newbie road bike for £600

[vickster]

I seem to remember reading on here that if they are on the Raleigh site rather than sold through a supermarket and whaty not, they are good VFM

There's some feedback here but looks like you have to subscribe or something to get the full review http://www.otest.co.uk/a/bicycle/magazine/220-triathlon-may-2011/265092.html

Evans have, albeit much more expensive, but they do price match and against Wiggle http://www.evanscycles.com/help/price-match.

Very accommodating on giving test rides too even if you buy elsewhere http://www.evanscycles.com/products/raleigh/airlite-300-2011-road-bike-ec028449?query=airlite 300

Only got the 55cm and 58cm in stock it seems - how tall etc are you?

Wiggle do a 30 day test thing but not on clearance models afaik

 

[Peteaud]

im 6 foot so normally a 56 or 58 but i wont buy unless i can ride. I might try to get to evans after xmas.

The Trek 1.2 is my fav so far, but i do want to check out the sora /tiagra thing so a day of bike testing will be in order

 

[Monkspeed]

I think the Raleigh looks nice, I've seen it and been on it in Evens. The frame is quite chunky like the airlite 100 and 200 and in your mind you think damn thats gonna weight a tonne but actually its pretty light. The compact chainring of 34/50 is good as well. 34/25 should get you up the hills ok.

The GT has a 39/50 chainring (cassette 11/25), if your of not good fitness, 39/25 will kill you trying to go up a hill.

The Forme looks nice, sealed bearings and compact chainring again.

As you say, got to try the bikes out first though.

Good luck choosing! and post lots of pics in the photo section when you get it

 

[Thomk]

You can get the Defy 2 from here for £499. You would probably need the 53.5cm frame (I know it sounds weird but they have funny sizes). At this price it is hard to beat.

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/36383/Giant_Defy_2_Bike_2011

 

[Monkspeed]

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/39086/Eddy_Merckx_AMX1_Tiagra_Bike_2011

It's pushing your budget slighty but EDDY MERCX!!

 

[vickster]

All diddy frames for a 6 footer! His feet will drag along the ground

Here's another £600 Tiagra option in a 58cm http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35638/Cube_Peloton_Bike_2011

Groovy tyres

 

[Monkspeed]

All diddy frames for a 6 footer! His feet will drag along the ground

Here's another £600 Tiagra option in a 58cm http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/35638/Cube_Peloton_Bike_2011

Groovy tyres

Well spotted! My post has been corrected!

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/39086/Eddy_Merckx_AMX1_Tiagra_Bike_2011

It's pushing your budget slighty and made for Oompa Loompa's but EDDY MERCX!!

Seriously though that Cube vickster pointed out looks nice. I think I've got a thing for Cubes.

EDIT: Oh yeah another bike I forgot to mention is the Felt F95 which you can buy from evans for ~£650 or the Z95 which has slightly relaxed geometry compared to the F series but its a little bit dearer ~£685
Felt F95 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f95-2012-road-bike-ec032705?query=felt f95
Felt Z95 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/z95-int-2012-road-bike-ec032707?query=felt z95

 

[xxmimixx]

How about a 2011 Cube Streamer with 105/Ultegra? £687?? Excellent price (to get this price buy £680 worth of Vouchers which are at the moment 20% off)!!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

...(to get this price buy £680 worth of Vouchers which are at the moment 20% off)!!

Oh I like that!

 

[vickster]

I think we have increased the OP's budget by £100 but it is Christmas

 

[Peteaud]

like the cube,need to find one to ride.

 

[vickster]

Which Cube? Streamer or Peloton?

Cyclesurgery sell Cube but they only have small Streamers on website

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/cube-bi...s/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/21768

They have a store in Bristol or Exeter http://www.cyclesurgery.com/pws/Sto...on=South+West&findStore=findStore&page=stores

 

[Peteaud]

Peloton

I have looked at that before.

 

[vickster]

Tredz have a 58cm in stock - stores in South wales...is your passport up to date?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/bike_shops.aspx
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Peloton-2011-Road-Bike_39775.htm?gclid=CO_6jJPujq0CFUQMfAodtl1Fng

 

[Peteaud]

Tredz have a 58cm in stock - stores in South wales...is your passport up to date?

http://www.tredz.co.uk/bike_shops.aspx
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Peloton-2011-Road-Bike_39775.htm?gclid=CO_6jJPujq0CFUQMfAodtl1Fng

cheers, may visit them