Stick With the Norm, or More Exotic?

[bpsmith]

Been looking at carbon bikes in readiness for n+1 in mid to late August or so. Have a 2014 Defy 1 and been really enjoying it, so had planned to stick with Giant. Been looking at the TCR Advanced 1 particularly.

Then I started looking at random bikes from a group test and reminded myself of how much I love the looks of Bianchi, Colnago, De Rosa, etc.

Is it a case of style over substance though? Or they just more expensive versions of the everyday Giant or Specialized? Or is there something more special to their ride/feel?

I am looking to move to a more race geometry than the Defy. Still want to be good in the climbing though, so not all out high gearing. Aiming to enjoy the new bike during the Summer and using the Defy in the Winter.

The Bianchi Sempre Pro has caught my eye, but is this more of a race style frame than my Defy? Or are there other models more suited?

 

[vickster]

Dare to be different

Go British brand. I have a Pearson but look at condor, Dolan etc

 

[Apollonius]

I have a Sempre, but with Campagnolo rather than the Shimano pro. Very stiff and a great ride. I also have a collection of classic British steel.

Bianchis are expensive but you are buying into the whole glamour thing and the tradition of Coppi and all that. They are a little bit better, maybe. I would always go for heart over head. How about you? Your call.

 

[Cyclist33]

Been looking at carbon bikes in readiness for n+1 in mid to late August or so. Have a 2014 Defy 1 and been really enjoying it, so had planned to stick with Giant. Been looking at the TCR Advanced 1 particularly.

Then I started looking at random bikes from a group test and reminded myself of how much I love the looks of Bianchi, Colnago, De Rosa, etc.

Is it a case of style over substance though? Or they just more expensive versions of the everyday Giant or Specialized? Or is there something more special to their ride/feel?

I am looking to move to a more race geometry than the Defy. Still want to be good in the climbing though, so not all out high gearing. Aiming to enjoy the new bike during the Summer and using the Defy in the Winter.

The Bianchi Sempre Pro has caught my eye, but is this more of a race style frame than my Defy? Or are there other models more suited?

In my humblest opinion, if you really enjoy the Defy, then you'll REALLY enjoy a TCR Advanced 1. I chatted to a kid who had one recently - he couldn't praise it highly enough. A chap called Cuchilo on here has both. He wuvvs them.

I have a Defy 3 and was about to get a TCR Comp but at the last mnute threw a curve ball and got an American brand steel bike. No regrets - as per Vickster, I "dared to be different"! If I do treat myself to carbon in a couple of years time tho, the TCR will be top of the list.

Stu

PS nothing "everyday" about the Giant TCR Adv 1, or a Specialized Tarmac SL4 Comp for that matter http://www.evanscycles.com/products...14-road-bike-ec053056?country=GB&currency=GBP

At that sort of price point it's going to be really hard to get a bad bike!

 

[RebornBumbler]

I'd at least take a look at Rose if I had a large wad of cash - this caught my eye for ~ £2400:

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-xeon-crs-4000-2014

Though personally I'd have to change the handlebar tape

 

[smokeysmoo]

It's becoming a bit of a mantra for me this but here we go again, FYI carbon is not an upgrade over aluminium, or anything else for that matter.

It's just a different material that can be used/adapted to build a bicycle frame from.

 

[bpsmith]

Too many replies to do each one individually, but all great opinions, cheers!

I feel the need to clarify that I don't think of the Giant and similar as mundane or boring. Far from it, as I really like the Defy and the TCR. Not totally against that option yet.

I just always like to break from the norm and the Defy was more head rules heart and feel a tiny bit like balancing that. lol.

I am totally up for something a bit different, but not to the point of missing out on something fast on flat and great on hills. Probably leaning towards the latter as enjoying hills more and more and that's where the TCR Advanced doesn't fit? The gearing seems too high for me with the lowest being 39 and 25? Correct me if missing something?

Have been looking at Moda earlier. How good are they?

Going to check out some of the above now. I think one of my LBS carry Condor. A local-ish guy rides for Raphael Condor that I see around a bit. Nice looking bikes too!

 

[vickster]

I think moda are a bit parts bin. Google for reviews

 

[raleighnut]

If you want Exotic why not try a Ti frame, there,s some real beauts available.

 

[bpsmith]

It's becoming a bit of a mantra for me this but here we go again, FYI carbon is not an upgrade over aluminium, or anything else for that matter.

It's just a different material that can be used/adapted to build a bicycle frame from.

I agree, and been looking at the one or two higher end Alu framed machines with Di2 for really great money. Good reviews too.

To clarify the, are you saying that I can get the same level of power output from an Alu frame as that of a stiff carbon frame. From what I have read, and the LBS started me thinking, an Alu frame can't compete with the bette Carbon frames out there. Please convince me otherwise?

How about Titanium? Or is that way out of my £2k or so price range for a fully built bike?

 

[bpsmith]

What are Rose like then? That link above looks superb!

 

[Fab Foodie]

Why not Titanium or Custom 853?
Giant Carbon bikes IMHO are about as good as a plastic bike gets, but if you want something more 'interesting' there are very many options to get something unique for your budget.

 

[Berties]

I've done a load of miles on a defy advanced and the frame suits me,i needed/wanted more speed so bought the propel by giant ,geometry still suits me ,fast as you like ,i put my mavics on it ,and she's a dream,with the propel frame being ridden by some of the giant shimano team ,some thing must be good about it!!!
for the money ,hard to beat,believe its the aero bike of the year,i worked all last week and rode 300 miles on it,

 

[vickster]

Spa have a few less costly Ti bikes

The top end boardmans get good reviews

 

[RebornBumbler]

Germans seem to get their groupsets somewhat cheaper than we do, I suspect.
I've only read a couple of reviews on their more lowly offerings, but they came out well.

I bought a couple of cranksets from them way cheaper than anyone was selling them in the UK, and they turned up in two days - no problems.

When you get down to it, bikes are pretty simple things - I like the option to 'build your own'.