]

Hi guys,

I'm currently the proud owner of a Specialised Allez and I'm looking to upgrade to a carbon frame bike. My budget is around £1500, with a little flexibility if it's worthwhile upping it a little.

My rides are typically 50-70 mile weekend rides with a sportive evert 4-6 weeks of around 75-100 miles.

I find my Allez is great, but I'm looking for something that will be good for long days in the saddle.

My problem is that I'm not really sure what specific components I should be looking for, beyond gears (105 / Ultegra). It's a bit embarrassing really, but I don't really know what components are better than others. This is where I need your help.....

Given my usage above, and my budget, can you help me draw up a shortlist that I can hunt down in my local bike stores? I'm particularly interested to hear of any models which offer particualarly good components when compared to their counterparts.

I'd really appreciate any help, sources for reference or words of wisdom you can offer

Cheers!

 

[Saluki]

The 2014 Giant Defy 2 Composite is £1400 with 105s on, The Defy 1 Composite £1600 with Ultegras.
They are a more relaxed geometry than a TCX and built for people riding sportives, long day rides etc etc.

Fab bikes, I am tentatively saving for a Defy 1 Composite myself (hopefully the car won't blow up, another massive vet bill etc won't happen again)

 

[SteveBM]

The Defy 1 Composite £1600 with Ultegras.

Oooh, that looks lovely!! Good luck with the saving, I'll add it to the list!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Vitus Vitesse?

 

[fossala]

If you love you allez why don't you look at getting a tarmac, I think there are a few models under 1500. A few places have 10% off at the moment.
EDIT: here is one site that has 10% off the 2013 range. Specialized Tarmac road bikes

 

[Tolvar]

Very happy with my Verenti Insight, check it out and it's under budget! http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-insight-ultegra-2013/

 

[SteveBM]

Had never heard of Vitus - looks good.

Will take a look at the tarmac too. Thanks for the advice!

Once i've built my "short list" I will definitely need some help comparing components across the various models. Hopefully then I'll learn the difference between a "blah-de-blah" wheelset and a "so-and-so" wheel set!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Had never heard of Vitus - looks good.

Will take a look at the tarmac too. Thanks for the advice!

Once i've built my "short list" I will definitely need some help comparing components across the various models. Hopefully then I'll learn the difference between a "blah-de-blah" wheelset and a "so-and-so" wheel set!

This chap had a little to do with them http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Kelly_(cyclist)

 

[vickster]

I think Vitus only online from Chain Reaction? If OP happy with online, then look at Ribble, Canyon, Rose

 

[musa]

Tarmac as mentioned. If your a 54 I have one waiting for you

 

[fossala]

Noticed OP is from Raleigh, I went school there until year 9 when they kicked me out . Sweyne park high school IIRC

 

[SteveBM]

I think Vitus only online from Chain Reaction? If OP happy with online, then look at Ribble, Canyon, Rose

Would prefer a "real" shop, so I can try the fit and geometry before I buy

 

[SteveBM]

Noticed OP is from Raleigh, I went school there until year 9 when they kicked me out . Sweyne park high school IIRC

Yeah, spot on! Small world! ;-)

 

[SteveBM]

Tarmac as mentioned. If your a 54 I have one waiting for you

Thanks for the offer. I'd prefer to buy new though if possible

 

[vickster]

Ashcycles may be worth a visit if looking at Giant http://www.ashcycles.com/site/ , or if you work in / go into London, Giant have opened a store near St Paul's