Recommended First Competitive Road Bike.

[Pedrosanchezo]

I wouldn't regard Trek's 'quality' as being any higher than any other bike to be honest, but if it's a Trek you want, then go for it. I don't know much about them and I don't see many racing, so can't really comment on them.

Out of keen curiosity B&Y, can you give a few examples of the type of bikes you regularly see racing? For example do you see much Ribble or Planet X? I would have thought those brands would be ideal due to the low costs and decent spec. The Ribble stealth for example is pretty light and can be had with good spec for around the OP's budget. Same with several Planet X bikes.
What do you race with yourself? Have you tried lots of different bikes/combinations and concluded what works best for you? Thanks in advance.

 

[black'n'yellow]

Out of keen curiosity B&Y, can you give a few examples of the type of bikes you regularly see racing? For example do you see much Ribble or Planet X? I would have thought those brands would be ideal due to the low costs and decent spec. The Ribble stealth for example is pretty light and can be had with good spec for around the OP's budget. Same with several Planet X bikes.
What do you race with yourself? Have you tried lots of different bikes/combinations and concluded what works best for you? Thanks in advance.

It's easier to tell you what I don't see much of, tbh, like Treks.. In all seriousness, you see most 'regular' makes - looking through a few of my racing pics, Giant TCRs are very popular, Spec Tarmac, Pinarello FP, Cervelo, Kuota, Orbea, Bianchi, Felt, Dolan, Ribble, P-X, Cube, Focus, as well as a few Basso and De Rosa - so lots of stuff represented there...

I'm on a 2010/11 Tarmac S-Works frame, built up with SRAM Force - I bought it because it was a 'proven' frame and I knew that the bike was capable of winning races, even if the rider wasn't. So when I don't win (which is most of the time), I can't blame the bike..

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I ride Cat4 and been on a Madone, Dogma 2, Tarmac, Venge.. these bikes were all reasonable with regards to specification and the worst bike of the bunch by miles for racing imho was the trek, it simply did not inspire confidence especially under braking during indifferent conditions. It felt nervous at the very best, the feel of the bike was equally nothing special in terms of quality, no better or worse than anything else. They are OK road bikes, but not a race bike I hold in high regard.... The best bike by miles is the Tarmac you can not explain how good they are till you ride other frames, they inspire confidence and do everything so well you take it all for granted. The only thing which comes close to the Tarmac is the Venge and thats because it has the same geometry, but is not as stiff in the back end.
It is the simple reason that my 2013 build is yet another tarmac.

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

It's easier to tell you what I don't see much of, tbh, like Treks.. In all seriousness, you see most 'regular' makes - looking through a few of my racing pics, Giant TCRs are very popular, Spec Tarmac, Pinarello FP, Cervelo, Kuota, Orbea, Bianchi, Felt, Dolan, Ribble, P-X, Cube, Focus, as well as a few Basso and De Rosa - so lots of stuff represented there...

I'm on a 2010/11 Tarmac S-Works frame, built up with SRAM Force - I bought it because it was a 'proven' frame and I knew that the bike was capable of winning races, even if the rider wasn't. So when I don't win (which is most of the time), I can't blame the bike..

Cheers for that. Very informative.
I remember recently watching a triathlon and lots of the athletes were riding Boardman's. Another great value bike range and some serious bikes in there though some folks do get slightly snobby about the Halfords connection.
Yours is a very nice bike indeed. Sram Force is strong. Getting the feeling now that you favour Sram.

 

[black'n'yellow]

actually, now you mention it, there are also a few Boardmans being raced. Force is a good performer and builds into a light, reliable setup, which also happens to be cheaper and lighter than Dura Ace...

 

[roadracerash1]

Thanks for all your input. I've decided to go for the Trek Madone 3.5 after winter. I might research some other brands but because I got the Bontrager kit thing going on I would like a symmetrical bike set up so thats why I'm going for trek. Cheers all.

 

[black'n'yellow]

I thought you said you wanted a 'racier' style of bike..? The 3.5 has a tall headtube and mudguard clearance & fittings....