Seeking advice on £800-£900 quick bike

[EasyPeez]

Hi,

I'm doing a 25 mile daily commute on a heavy mountain bike and have decided it's time to get something more suitable. I'm 5'8", 10stone in weight, and after something that will deliver good speed and durability but will also take mudguards and panniers and offer a fairly comfortable ride. I was originally looking at spending £500 but since becoming aware of the C2W scheme I reckon I can set my sights higher.
The terrain is all flat on my daily route, and is 90% tarmac with one pretty rough off-road path, but I can avoid this and take a slightly longer tarmac route if necessary.
I also want the bike to be a fun ride, that can fly into swooping corners and take on some tarmac hills and light gravel cycle paths when I go out for longer weekend pleasure rides without the panniers (i.e 30-40 miles)
I'm slightly nervous of going for a full-on road bike, partly because I've never ridden anything with drop handles and that kind of ride position before, partly because of the state of the roads (potholes) round here, and partly because I'm not sure how it would cope for grip on the old railway lines on pleasure rides (though admittedly the commute is the main job for the bike so maybe I should focus on that).
At the same time, I'm keeping my mountain bike, so I don't need my new one to be able to do everything, and am conscious that this will be the only other bike I buy, so I don't want anything that's too much of a compromise - I'm quite keen to go for something really quick that's not too similar to what I already have.

Taking all the above into account, I really can't decide whether to go road, hybrid or cyclocross!!
Having been on a tour of my local dealers and presented them with my requirements, this is what they've suggested to me. If anyone can help me narrow this list down (or indeed suggest other models that are better than all of these for a similar price) I'd be very grateful. Thanks, Andy

Trek Domane 2.0 - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/endurance_race/domane/domane_2_0/

Trek Crossrip Comp - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/fitness/crossrip/crossrip_comp/

Cube SL Road Race http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/sl-road/cube-sl-road-race-black-white-red-2015/

Raleigh Maverick Elite - http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=14&pg=12131

Boardman Hybrid Team - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/boardman-hybrid-team-bike-2014

Ridley X Bow 20 - http://www.ridley-bikes.com/an/en/bikes/4/227/139/cyclocross/x-bow-20-disc-allroad-1505am

I also saw this on Bike radar that looks good, but doubt I could get one ordered in to a local dealer -
Mares AX - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/...s/product/review-focus-mares-ax-3-0-15-48939/

And am intrigued by the pros and cons of the belt and hub gears, which seem pretty unique (maybe I just haven't seen enough manufacturers?) in a sports kind of bike -
http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/hyde/cube-hyde-race-black-blue-shinyblack-2015/

Am currently feeling unsure about the Boardmans due to concerns around lack of frame guarantee and quality of build and after-sales through Halfords, but then again they get some great reviews online. Not really sure how to start whittling this down to be honest, and am wondering if, because I live in a small city, I might be overlooking some gems that are available elsewhere but not stocked in my local shops.

I'm realise most of the above are hybrid or cyclo. If I do go for one of those I'll be looking to get road tyres fitted rather than knobblies. But I'm willing to be persuaded that a full on road bike is what I need and take suggestions on models if those with more experience feel I'll be glad I did once I get used to it.

Cheers :-)

 

[Cycleops]

For my money the Raleigh Elite looks good. It has a Reynolds steel frame which is major plus point for comfort. You could also consider this: http://www.konaworld.com/honky_tonk.cfm which also has a steel frame, stupid name but great bike.

 

[Wafer]

At the more road bike end, the Whyte Dorset is a little above your price range (£999) but well worth looking at. Wider tyres than a lot of road bikes but not as wide as cyclocross bikes.

Some people will happily take road bikes with their thinner tyres on paths, bit of a question of personal taste on levels of comfort. I'm not too keen on taking my Cannondale Syanpse with 25c tyres on the local canal path, it'll do it but it takes a lot of the enjoyment out of it for me.

The Mares AX looks alright, other CX bikes to consider at that price range would be Cannondale Caadx Tiagra and Pinnacle Arkose One (Evans only)

I keep looking at the new Genesis CdA 20 but I can't really decide if 10speed is enough.... Think I really want the Vapour that it replaced!

