Sorry - another what road bike post!

[gregster]

I have recently taken up cycling again after a lay off of about 15 years and am currently using a borrowed Dawes Giro 400, which is about 10years old and doing a sterling job - it's better than the bike I rode all those years ago!
However, my work is repeating the cycling to work scheme and I intend to take advantage and get a decent steed. Unfortunately, the scheme only runs through Halfords (I'm well aware of the pitfalls there and would take any purchase to my LBS for a proper set up!)
I am looking at getting a LoC for about £1,000 and here's where I'm sorry as I guess it's been asked lots before.
WHAT BIKE SHOULD I GET?
The only decent bikes in Halfords are the Boardman range and the carbon looks like a nice bike for the money but am unsure about the SRAM components as am used to Shimano. I can order pretty much anything through them so what would you experts recommend for that money or less?
The bike will be used for road riding, sportivs and general fitness training, currently doing between 60-80 miles a week.
Sorry for the rambling and thanks for your time and help.

 

[dellzeqq]

corblimey, it pays to do a bit of searching first.........

1. Modern bikes are fantastic. Almost any bike you buy is going to be brilliant

2. The important thing is to satisfy yourself that the people you're buying the bike from have put it together carefully, and will stand by it if it goes wrong. In case you are in any doubt whatsoever.....DO NOT BUY A BIKE FROM HALFORDS UNLESS YOU ARE A DECENT MECHANIC WITH A FAIR SELECTION OF TOOLS (and that would include the long arm thing that you use to align the derailleur).

3. If you go to an LBS with a decent reputation and ask their advice and get a test ride you won't go far wrong. I accept that the LBS/decent reputation thing is a bit tricky - there are those of us who would not touch Condor with a ten foot pole, much less Cycle Surgery. Then again, the bike shop in Rochester High Street is a bit of a cheapy, but it might even be worth going in and asking how they set up a bike when they take it out of the box.

 

[DJ]

He has to get the bike from Halfords as that who runs there bike2work scheme!

I am in the same position, unfortunatley the bike I wanted they had sold out of and would not be getting anymore of this years model!!

Halfords will supply a lot of bikes that you do not see in the showroom, but you may have to go to Evans or somewhere else to try them out!

I could have gotten a Specialised through Halfords and they are very good bikes, So maybe start there???

Good luck.

 

[gregster]

Ok, so I've managed to get an idea of what I'm looking for. Any comments or alternatives would be appreciated.
1: Trek 1.5 tripple
2: Fuji Newest 1.0
3: Specialized Secteur Sport 2010

They are all well under the £1,000 price limit and seem well equiped.
The other alternative mentioned in first post is the Boardman carbon, but not sure I'll fully appreciate it for what I'm going to be doing.

Thanks again

 

[gregster]

Anyone want to offer some advice?

Choice kind of changed again to include

Boardman Carbon
Specialized Allez Elite

Any views please?

 

[Paul Narramore]

Gregster

Pay a visit to Motorhouse, 48 Holborough Road, Snodland (01634-246153) and speak to Jeff. Seek his advice before getting a bike.

 

[gregster]

Thanks Paul, I'll go and see him. Scheme not open until 1st October so got couple of weeks to decide.

 

[adscrim]

Anyone want to offer some advice?

Choice kind of changed again to include

Boardman Carbon
Specialized Allez Elite

Any views please?

Greg, I'd imagine you would be very pleased with either of these. The reviews about the Boardman range (and me having one) would lead me off in that direction. However, there is no substitute for getting on the bikes and finding out how you suit them.

 

[e-rider]

I don't rate Trek 1.5s after my experience with them. I then bought a Focus Cayo 105 for £960 and it's a great bike that I'm very pleased with (I've never seen a bad review about them). Wiggle.co.uk also do the bike to work scheme.

 

[gregster]

Thanks for the replies. Managed to get to my LBS this morning, Goeff Wiles in Strood, and get sized for the Specialized Allez Elite, and had a go brielfy. Like the way it feels and handles and the groupset it comes with. I've always had a thing for Spec bikes, and think this just confirmed my choice.

 

[Perry]

I have the Boardman. I also had problems with Halfords.

Once I took it to my LBS it runs like a dream, really fast and responsive!

 

[gregster]

Whatever bike I do get will be going to my LBS for a check over regardless of how Halfords do it. The main factor now is whether to spend another £200 over the Allez on the boardy or get some extra accessories.

 

[gregster]

Managed to get to local Halfords in Chatham yesterday to have a look at the Boardman Carbon. Very impressed with it and Paul there was very helpful and knowledgable. The SRAM looks like a reasonable set, but could always change it over in future. At least I'd have a carbon frame to build upon.
Really torn now between the Allez Elite and the boardman.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

How about the Planet-X SL Team Alu?

From £799 for a cracking road bike with Shimano Ultegra and Planet-X components.

I've got one and it's lovely!!

http://www.planet-x-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/SL_Team_Alu.html

They do cycle to work too!! - although my company don't - bastards!

 

[gregster]

Looked at them, but unfortunately being stuck having to use halfords for cycle 2 work scheme, they will not supply one! Nice bike though