What bike to purchase (~£800)... Please help!

[DaleB]

Hi all,

I'm looking to upgrade my Scott hybrid (which I've had for 3 years), I want a good road bike (my first), which will manage (for comfort/speed) a weekly 60mile+ route with 3k+ ft climbing and daily commutes also... I'm happy to spend up to ~£800.

I've narrowed it down to these 3 so far:

1) Canyon Roadlite Al 6.0 - http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3073 (£860)
2) B'Twin FC 3 - http://www.decathlon.co.uk/fc-3-road-bike-black-id_8221749.html (£850)
3) Scott Speedster 40 - http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/speedster-40-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042439#features (£800)

Out of these 3 which is the 'best' buy, OR alternatively are there any that I may have overlooked?

*Additionally, I can test ride #2 and #3, but the Canyon is via the internet... Are there any bikes out there that are similar as to give me a good understanding of how the bike feels prior to ordering, if that is the chosen one of course?

Thank you in advance

 

[lejogger]

All 3 look like good bikes, but personally I like the look of the Canyon in either the Shimano or SRAM versions. Depending on your fitness and level of cycling the SRAM gearing may be preferable as you mention you do lots of climbing.

Very good frame, gruppo and wheel set at that price point.

 

[DaleB]

All 3 look like good bikes, but personally I like the look of the Canyon in either the Shimano or SRAM versions. Depending on your fitness and level of cycling the SRAM gearing may be preferable as you mention you do lots of climbing.

Very good frame, gruppo and wheel set at that price point.

Cheers, yes i'm leaning towards the Canyon. The only off point is that I cannot test ride it, do you know of any similar bikes that I could get a feel of?
Also, in terms of servicing etc. I assume when this is required I can visit my LBS, as it's not that easy given they're based in Germany?

 

[musa]

There are some for sale s/h that is. Not sure if they are near you have a look on bikeradar. Maybe that way you'll know but for me its thr canyon however you plan to use it for commuting do you want additionals like rack and mudguard eyelets ie a winter/tourer bike

 

[VamP]

Canyon.

Or if you want British have a look at the Forme offerings.

 

[DaleB]

Thanks for the feedback, I think that's decided then... Canyon Roadlite Al 6.0 it is!!!

Now only two issues, 1) What colour... 2) I know they offer a 30 day 'test' period BUT are there any similar bikes (geometry) that I can go to my LBS and try for the feel, any suggestions?

*With regard to colour, has anyone got 'real' pics of the black/red as I can only find black/yellow and the white online?

Thanks again in advance

 

[vickster]

You should be able to compare the geometries by looking at the different websites for the bikes

I personally don't like black bikes and would thus choose the white, but harder to keep clean

 

[DaleB]

You should be able to compare the geometries by looking at the different websites for the bikes

I personally don't like black bikes and would thus choose the white, but harder to keep clean

Cheers i'll have a quick look around.

I'm put off white as i'm not too keen on cleaning too regularly... Swaying towards the red.

 

[Cyclist33]

Canyon.

Or if you want British have a look at the Forme offerings.

If you count "frame designed in Britain" as British. There isn't really much in the way of buying British (outmoded, jingoistic and xenophobic principle that it is in any case) in terms of mass market bikes - all the frames and components are made out in the far east and seem to be pretty good quality-wise.

 

[Cyclist33]

Thanks for the feedback, I think that's decided then... Canyon Roadlite Al 6.0 it is!!!

Now only two issues, 1) What colour... 2) I know they offer a 30 day 'test' period BUT are there any similar bikes (geometry) that I can go to my LBS and try for the feel, any suggestions?

*With regard to colour, has anyone got 'real' pics of the black/red as I can only find black/yellow and the white online?

Thanks again in advance

I would go for answer (3) and not get it because you can't test ride it first, and my guess is it's a right hassle getting a bike delivered back to Germany if you don't like it.

Stu

 

[vickster]

If you count "frame designed in Britain" as British. There isn't really much in the way of buying British (outmoded, jingoistic and xenophobic principle that it is in any case) in terms of mass market bikes - all the frames and components are made out in the far east and seem to be pretty good quality-wise.

I like to support British companies that employ staff in the UK in all business functions and that contribute to the UK economy in other ways (i.e. they actually pay tax), if that is outmoded, jinoistic and xenophobic in any way, then so be it...even if all the bits are made outside of the UK

 

[Cyclist33]

I like to support British companies that employ staff in the UK in all business functions and that contribute to the UK economy in other ways (i.e. they actually pay tax), if that is outmoded, jinoistic and xenophobic in any way, then so be it...even if all the bits are made outside of the UK

"if that is outmoded, jinoistic and xenophobic in any way"

It is!

 

[vickster]

Fine, soon there'll be no economy in the UK if there are no British based companies. That is nothing to do with jingoism or xenophobia

 

[VamP]

If you count "frame designed in Britain" as British. There isn't really much in the way of buying British (outmoded, jingoistic and xenophobic principle that it is in any case) in terms of mass market bikes - all the frames and components are made out in the far east and seem to be pretty good quality-wise.

Thanks for your contribution

 

[DaleB]

All 3 look like good bikes, but personally I like the look of the Canyon in either the Shimano or SRAM versions. Depending on your fitness and level of cycling the SRAM gearing may be preferable as you mention you do lots of climbing.

Very good frame, gruppo and wheel set at that price point.

RE: Canyon
In terms of my flat commute, and down hills, is there much difference between the 48/34 and 50/34 in terms of cruising speed and spinning out down hills?.. At the moment on my hybrid i can keep averages of ~ 16-17 mph comfortably on flats. (the cassette on both is 11-32).

TY