 

[steveindenmark]

I am about the same size as you and have a 25 mile round trip to work.

I have a Koga Roadchamp. It has a triple and 30 gears. Shimano 105. I have fitted rear panniers and handlebar bag.

A little over your limit. But worth a look. I don't like the green. Mine is blue.

http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/m1b0s389p13096/KOGA-Roadchamp-2013

 

[samsbike]

I had a genesis equilibrium that I ran with 25c marathons and it was fine on the canal path (Ruislip to C London). It only got slow on one particularly muddy bit, which to be far I could have walked in about 10 minutes if I felt the need to (never did mind).
Personally given the fact you have a slightly longer road to get around the off road bit, I would just get a nice roadbike like the trek domane and ride it on the road all the way.

I suspect the road, although longer, may well be as quick if not quicker than the off road section especially in winter.

You have also picked a mix of drop and flat bars. Roadbars may well take a bit of getting used to, so bear that in mind.

 

[cardiac case]

I too ride 95% tarmac and the odd railway line, and I did buy a quick bike.
A Cannondale Quick 4 to be precise.
I have it shod with (almost) slick Continental Sport Contact 700x32 which run well on the road
and put up with a track as long as it's not muddy.
It's geared high, but with a 3rd ring if you need it.

Cheers
Paul G

 

[Cyclist33]

Hi,

I'm doing a 25 mile daily commute on a heavy mountain bike and have decided it's time to get something more suitable. I'm 5'8", 10stone in weight, and after something that will deliver good speed and durability but will also take mudguards and panniers and offer a fairly comfortable ride. I was originally looking at spending £500 but since becoming aware of the C2W scheme I reckon I can set my sights higher.
The terrain is all flat on my daily route, and is 90% tarmac with one pretty rough off-road path, but I can avoid this and take a slightly longer tarmac route if necessary.
I also want the bike to be a fun ride, that can fly into swooping corners and take on some tarmac hills and light gravel cycle paths when I go out for longer weekend pleasure rides without the panniers (i.e 30-40 miles)
I'm slightly nervous of going for a full-on road bike, partly because I've never ridden anything with drop handles and that kind of ride position before, partly because of the state of the roads (potholes) round here, and partly because I'm not sure how it would cope for grip on the old railway lines on pleasure rides (though admittedly the commute is the main job for the bike so maybe I should focus on that).
At the same time, I'm keeping my mountain bike, so I don't need my new one to be able to do everything, and am conscious that this will be the only other bike I buy, so I don't want anything that's too much of a compromise - I'm quite keen to go for something really quick that's not too similar to what I already have.

Taking all the above into account, I really can't decide whether to go road, hybrid or cyclocross!!
Having been on a tour of my local dealers and presented them with my requirements, this is what they've suggested to me. If anyone can help me narrow this list down (or indeed suggest other models that are better than all of these for a similar price) I'd be very grateful. Thanks, Andy

Trek Domane 2.0 - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/endurance_race/domane/domane_2_0/

Trek Crossrip Comp - http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/fitness/crossrip/crossrip_comp/

Cube SL Road Race http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/sl-road/cube-sl-road-race-black-white-red-2015/

Raleigh Maverick Elite - http://www.raleigh.co.uk/ProductType/ProductRange/Product/Default.aspx?pc=1&pt=14&pg=12131

Boardman Hybrid Team - http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/hybrid-bikes-and-classic-bikes/boardman-hybrid-team-bike-2014

Ridley X Bow 20 - http://www.ridley-bikes.com/an/en/bikes/4/227/139/cyclocross/x-bow-20-disc-allroad-1505am

I also saw this on Bike radar that looks good, but doubt I could get one ordered in to a local dealer -
Mares AX - http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/...s/product/review-focus-mares-ax-3-0-15-48939/

And am intrigued by the pros and cons of the belt and hub gears, which seem pretty unique (maybe I just haven't seen enough manufacturers?) in a sports kind of bike -
http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/hyde/cube-hyde-race-black-blue-shinyblack-2015/

Am currently feeling unsure about the Boardmans due to concerns around lack of frame guarantee and quality of build and after-sales through Halfords, but then again they get some great reviews online. Not really sure how to start whittling this down to be honest, and am wondering if, because I live in a small city, I might be overlooking some gems that are available elsewhere but not stocked in my local shops.

