New Bike - Decisions Decisions!

[BenBlundell]

Evening all...

So, I'm looking to get a new road bike over the next week or so, and I'm deliberating between 2 or 3 bikes. If you had the choice, what would you go for? I'm looking at spending no more than about £600.

Bike 1 - Felt F85
Probably the best all round bike of the 3, but reading a few reviews, people are saying that if I'm not going to be racing it (which I'm not, it'll be your typical Sunday afternoon riding), then stay away from it because it's probably the most aggressive of its level of bike? Also, whilst it's an £800 or so bike, I'm looking at one that's ex rental on the site I link up, so will be £479, and will be what the company call "B Condition", so "'B' Condition: Few events and/or miles. Some minor marks on the frame and components. Generally excellent condition. Priced at List Price -40%".

http://www.totally-bikes.com/shop/shop-all/road-sport/felt-f85-ex-rental-bikes/

Bike 2 - Merida Ride 90
One of the suggestions from the bloke in my LBS, Farnborough Cycles. Looks incredibly smart, and includes a carbon fork and steerer, as well as oversized stem which would help carry all 18 stone of me! From what I remember it was £599 in the LBS, however this will be more like £700 or so after buying clipless pedals and shoes.
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2013/248/Road_Fitness/Ride+Lite+90

Bike 3 - Specialized Allez
Been looking at this in another bike shop, Pedal Heaven in Fleet, purely because a lot of people buy this as an entry level bike but still being a decent ride. Only downside I've read about is that the wheel would need upgrading, which wouldn't need doing on the other two suggestions. £550 in Pedal Heaven.
http://www.pedalheaven.co.uk/bikes/road/allez/allez/

Also open to other suggestions if anyone is based in my area and know a few bike shops round here? A bit sceptical about Halfords despite a few Boardmans looking a bit tasty, as well as the Carrera TDF looking like a nice bit of kit for the price.

Advice MORE than welcome!

 

[tdm]

What about the new Triban 5a? It's ~£400 and comes with the 2013 sora group I believe.

 

[BenBlundell]

Silly as it seems...I think I want a name brand

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I would personally chose the Allez as although I'm a self confessed specialized fan boy, the Allez always surprises me with how well it rides, it really is an outstanding bike and one I would be happy to own myself (I'm actually thinking about one at the moment)
Make no bones about bit though, the Allez is not a great spec, but the frame and ride quality is outstanding IMHO, I really like them a lot.

My advise however would be find a LBS which will invest time in ensuring you find a great bike and one which suits you, you should have a few test rides. Having a quality LBS supporting you is a great thing and largely undervalued.
The fact is if you gave 5 people on this forum 5 grand and told them to buy a bike, I would think you would end up with a number of different bikes, What is good for one person is not for another.

 

[vickster]

Boardman offer very good value for money, and you can always get it checked by the LBS

Personally I think Specialized are overpriced and are everywhere ridden by every Sunday MAMIL, I like something different, the big brands don't do it for me (although my commuter is a Giant). That Specialized has 2300 gearing with the thumb button and an alloy fork - the £300 Triban 3 has a carbon fork at least and the same groupset! Frame is pretty well regarded too

The Giant Defys are very well regarded and there are some deals out there on 2012 models so you'd get better spec for your money (look at Ash Cycles online)

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/bikes/road/giant/defy-range-2012/giant-defy-3-2011-upgraded = Sora, carbon fork. You have linked to a 51cm Felt (how tall are you?), this is a 55cm

I'd want a carbon fork for comfort and to lower the weight of the bike as a minimum and Sora gearing if spending £600

But buy the bike that you like most and fits you best!