New to Cycling

[Skipton2014]

I have recently moved to Skipton in the Dales and am looking to take up cycling. Aged 57 I am 5'7" and weigh 12 stone. I would like a bike suitable for improving my fitness that is comfortable to ride yet responsive enough for the roads and does not need upgrading after a short while.
I have a budget of £1000 to spend on the bike and would appreciate any recommendations and advice. Do I go for a road bike or a sportive ? What is the best bike in this price bracket and why ?
I have done a bit of research and the following seem to review well:
GHOST RACE 4900
BOARDMAN TEAM
CUBE PELETON RACE ROAD BIKE 2014
FUJI SPORTIF 1.1
MERIDA SCULTURA ALLOY 904
GIANT DEFY 1

Any advice and suggestions appreciated !

 

[helston90]

Cycling Weekly did an article not too long ago on the Four road bikes under £1000 which reviewed a Boardman Road Comp, Merida Ride 90, Cube Peloton Race and the Fuji Sportif 1.1 (the latter two you mention in your list and the first two similar to the others).
I have ridden none of them but have narrowed my search down to the fact that the Cube is full 105 throughout- something the others are lacking and is classified as sub-£1000 perfection, however the Giant Defy 1 is a very very popular bike with loads of support on here- someone will be along in a minute to tell you why.

 

[Skipton2014]

Thank you for that ! I will have a closer look at the Cube and look forward to further feedback !

 

[Cycleops]

All the bikes you mention would be excellent choices. The only think I would mention is that the Cube has truly poor(visually) frame welds. This might not worry you but it really offends my sensibilities. Take a look at the frames on the Boardman bikes for comparison. Maybe why they can offer 105 throughout, as they haven't spend the money on frame finishing. The most popular model must be the Defy1, and for good reason.

 

[Skipton2014]

I will have a closer look at both the Boardman and the Defy1. What are the main reasons for it's popularity ?

 

[Pale Rider]

Taking up cycling around Skipton is not for the faint-hearted - lots of hills.

You will never know until you try, and borrowing a bike for a month or two won't be easy.

But at the very least spec something with low gears.

 

[Skipton2014]

Taking up cycling around Skipton is not for the faint-hearted - lots of hills.

You will never know until you try, and borrowing a bike for a month or two won't be easy.

But at the very least spec something with low gears.

All the more reason why I need to do my homework and get the best bike for the terrain. Is the Defy1 a good choice ?

 

[vickster]

You might want a triple...

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-1-triple-2013-white

Defy 1 popular choice, very good frame, relaxed geometry, can get giant specific mudguards

Get a reduced model and could invest in some lighter wheels and better tyres for hills, which will help while getting fitter

 

[Skipton2014]

You might want a triple...

http://www.ashcycles.com/site/giant-defy-1-triple-2013-white

Defy 1 popular choice, very good frame, relaxed geometry, can get giant specific mudguards

Get a reduced model and could invest in some lighter wheels and better tyres for hills, which will help while getting fitter

Thanks for your advice I will certainly have a look ! Is the triple last years model or is it available on the 2014 also ?

 

[vickster]

Looks like just a compact double this year but you could change the Cassette perhaps, to say an 11-30 SRAM One

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb....defy.1.black.red/14977/66543/#specifications

 

[Cyclist33]

I will have a closer look at both the Boardman and the Defy1. What are the main reasons for it's popularity ?

1. Value for money
2. Biggest (and one of the best) frame builders in the world
3. Sublime ride quality, both floaty-smooth and responsive and snappy, takes you quite by surprise for an aluminium bike

Mind you, you can get a Defy carbon from 2013 online for well less than a grand at the moment, and they are even better!

 

[Skipton2014]

What about this - http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p66379/Giant-Defy-Composite-3-2014-Road-Bike.aspx ?

 

[Cyclist33]

Better this! http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4918/GIANT-DEFY-COMPOSITE-3-2013

Cheaper by much if they have your size, and a better spec than the 2014 one.

 

[Skipton2014]

Better this! http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4918/GIANT-DEFY-COMPOSITE-3-2013

Cheaper by much if they have your size, and a better spec than the 2014 one.

Unfortunately I would need the small as I am 5'7" with 31" inside leg !

 

[Cyclist33]

I'm 5'11 with a 30 leg and ride the M/L with a 1cm shorter stem on the front. So you might get away with a Medium! Don't quote me on that though.