I'm realise most of the above are hybrid or cyclo. If I do go for one of those I'll be looking to get road tyres fitted rather than knobblies. But I'm willing to be persuaded that a full on road bike is what I need and take suggestions on models if those with more experience feel I'll be glad I did once I get used to it.

Cheers :-)

Forget the above and get this

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/urban...m4quik1mdraw&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads

Does what it says on the tin (aluminium).

 

[SteCenturion]

Boardman CX in that lush Liquid Metal finish, tis yummy & also a very good bike.

Wait 'till Halfords have one of their 10% off all bikes events & bag it for around £800 then pay a Pro to set it up for you if you don't trust the Halfords staff.

Job done..

 

[EasyPeez]

Wow...thanks for all the advice everyone. Though I'm not sure if it's helped or made things more difficult!

It has a Reynolds steel frame which is major plus point for comfort. You could also consider this: http://www.konaworld.com/honky_tonk.cfm which also has a steel frame, stupid name but great bike

Is this a good thing then? I'm surprised - I was thinking the steel frame was one of it's weak points and the aluminium or carbon would be both lighter and more felxible - thereby offering more comfort. But steel frames are generally more comfortable without adding too much extra weight? Another reason I was put off the Raleigh a bit is that the dealer said I couldn't take a test ride, whereas the Trek dealer positively encouraged me to ride out on a few.

The Kona does look good but I'm wary of buying online as it's a big decision to make for something you can't even sit on.

It's geared high, but with a 3rd ring if you need it.

Gearing was one of the things that I was wondering about in relation to the CX models. My current mountain bike (understandably) has plenty of gears (low?) that I never use as I don't go up steep trails - in fact I'm always on the biggest cog, and mostly use 3 or 4 gears of the 7 on there. I often 'run out of gears' when pushing hard on the flat or downhill and wouldn't want to go for a CX if it's likely to be geared similarly. Thoughts? Forgive the complete novice naivety, but what exactly does "geared high" mean?!

Forget the above and get this

http://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/urban...m4quik1mdraw&utm_campaign=product+listing+ads

Does what it says on the tin (aluminium).

Those Cannondales do look good, though their website isn't the clearest - I'm not sure I can grasp the difference between the different bikes in the Quick series from looking on there. But thanks for drawing my attention to the brand as;- I've now discovered through the store locator that we have a dealer right here in the city, a shop I didn;t even know about, so will def be paying them a visit next week :-)
Are Cannondales seen as good bikes generally on here?

Personally given the fact you have a slightly longer road to get around the off road bit, I would just get a nice roadbike like the trek domane and ride it on the road all the way.

Thanks for the advice. I am tempted by this option. how do people feel about the Domane as a road bike, if i do decide to go road? Is it as good as the equivalent priced Specialized and Cannondales? I am very impressed by the knowledge of the Trek dealership and their aftercare and after-sales discount schemes. Must admit I don't think the Treks look all that compared to the Cannondales and Boardmans! Am trying not to let aesthetics should not cloud my vision though.

I am about the same size as you and have a 25 mile round trip to work.

I have a Koga Roadchamp. It has a triple and 30 gears. Shimano 105. I have fitted rear panniers and handlebar bag.

A little over your limit. But worth a look. I don't like the green. Mine is blue.

http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/m1b0s389p13096/KOGA-Roadchamp-2013

Thanks for the advice. Looks good, but again I don't think anywhere near me stocks those and I don't want to buy without seeing it in the metal. Can you even do the C2W scheme if buying online?

other CX bikes to consider at that price range would be Cannondale Caadx Tiagra and Pinnacle Arkose One (Evans only)

Cheers. That Caadx looks a top bike. I hope they have some CX's and Quicks in my local dealer when I get there next week so I can compare. Just a bit unsure of the gearing on a CX as mentioned above, and guessing they come in a bit heavier than the hybrids and road bikes?

