Which bike - entry level racer

[LesPaulStd91]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a post-2000 entry level racer
I currently ride a Peugeot-racer from the last century (late 80's 501-item)
but would like to own a new one as well.

Used market is small where I live so I'm looking at buying new,
and three bikes seem to fit in my required specs and price category
(would like a 10-spd Compact Tiagra or 105 and 1000-1200 GBP if possible)

What is available where I live would be the following:
Specialized Allez Elite C2 (2013)
Scott Speedster S30 (2013)
Cannondale CAAD 8 6 Tiagra(probably 2012)

http://road-bikes.findthebest.com/c...D-vs-2013-Specialized-Allez-Elite-Mid-Compact

what would you choose ?

cheers,
LPS91

 

[Kestevan]

Planet x pro carbon.

 

[vickster]

Perhaps also look at the Giant Defy 2 (Tiagra) or 1 (105) too. The CAAD is said to have the best alu/carbon frame out there, however, how the bike fits YOU is actually the most important thing (and the fact that it isn't black as #2 )

I think there'll be some who say that £1000-1200 isn't entry level

For used, look at the Classifieds on here too

 

[LesPaulStd91]

Hi all

thanks for the additional suggestions but the reason I listed these three is because those bikes are the ones available in my area. E.g. the Giant Defy (whose spec's I actually quite like) is not available as they need to be ordered in bulk from Giant and the market here is too small.

So my only option to buy other types not listed here would be to import them myself, not getting any dealer discount like the stores here, higher S&H + import taxes - resulting in a much higher price than the three listed above.

Buying used unseen and importing with the associated S&H and import taxes is also too risky I think.

So I appreciate the suggestions but they're not of very much use to me

cheers
LPS91

 

[vickster]

It wasn't clear that you aren't in the UK. I'd go for the caad on the basis it has the best frame, don't know much about Scott and find specialized utterly uninspiring!!!

 

[LesPaulStd91]

Thanks vickster,
should've made my location more clear

cheers,
LPS91

 

[VamP]

Does Canyon ship to wherever you are?


Can't beat this for value and it is one of the best AL frames around, with the same geometry (and fork) as the pro level Ultimate SLX. Awesome bike for starting out racing.

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3076#tab-reiter2

 

[LesPaulStd91]

Alas, Canyon doesn't ship directly but they seem to be very well priced.
So at the moment the CAAD 8 6 seems to be the winner,

cheers,
LPS91

 

[Cyclist33]

It wasn't clear that you aren't in the UK. I'd go for the caad on the basis it has the best frame, don't know much about Scott and find specialized utterly uninspiring!!!

it WAS clear that they were asking for comment on three specific bikes, though!!

 

[derrick]

It wasn't clear that you aren't in the UK. I'd go for the caad on the basis it has the best frame, don't know much about Scott and find specialized utterly uninspiring!!!

I think North Atlantic in his avatar was a clue.

 

[vickster]

I think North Atlantic in his avatar was a clue.

He's added that subsequently "to make his location more clear"

 

[derrick]

He's added that subsequently "to make his location more clear"

I did not know that, you are forgiven.

 

[LesPaulStd91]

true, the location was added later

but yes, I did ask about three specific bikes.

cheers
LPS91

 

[billy1561]

Tried a scott for a test ride -didn't like it at all. Had a cannondale which was excellent. Don't know anything about spesh. On that basis i would again pick a dale