Recommend me a £1500 bike. Ideally carbon

[jay clock]

I have looked through the current entries of "what bike" and cannot see the answers I want. A friend is fairly experienced cyclist with a few years old entry level Lemond and wants to treat himself to a new bike. Initially had budget of £1000, now prepared to go higher, max £1500

His list of requirements....

- 105 groupset minimum (maybe Tiagra cassette etc.)
- decent wheels (would consider upgrading before it even leaves the shop)
- carbon front forks (of course)
- no obsession over carbon frame - you clearly get better value on the groupset and other components if you go aluminium
- it has to look sexy as hell

Personally, having looked at this thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/reccommend-me-a-£1k-bike.109448/ I think if he paying £500 more he should aim for a carbon bike.....

So, any ideas? Size wise he is medium-ish in height so no special frame sizes needed

 

[Richard1537]

I'd look at a good 2nd hand bike, you get far more for your money if you're fussy and look about long enough. I bought a 2010 Specialized Tarmac (full 105 groupset) a few months ago in super condition with very little miles on it for £700, I spent a few £'s on a few wee bits (bar tape, bottle holder, shorter stem). I also upgraded the wheels to a set of almost new Fulcrum Racing 3 and Michelin Pro Race 3 tyres. I stripped a lot of bits off the bike when I got it to clean everything and it now looks like a brand new bike. The whole package has cost me just about £1000 which I think is a great deal!!!!

 

[Zakalwe]

http://m.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-trek-madone-3-1-12-46356

 

[Lee_M]

depends what he want the bike for

if he looks at the madone, he might want to look at the domane too

different frame - the trek equivalent of the roubaix style bikes, much more comfortable IMO than the madone

 

[Judderz]

Sensa Toscana Summer Special..Full Carbon, Ultegra Groupset...£1049.
If this was on sale when I was looking back in April, I would of got this
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-bikes/sensa-bikes/sensa-toscana-summer-special.html
£450 change to upgrade wheels and other accessories

 

[Tight Git]

Canyon ultimate cf 9.0 - just a touch over budget at £1599 but has ultegra.

Just got a cf slx 8.0 with dura-ace and it's excellent!

 

[e-rider]

Focus

 

[e-rider]

depends what he want the bike for

if he looks at the madone, he might want to look at the domane too

different frame - the trek equivalent of the roubaix style bikes, much more comfortable IMO than the madone

the Madones' have a pretty long head tube already and very relaxed seat tube angles IMO

 

[redcard]

Personally, having looked at this thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/reccommend-me-a-£1k-bike.109448/ I think if he paying £500 more he should aim for a carbon bike.....

I ended up paying £700 for a Specialized Roubaix Expert. Full carbon and full Ultegra. I notice one went on ebay last night for £1K, which is still a bit of a bargain.

 

[jay clock]

great comments. I suspect he may want a slightly off the wall bike. So Canyon would beat Trek. He is away on hols so will be reading this once he is back. Thanks and keep them coming

 

[vickster]

A Pearson..or a Dolan...I am sure there are other UK models...a Titanium bike?

I think 'sexy as hell' is rather subjective - I'd take a yellow Condor over a matt black Cannondale for example!

My Pave makes me smile just looking at it - just need to ride the bloody thing occasionally!

 

[Lee_M]

the Madones' have a pretty long head tube already and very relaxed seat tube angles IMO

Agreed but the Madone doesn't have the Iso thingy stuff that softens the ride without reducing the power at the bb

Pretty trick looking too

 

[PpPete]

£1500 will get you Van Nic Mistral.

 

[e-rider]

£1500 will get you Van Nic Mistral.

isn't that reserved for Mamils?

 

[jay clock]

isn't that reserved for Mamils?

it's ok, he is a Mamil. And I like the look of the Van Nic