Stuck on which Road Bike to get...

[Thompson]

I'm after my second road bike, I want a fully carbon bike and as I'm a tad OCD it needs to be red/black. I have a few bikes in mind, but I'm struggling to decide between them, mainly due to the gears etc.
- Specialised Venge Comp 2013
- Pinarello 2013 RoKH Carbon (10 speed)
- Felt F2 Red 2013
- Felt F4 Ultegra 2014 (11 speed)

These are my top 4 at the minute, but, is it worth getting the 11 speed? I changed my current gears round a bit, so the big cog on the front was bigger, hence making my flats and descents faster, so I am still wanting that option, however, my climbing is somewhat naff, so I didn't know whether having the extra gear on the 11 speed would be beneficial. But someone was saying that it's the gear ratio's that matter so maybe the 10 speed will be better?

Basically, I can't decide, I'm going to call my local store to see if I can get these bikes in to try and see which feels best, but as I'm doing a lot of cycling lately, and hopefully soon to start racing, I want a good bike. Any advise on which of these bikes is better? Or any other suggestions? I want one for my Italian Challenge in June and so need to make a choice soonish.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Onyer]

With the Ultegra 11 speed you can get a 11-32 cassette. Combine that with the 52/36 chainring and you have a great top gear (52/11) combined with the lowest bottom gear (36/32) That will get you up some pretty steep hills plus give you speed on the hills and flats. Best advice is to go with a good frameset and then upgrade components as they wear out.

 

[Thompson]

So out of those, you would recommend the Felt F4 Ultegra?

 

[MikeG]

Red and black? The 2014 Specialized Roubaix

I tried that Felt, and boy was it harsh and skittish (in my view).

 

[jowwy]

Red and black - specialized tarmac sl4 sport 2014.

Then ride it with a huge smile

 

[Onyer]

So out of those, you would recommend the Felt F4 Ultegra?

I have never ridden a Felt, so I do not know. The point I was trying to make is to get the best frame that you can and then upgrade components when you are ready. However do not be put off by the argument of 10 speed v 11 speed - it is the gearing that you need.

 

[Thompson]

Looking at the gearing it looks like it'll be good ratio's, Ill be having a closer look at them all in the near future, The 11 speed is sounding like the best so far. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I've ridden all the bikes you listed..

Venge comp lives of the label and reputation of the S-Works Venge, its simply not a outstanding bike or I would want to own (I'm a venge fan, I own three)

Pinerello ROKH frame is not impressive in anyway and you can get far better framesets. It's dull to say the least.

Felt F4 is a reasonable frameset, its responsive but its exceptionally harsh in its ride quality, its also feels slightly nervous.

 

[DooDah]

Red and Black? Cube Agree GTC SLT 2013

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Looking at the gearing it looks like it'll be good ratio's, Ill be having a closer look at them all in the near future, The 11 speed is sounding like the best so far. Thanks for the advice!

I have both 10 speed and 11 speed bikes. Not once when riding my ten speed bikes did I desire an extra gear, and this remains true today.
While riding my 11 speed bikes I have never found myself grateful for the extra gear.

The biggest advantage of 11 speed is it helps sells bikes.

 

[Thompson]

Been down to the bike shop today. The guy there recommended the BMC Granfondo GF02. It looks great and I have it for a test ride next week, any views on this one? It isn't fully carbon but the weight difference is minimal. It's 10 speed so better than my current 9 speed. So yeah, what do you lot think?

 

[vickster]

What 10 speed? Tiagra, 105, ultegra? Are all the components the same range? Or is it sram 10 speed?

And when you say not fully carbon...?

 

[Thompson]

105 and it's the forks which are carbon but the frame is aluminium. But I felt the weight of different bikes and there was virtually no difference in weight. Components were all Shimano as well.

 

[Kestevan]

Planet X RT-57.
Full Carbon, Black and Red, Ultegra 11 Speed, £1200

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT57ULT/planet-x-rt-57-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike

I have an SRAM equipped version of the same bike, it's a cracker.

 

[Booyaa]

For red and black go for a Willier.