My Shortlist - Help Me Pick...

[ryan_w]

Hi all!

Right, over the past few weeks I’ve been scanning the internet and researching the options for sub £2,000 carbon framed, 105 and up spec’d bikes.

I’ve pretty much narrowed it to down the bikes listed below.
Once I’ve finalised my decision, I’m looking to purchase the bike this week. I’m just after a few opinions on them to help make my decision a little easier.

I’ve sat on all the bikes and know which sizes fit me best, but haven’t spent any decent amount of time on them to say which feels most suited to me.

The bike shall be used for commuting to work in London and days out at the weekend, ranging from short sprints to long (for me) trips up to Cambridge with the option of joining a local (Fulham) cycle club and going from there...

Here’s my shortlist:

• Cube Agree GTC SL - £1,899
• Giant TCR Advanced 2 - £1,899
• Giant Defy Advanced 2 - £1,899
• Trek Madone 3.5 - £1,800
• Wilier GTR 105 - £1,799
• Giant TCR Composite 1 - £1,599
• Giant Defy Composite 1 - £1,599

So if any of you would be so kind as to pass comment on the above bikes and tell me which you would advise as the ‘best buy’, it would be much appreciated. I’m always one to listen to more seasoned riders and their experiences.

Cheers all in advance,

Ryan

 

[vickster]

The one that feels best when you test ride

Don't forget to insure it properly and buy a couple of serious locks if keeping and leaving anywhere in London!

 

[Kies]

Giant Defy Advanced 2 - won best bike last year. I bought my Defy on the same reviews and am very pleased with it. So that would be my choice. (Yes biased, with no direct experience of it)

 

[vickster]

£1800 Cannondale Synapse won Cycling Plus bike of the year. Got to be worth a look

 

[Kies]

I hope the OP gets to keep the bike inside at all times. I could never leave an expensive bike outdoors. I get nervous leaving my £500 Elite alone in London

 

[vickster]

There was an article in tonight's standard about bike theft in London, mostly happens between 9am and 5pm from packed racks around the city - Hackney, Wandsworth, Westminster the worst hit...rare customised bikes least likely to be nicked, most likely, common bikes like the Allez...2k bike, Abus and Fahg

I do leave my Pearson occasionally but only in very busy locations while I have a coffee...otherwise it comes into Starbucks with me!

 

[ryan_w]

Bike will be kept inside my flat and in my office. No chance of me leaving it outside amongst the robbing public!

Will have a look at the Cannondale after Game of Thrones

 

[SteCenturion]

The one that feels best when you test ride

Don't forget to insure it properly and buy a couple of serious locks if keeping and leaving anywhere in London!

+1 (Or Manchester)

 

[SteCenturion]

I would pick any of the Advanced Giant bikes or the Cube (I like Cubes).

Having wanted/wanting a TCR, I did some research.

Giant frames.

Avanced SL = T800 Toray (Torayca)
Advanced = T700
Composite = T600

SL being highest spec/lightest grade in the range
Comp being cheapest/heaviest.

A Comp frame has little difference in weight to a good quality aluminium frame.

The Cube appeals to me because it's not a Trek or Specialised or Boardman & definitely not a Pinny-Rolo (although nothing at all wrong with them) & has best spec for £.

The Emmerdales/Cannondale's are worth a punt too.

What about a Focus or Canyon ??

 

[oldfatfool]

Have you looked at offerings from Rose and Canyon ?

 

[vickster]

Pearson, dare to be (a bit) different or condor

 

[SteCenturion]

Van Nicholas T.i,
Genesis Equalibrium 20,
Fondreist TF3 1.2

 

[ryan_w]

I've looked at both Canyon and Rose but I'll be getting the bike on 0% finance (off to Hawaii soon so could do with money for the trip over a £2k odd bike), so they are a no go... Rose is amazing value for money and I would get one if I could afford to buy outright (not getting a credit card before anyone says so!)...

The Cube is #1 on my list at present but will now go and research some of the bikes you've suggested.

Cheers all,

Ryan

 

[ryan_w]

Does this look too good to be true? I assume it's an old model 2012/13 and 2x10?

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/content/106/Ridley-Excalibur/

 

[vickster]

Not sure what you mean by too good to be true, they started selling them 6 months a go

@musa for more info

Why not just get an IFC CC and set up a standing order to pay it off?