Hi,
Just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone contributing to this thread for your help and guidance. I've finally been able to spend some time test riding a few bikes and the whole decision making process gets a lot easier once you get to grips with the actual machines rather than scrolling through endless spec lists which can just end up twisting one's melon after a while.
But being able to visit my local dealers armed with the knowledge gleaned from you guys has been invaluable, so thanks to all. Before starting this thread I was basically looking at a list of arbitrary numbers and jargon when perusing the specs.
I haven't made a final decision yet but having had the chance to test a few I'm pretty convinced that a CX is the way to go.
From looking online I worried that a CX would be too much of a compromise - a lighter MTB with drop-bars, effectively. But having tested some that's clearly not the case - ride position, weight, wheel size, gearing etc is all significantly different to my MTB and is going to enable me to ride pretty quickly I reckon, esp as I'm going to get some spare slicks to put on it in summer.
I liked the Synapse and the Domane, they were so quick! But a bit twitchy to get used to for someone who's never rode anything that light with drop bars before. Also liked a Felt road bike I had a sit on.
But I think ultimately I need that extra bit of toughness and durability that a CX offers over a racer. This is prob partly influenced by the fact that I had my first ever spoke break last week, and on a separate journey had a quite spectacular 'off' on a greasy tarmac corner (no major damage done, just some quite impressive bruises). But yeah, hammering away in all weathers every day on bad roads with weight on the back, plus wanting to have the option to attack some canal towpaths and railway lines in my leisure time, I think a CX suits my needs better than a roadbike and doesn't seem like too much of a compromise.
So yeah, I've pretty much narrowed it down to these 2:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-maverick-elite-sora-2015/
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...gclid=CM3-osXopMICFfMZtAoddQEAlw&gclsrc=aw.ds
The Maverick seemed a bit quicker out of the blocks, and gave a great ride, but the CAADX felt really well put together and offered great top-speed and better grip on both tarmac and gravel. My head is telling me to get the CAADX. Though the steel frame ride and the retro look of the Raleigh is tugging at my heart-strings somewhat....but it's less well specced and those white handlebars are ridiculously impractical. Hmmmm.....
If I go CAADX should I settle for the Tiagra I tested or order in the 105 in the same size - is the 105 groupset worth the extra £100 in the long run? If so I could max out the C2W voucher on bike alone and pay for the rack and panniers separately to the Cycle scheme I guess?
I ruled out the Treks and Specializeds I looked at based on price/spec not seeming comparable, and just didn't really take to the look of the Giants.
Also, my employer finally got the Cyclescheme admin done this morning so now all I need is a quote and I should have my voucher within a few days :-) Feel more excited to be getting a new bike this Christmas that I did as an 8 year old anticipating unwrapping my red and yellow Raleigh Burner!
I'm going to Sheffield for a few days over Christmas so am going to postpone a final decision til after I've had chance to look at a few bike shops there, but I can't see much. Will let you know what I finally plump for in the new year.
Thanks again, Andy :-)