Just 2 more quick questions - do those of you riding in traffic wear a filter mask?
And when it comes to bags, could I get away with one of those brackets that fixes to the seatpost to take my panniers, or would I be much better off with a proper rack? I generally carry lunch, waterproofs, a book and sometimes a folder. Occasionally a laptop. Just thinking the seat post bracket would be much quicker to whip off when going out for a country ride.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me with this, feels like a minefield of options...if only the local dealers all got together and had a quarterly test day at a local track! Cheers.

 

[EasyPeez]

And am intrigued by the pros and cons of the belt and hub gears, which seem pretty unique (maybe I just haven't seen enough manufacturers?) in a sports kind of bike -
http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/tour/hyde/cube-hyde-race-black-blue-shinyblack-2015/

I take it nobody is a proponent of the hub gears and drivechain option?
Hub gears seem like a good idea for keeping mud and salt etc out...why are they so rare on quick bikes - heavier and more expensive to fix maybe?

 

[the snail]

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/adventure/urban-cross/day-one-alfine-8

 

[cardiac case]

Quote
( Me ) "It's geared high, but with a 3rd ring if you need it."

EasyPeez
"Gearing was one of the things that I was wondering about in relation to the CX models. My current mountain bike (understandably) has plenty of gears (low?) that I never use as I don't go up steep trails - in fact I'm always on the biggest cog, and mostly use 3 or 4 gears of the 7 on there. I often 'run out of gears' when pushing hard on the flat or downhill and wouldn't want to go for a CX if it's likely to be geared similarly. Thoughts? Forgive the complete novice naivety, but what exactly does "geared high" mean?!"

End quote


Hi @EasyPeez

I bought mine from www.reveloutdoors.co.uk , my LBS in Bury St Edmunds in Jan this year, but models do change.

The Quick 4 is Aluminium with carbon forks and top gear is the same as a road bike, well same as my sons Trek road bike anyway.
The "granny ring" gives a couple of gears lower which can be handy for tracks & hills. I ride mainly using the middle & big rings.

The Quick CX falls in between a predominantly tarmac bike (like mine) and an out and out off roader.
I believe it has suspension forks, slightly lower gearing, and possibly discs.

Like I say, models change almost weekly in the bike world so don't take my word for it.
Mine is 3 x 8 but I bet that's changed by now.

HTH
Paul G

p.s. Must get some mudguards for the winter.

 

[vickster]

If you are being encouraged to test ride the Treks, do so and any others that you can. Then make a decision, reviews and personal opinions can help but it's you who'll be riding it not us. Fwiw I have a genesis equilibrium (it is the 20 frame but self specified, the 10 would be in your budget approx at £999, might find tne 2014 model at less). It's a lovely looking thing and extremely comfortable, soaking up the buzz and bumps on rough surfaces, more so than both my Carbon roadbike and alu/carbon hybrid and single speed

 

[zizou]

Thanks for the advice. I am tempted by this option. how do people feel about the Domane as a road bike, if i do decide to go road? Is it as good as the equivalent priced Specialized and Cannondales? I am very impressed by the knowledge of the Trek dealership and their aftercare and after-sales discount schemes. Must admit I don't think the Treks look all that compared to the Cannondales and Boardmans! Am trying not to let aesthetics should not cloud my vision though

The Domane is a decent bike and sounds like it would be suitable for your needs. If the local Trek shop is good then that is a big selling point too, certainly worth having a test ride and seeing how you get on.

 

[Cycleops]

You don't seem to have a clear idea of what are desirable features or properties for a bike. Frames should be as stiff and strong as possible so that your pedaling energy is not dissipated. Carbon has the highest strength to weight ratio but it's out of your budget, except for forks. Steel forks will be a bit more "forgiving" than Ali or carbon, but you won't notice a lot of difference.
If the Treks are the only bikes you can test and you are not comfortable buying on line go for one of them, you won't get such good value but you'll feel more confident buying. There is no such thing as a "bad" bike so don't worry. Remember to leave something for pump, good lock, helmet, plus a few other things you might need like clothing.