New bike £400-£600

[Ball]

Hi guys,

Just another 'what bike' post I'm afraid.

Had my Ridgeback Horizon stolen last week. Extremely gutted as it wasn't covered by any insurance, was kitted out with brand new pedals, wheels, and bike computer reader.

However, it does mean that I can now justify buying a proper racer, albeit on a pretty tight budget. I am looking to spend between £400-£600. Does anyone know of any good buys in this range, or am I best off looking at second hand buys?

I tried out a beautiful second hand Condor Italia going for £500 today but the frame was too large sadly.

Look forward to your thoughts.

Tom

 

[Ball]

And just to get the ball rolling, any thoughts on these:

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/12-compact-2010-road-bike-ec019678#reviews

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-sport-double-2010-road-bike-ec019409

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/11-compact-2010-road-bike-ec020773#reviews

I know Evans is not the only or best - far from it - bicycle shop in the world, but it is an easy place to search online.

 

[Rykard]

Wiggle has a focus for 599 down from 950

 

[johnnyh]

Yep, the Focus on Wiggle at 599 with 105 parts, excellent value.

 

[BrumJim]

And just to get the ball rolling, any thoughts on these:

http://www.evanscycl...c019678#reviews

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec019409

http://www.evanscycl...c020773#reviews

I know Evans is not the only or best - far from it - bicycle shop in the world, but it is an easy place to search online.

Three very good choices. Nothing between them other than personal preference. Trek 1.2 obviously higher spec than 1.1. Problem with 1.1 is the aluminium forks that are less good in removing road buzz than the carbon ones.

 

[Ball]

Three very good choices. Nothing between them other than personal preference. Trek 1.2 obviously higher spec than 1.1. Problem with 1.1 is the aluminium forks that are less good in removing road buzz than the carbon ones.

That Focus seems like an unbelievable deal, in terms of the components you're getting for the price! Only downside maybe the fact that I've never heard of Focus, have no idea what their service is like, and I don't particularly like the look of big Focus decals all over the bike :-s

But that is just brand snobbery and wouldn't stop me going for it if it was just a better bike.

Currently torn between that and the Trek 1.2, so I've ordered the Focus for a 30 day test ride.

Happy to hear any other suggestions

 

[HJ]

With the 2011 bikes just about to hit the shops in the next month or so, there will soon be quite a few 2010 models on sale at very good prices...

 

[Banjo]

That Focus seems like an unbelievable deal, in terms of the components you're getting for the price! Only downside maybe the fact that I've never heard of Focus, have no idea what their service is like, and I don't particularly like the look of big Focus decals all over the bike :-s

But that is just brand snobbery and wouldn't stop me going for it if it was just a better bike.

Currently torn between that and the Trek 1.2, so I've ordered the Focus for a 30 day test ride.

Happy to hear any other suggestions

Let us know how yopu get on. That Focus at 599 looks a bargain for a bike of that spec.