Need help narrowing options.

[Powely]

Hi,

I am going to purchase a new bike (approx £1K) from a LBS as I get a decent discount through a deal from my employer, however there are limitations on brand, the brands I can choose from are, Specialized, Trek, Wilier, Whyte, Cannondale, Dawes, Giant, GT, Marin & Lapierre. I know the likes of Wilier prices start over the 1k but wanted to list the full range available to me, plus my budget could be increased if need be. I need to bike I can comfortably do 100 mile rides on or train to get to 100. Given this choices which would you choose? Or which would you instantly eliminate? I'm at a loss!

Al

 

[themosquitoking]

I went for a Giant Defy 1 and love it.

 

[Powely]

Thanks for that. Just going over the specs now.

 

[vickster]

I'd look at the Cannondale Synapse if you want comfort over long distances - the best specced one in your budget

That said, if I had 1kish to spend I'd look at the rather spiffing green Trek Madone 2.3 (although the madones are of racier geometry)

You certainly used to be able to get Willier for under 1k? Whyte don't make roadbikes (only CX)

You need to ride all the options

 

[Powely]

So far I've looked at a Specialized Tarmac (Overpriced in my opinion), Madone 2.1 (liked the best so far but then read some negative reviews), Mekk Poggio (nice component spec for price but concerned about quality of frame), Wilier Montegrappa (but decided I would need to spend more for a decent Wilier), Pinarello FP Uno (same concerns as Wilier) but I've not test robe any. Now thinking Giant Defy 1 or TCR SL 2? Really need to test ride some/all as you say.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

So far I've looked at a Specialized Tarmac (Overpriced in my opinion), Madone 2.1 (liked the best so far but then read some negative reviews), Mekk Poggio (nice component spec for price but concerned about quality of frame), Wilier Montegrappa (but decided I would need to spend more for a decent Wilier), Pinarello FP Uno (same concerns as Wilier) but I've not test robe any. Now thinking Giant Defy 1 or TCR SL 2? Really need to test ride some/all as you say.

Re Madone 2.1 - ignore the reviews; if you like it go for it. Trek don't make duff bikes. There's some tosh spouted on the web as you probably know!

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi,

I am going to purchase a new bike (approx £1K) from a LBS as I get a decent discount through a deal from my employer, however there are limitations on brand, the brands I can choose from are, Specialized, Trek, Wilier, Whyte, Cannondale, Dawes, Giant, GT, Marin & Lapierre. I know the likes of Wilier prices start over the 1k but wanted to list the full range available to me, plus my budget could be increased if need be. I need to bike I can comfortably do 100 mile rides on or train to get to 100. Given this choices which would you choose? Or which would you instantly eliminate? I'm at a loss!

Al

1. you havent really named which bikes youre looking at, just brands mostly, whereas even across one brand there are different styles. 2. all the brands listed are mainstream so none will be terrible. 3. the feel and size of the bike is vital for doing 100 miles happily so dont listen to us, just go and try them out. 4. the ability to do 100 miles is limited by rider, not bike, especially at the £1000 mark.

 

[Grant Fondo]

This is not going to help.... had a ride on a Trek Madone 4.7 couple of weeks back (£2000 so a 'bit' over your budget), WOW, unbelievable! Total downer that I only had £800 to spend! Didn't get to try a MEKK Poggio, but the Trek shop told me that had stopped stocking them because of 'quality issues' and they wouldn't say much else.

 

[Powely]

This is not going to help.... had a ride on a Trek Madone 4.7 couple of weeks back (£2000 so a 'bit' over your budget), WOW, unbelievable! Total downer that I only had £800 to spend! Didn't get to try a MEKK Poggio, but the Trek shop told me that had stopped stocking them because of 'quality issues' and they wouldn't say much else.

I was told my LBS was struggling to get stock of the Poggio's because Wiggle have bought them in bulk for better discount. I think I've decided against the Poggio either way. I'm between a Trek 2.1 or Giant Defy 1 at the moment.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Yeah they get great reviews... I would probably go Trek as its got full carbon fork, Giant is alu/carbon.
I got a Ghost 4900 for £720 (normally £1000), its brilliant, only Tiagra but Easton wheels and nice and light, roll on the bank holiday sunshine!

 

[Grant Fondo]

this is what I would buy... £979 at Wiggle, so £400 off, miles cooler than Trek or Giant, carbon stays as well, sweet!

 

[Powely]

I looked at the 2012 model last year but was put off it from other opinions of you need to spend more for a decent Pinarello, as they only really invest in the research for their higher end carbon models. But I'm sure a aluminium Pinarello is still up there with other brands of similar spec and for under a grand I must say I'm tempted. I really think I need to spend the day test riding some of my options. Evan's is calling...is it bad form to use their test ride offer when I've got no intention of purchasing from them (unless they match the deal of course!)

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I looked at the 2012 model last year but was put off it from other opinions of you need to spend more for a decent Pinarello, as they only really invest in the research for their higher end carbon models. But I'm sure a aluminium Pinarello is still up there with other brands of similar spec and for under a grand I must say I'm tempted. I really think I need to spend the day test riding some of my options. Evan's is calling...is it bad form to use their test ride offer when I've got no intention of purchasing from them (unless they match the deal of course!)

That bike Grant Fondo posted is almost certainly a nice bike, whether it would suit you are not is another matter and subject to a road test.

The opinions you allude to are typical of the twaddle spouted by some people - as if a £1400 Ally Pin' is not going to be a decent bike; words fail me at times.

 

[Powely]

That bike Grant Fondo posted is almost certainly a nice bike, whether it would suit you are not is another matter and subject to a road test.

The opinions you allude to are typical of the twaddle spouted by some people - as if a £1400 Ally Pin' is not going to be a decent bike; words fail me at times.

I just went of others opiniosn who I thought would be more knowledgeable to mine. Rookie mistake I suppose.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I just went of others opiniosn who I thought would be more knowledgeable to mine. Rookie mistake I suppose.

Wasn't aiming the remark at you.

Was just saying that among all the good stuff some utter tripe is trotted out.