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[Accy cyclist]

Nice, an ex colleague had one. Actually he had two but destroyed one in a crash! No cars involved, he overlooked it! Drive to Preston to see in the plastic and get advice on size, spec for budget etc

Looks like you can spec with shimano 105 or SRAM rival for around a grand, a bit more if wanting better wheels

That's my fear about carbon. If i came off and the bike was destroyed through my own fault i'd be having to save the pennies again for a replacement. I've had minor offs on my alloy bikes and apart from a scratch they've remained intact.
Maybe a short trip to Preston would be worthwhile to see them in the flesh.

 

[vickster]

And go to Dolan while you're there

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bikes.html

 

[Accy cyclist]

Those Ribble's are lovely looking bikes, but the one there is Sora groupset, which is decent enough but is a step down from the Tiagra on your original pick.

What about a Planet X Pro carbon with full 105 groupset close to your original pricepoint? Here. This gives you 11 gears to play with instead of 9, and 105 is very well thought of.

When I was looking to buy my first full carbon bike last year it came down to a choice between the Ribble Gran Fondo and the PlanetX Pro Carbon. After a lot of head scratching I eventually went for the Pro Carbon (I went for the full Ultegra spec for £999).

I've never owned another carbon bike so have nothing to compare it to, but I have been absolutely delighted with the ride quality of the frame.

The gearing on these bikes could be a problem. I'm used to a triple chainset for the knackering hills around here.

 

[Accy cyclist]

And go to Dolan while you're there

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road/road-bikes.html

Maybe after i've looked at Ribble?. Ormskirk could be a little too far.

 

[vickster]

I've no idea on the geography up there Google suggests it's under an hour from Accrington. You're not doing anything today are you except talking to randoms on the interweb

 

[Accy cyclist]

I've no idea on the geography up there Google suggests it's under an hour from Accrington. You're not doing anything today are you except talking to randoms on the interweb

38 miles! https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sour...TF-8#q=how far from great harwood to ormskirk

 

[vickster]

I'm sure it's not like doing 38 miles around London lol

Take a picnic, make a day of it you can come back via Preston

I'm assuming you have motorised transport and aren't doing by bike

 

[Vapin' Joe]

That's my fear about carbon. If i came off and the bike was destroyed through my own fault i'd be having to save the pennies again for a replacement. I've had minor offs on my alloy bikes and apart from a scratch they've remained intact.
Maybe a short trip to Preston would be worthwhile to see them in the flesh.

I wouldn't worry about that. Carbon frames are tougher that the doomsayers make out and will take a fair bit of punishment without damage. Buy an alu bike and the most vulnerable part - the forks - will be carbon anyway. The only frame I've damaged in 50+ years of crashes was a steel one.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I'm sure it's not like doing 38 miles around London lol

Take a picnic, make a day of it you can come back via Preston

I'm assuming you have motorised transport and aren't doing by bike

I had motorised transport,but not now i scrapped it on Thursday. I'm off to get a cheap car for work on Tuesday. Maybe i'll have a look to Ribble possibly Dolan's on Thursday?

 

[Accy cyclist]

Looking through the sites i saw this one. http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/road-bikes/boardman-cx-team-bike

Any thoughts?

 

[Milkfloat]

This bike at ribble has pretty relaxed geometry, more so than the others. Plus Ultegra for just under £1K. Also gave SRAM Rival for a little bit cheaper.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/r...ial-edition?part=SE15SPORRACULT&sub=conf_SERW

 

[Easytigers]

Personally, I think in terms of value for money, there's not much better than the Planet X RT-58...great bike!

 

[vickster]

@Accy cyclist saw an ad for this, looks a pretty good deal for carbon under 8kg with 105. If you want carbon

http://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-lombardia-limited-edition-57880.html

I came off my carbon bike yesterday, albeit at limited speed - I was unable to unclip due to a loose cleat, and lost my balance. The bike is unscathed other than a small bar tape scuff. More than can be said for the massive bruise on the underside of my arm and bashed knee

 

[nickyboy]

That's my fear about carbon. If i came off and the bike was destroyed through my own fault i'd be having to save the pennies again for a replacement. I've had minor offs on my alloy bikes and apart from a scratch they've remained intact.
Maybe a short trip to Preston would be worthwhile to see them in the flesh.

Don't think that carbon frames fare any better or worse than other materials. Minor offs (and I've had a couple) just result in scuffs and scratches like all other materials.

Anyway, FWIW, here's a really nice full carbon bike kitted out with Shimano 105. I have an earlier incarnation with a slightly higher spec but the frame etc is exactly the same and it's excellent. Don't listen to folk upthread saying you can't get a decent carbon framed bike for less than £1.500. That's rubbish.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/mach-720-carbon-road-bike-id_8311471.html

This is 8.3kg in size 55 without pedals

 

[Big Dave laaa]

For those worrying about the strength of carbon frames, the latest plane from Airbus, the A350 has massive amounts or carbon composite in it's build, including the wings so I hope it's got some inherent strength Seriously though it's tough stuff and a lot better than thin walled aluminium tubing in lots of ways.