Road bike around 600 quid

[Xiorell]

Morning all

I'm probabley gonna be in the market for a propper road bike soon, I think, from what I've looked at, about £600 should get me a bike with the level of gear I can justify. Any less I think I am gonna end up wishing I'd have spent more, any more money and I think, for some time at least, I'll be feeling like I've lashed out on stuff I don't really need. Plus 600 quid is about the most I can put through the books before the misses goes mad.

So with that kinda price point in mind what would you people suggest?
I've seen 2010s Raleigh Airlite 300 going for about that (less on Ebay, used) and I actually really like that bike, cocked my leg over one a couple of times down the LBS and it felt more comfortable that several more expensive bikes and seemed to be fitted with decent kit.

I'm pretty limited for LBS's and what they stock round these parts so looking for other suggestions I might wanna consider.

 

[Mrbez]

Hi mate,

I recently bought a Cannondale Synapse for £600, and I am amazed with it.

I was originally looking at the Specialized Allez Sport for £600, with the Sora groupset, but the Synapse has the Tiagra groupset which others told me were much better.

The Cannondale is down from £850 to £600 as most places are clearing 2011 bikes for the 2012 ones.

Have a look at one if you can. I am 6"1 and got a 58, fits great.

 

[Xiorell]

Hi mate,

I recently bought a Cannondale Synapse for £600, and I am amazed with it.

I was originally looking at the Specialized Allez Sport for £600, with the Sora groupset, but the Synapse has the Tiagra groupset which others told me were much better.

The Cannondale is down from £850 to £600 as most places are clearing 2011 bikes for the 2012 ones.

Have a look at one if you can. I am 6"1 and got a 58, fits great.

Where'd ya find that mate?
Nowhere here stocks Cannondale but I think there's a place in Oxford (25min train) that does, I keep meaning to go over there to at least find out what Cannondale frame size would suit me. Probabley 54 (or whatever they make close to that)

 

[roadrash]

ive just been to winstanlys bike shop in wigan (also online) this morning and bought a giant defy 2 £729 reduced to £499 check them out they have some amazing deals ,i pick mine up monday morning

 

[Mrbez]

Where'd ya find that mate?
Nowhere here stocks Cannondale but I think there's a place in Oxford (25min train) that does, I keep meaning to go over there to at least find out what Cannondale frame size would suit me. Probabley 54 (or whatever they make close to that)

I bought mine from Pedal-On.

About 70 mins drive away from me, but worth it!

 

[thnurg]

My Trek 1.2c was £625 although I was lucky to get the last one in stock of last year's models. This year's is a different colour for £725.
At the shop there was also a nice Scott road bike (can't remember the exact model) for £699.

Remember that often pedals are extra and can add £20-£50 to the price.

 

[cyberknight]

Look around for 2011 model bikes as they are being discounted for next years stuff which is already out.

I was also very tempted by the synpase but in the end i went for a Boardman road bike through C2W so i had to have the latest model.The £650 road race is a very nice bike for the money.

 

[accountantpete]

For £600 you would get a very tasty second hand bike - there are some forced sale bargains to be had ATM which beats dropping 30-50% on any new bike just wheeling it out of the shop.

 

[2wd]

Just ordered the Specialized Allez Sport 27 for a tad over £600

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/specializedallezsport27racingbike2011-sale.aspx?&id=14758

 

[Xiorell]

For £600 you would get a very tasty second hand bike - there are some forced sale bargains to be had ATM which beats dropping 30-50% on any new bike just wheeling it out of the shop.

See I have no problem with the idea of a used bike BUT, I have to admit I am pretty anal and get put off by the slightest scratch lol.
The other problem I have, using sites like the bay of E, is that I do not drive so unless something is offered close by, I'm at the mercy of sellers to let me arrange couriers which I've found alot of people refusing to allow :S

 

[rodgy-dodge]

Where'd ya find that mate?
Nowhere here stocks Cannondale but I think there's a place in Oxford (25min train) that does, I keep meaning to go over there to at least find out what Cannondale frame size would suit me. Probabley 54 (or whatever they make close to that)

here Both the Husband and I have the Cannondale great entry level bike. Husband is 5' 10" and he got the 56 you should pick up a great deal on a new 2011 model (most makes) as most bike shops are starting to show their 2012 models now