New to road cycling - new bike advice

[Goldenstar]

I understand the reasoning on getting a cheaper bike 1st, however, their are a couple reasons why I tend not to take this approach.

1. It's easy to blame bad hardware rather than me
2. If I have not spent a lot in the 1st place it's easy for me to give up (lack of will power)
3. As I have a nice MTB would I not just prefer to ride this instead of a low end road bike..

 

[bonsaibilly]

I understand the reasoning on getting a cheaper bike 1st, however, their are a couple reasons why I tend not to take this approach.

1. It's easy to blame bad hardware rather than me
Can't really find a way out of this one although you could equally adopt a more positive attitude in the first place!

2. If I have not spent a lot in the 1st place it's easy for me to give up (lack of will power)
From my reading of your first post you spent a lot on a mountain bike and then gave up on that anyway (inasmuch as you don't use it for its intended purpose).

3. As I have a nice MTB would I not just prefer to ride this instead of a low end road bike..

It's a completely different riding experience and no, a budget road bike is nothing like an expensive mtb.

BB

 

[Goldenstar]

Thanks again.

I have not given up on the MTB and still use it today, however tends to be on terrain that would probably suit a road bike better, I do still plan to take the MTB off-road from time to time

 

[vickster]

Best way to know which bike to buy is to try out a few. If you have a good LBS that's the first place to start

 

[outlash]

If it's all about the frame, then £2k on a CF bike generally isn't enough. That budget will get you a top-end alu frame (eg: Cannondale CAAD12) or something half decent in Steel.
Or, look at bikes like the Genesis Zero where the frame is exactly the same throughout the range and they hang components to fit the price point. But at best, mid-range components at that price.

 

[vickster]

You could see what older models Paul's cycles are selling off, Giant, Cannondale, Scott?

Are you looking for a more relaxed or a racy geometry. Or more a gravel or adventure style bike given more leisure riding on paths than racing or long endurance rides on roads

 

[bonsaibilly]

If it's all about the frame, then £2k on a CF bike generally isn't enough. That budget will get you a top-end alu frame (eg: Cannondale CAAD12) or something half decent in Steel.
Or, look at bikes like the Genesis Zero where the frame is exactly the same throughout the range and they hang components to fit the price point. But at best, mid-range components at that price.

Surely there are plenty of £2k carbon fibre bikes with a perfectly good frame and good components to boot?

Merlin's catalogue; Evans; Wiggle; Giant; to name but a few...

BB

 

[outlash]

Surely there are plenty of £2k carbon fibre bikes with a perfectly good frame and good components to boot?

Merlin's catalogue; Evans; Wiggle; Giant; to name but a few...

BB

Are we talking retailers or manufacturers?

 

[vickster]

If it's all about the frame, then £2k on a CF bike generally isn't enough. That budget will get you a top-end alu frame (eg: Cannondale CAAD12) or something half decent in Steel.
Or, look at bikes like the Genesis Zero where the frame is exactly the same throughout the range and they hang components to fit the price point. But at best, mid-range components at that price.

I'm more than happy with my carbon bike (Far East frame but not from a mass market company) which cost around £1500 5 years ago...the frames have certainly got cheaper since then

This won't be a bad bike for someone new to roadbikes for a grand http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5772/CANNONDALE-SUPERSIX-EVO-105-2015

Or if wanting to push the boat out components wise http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5475/CANNONDALE-SUPERSIX-EVO-RED-2014

If wanting a more relaxed ride (shame it's vile black) http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5762/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-CARBON-105-6-2015

These are not really bikes for riding on shared paths through parks, along canals etc however

 

[outlash]

If it's all about the frame as the OP wants, then £2k isn't going to get you components that are as good as the frame if we're talking CF. That's all I've said, try not to take it out of context eh?

 

[vickster]

Huh? What's wrong with a Supersix frame or similar

That said, I don't know what technology makes one CF frame better than another. I'm sure mine is pretty basic as these things go, but it suits me fine it looks good and I've only ever seen two more on the road in five years, bearing in mind I live a mile from the only shop that sold tnem

 

[outlash]

Nothing wrong with a Supersix evo at all Vicks, but the hi-mod version is a better version and hence, more expensive.

As an example, would you swap your equilibrium for a kaffenback? Pretty much the same geometry, not a massive jump in weight. Nothing wrong with a kaffenback but we both know your equilibrium is a better frame. That's why it costs more.

 

[vickster]

Nothing wrong with a Supersix evo at all Vicks, but the hi-mod version is a better version and hence, more expensive.

As an example, would you swap your equilibrium for a kaffenback? Pretty much the same geometry, not a massive jump in weight. Nothing wrong with a kaffenback but we both know your equilibrium is a better frame. That's why it costs more.

Under no circumstances because the Kaffenback is black...the colour is the thing I really like about the Equilibrium...

Not the latest groupset, but still pretty high end...not much over £2k, so they are out there

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6...-EVO-HI-MOD-RED-RACING-MAVIC-KSYRIUM-SLS-2013

I don't think the OP will tell the difference between two good cf frames anymore than I could everything else being equal. I probably wouldnt discern much between the two steel bikes either in all honesty, again everything else being equal

 

[outlash]

You can get the kaff in beige or blue .....

 

[vickster]

The blue has a foul paint job...and beige...seriously