Will a Carbon Bike make a difference to a relative newbie ?

[Globalti]

You don't tell us your age but I'm guessing forties or fifties. For a newcomer to cycling, an "endurance" bike like a Specialized Roubaix is a good idea because they are built for comfort. The Roubaix is a carbon bike and is a fantastically smooth, comfortable ride though I don't believe their much-vaunted Zertz inserts make any difference. There is now a similar endurance model available from every manufacturer. Given a choice between carbon and alloy I would go for carbon every time.

If you plan to use the bike right through winter, disc brakes would be a good idea. More and more bikes are available with cable discs, or hydraulic at the higher price ranges.

If you go for rim brakes, try to spend as much as possible on the wheels because a decent, light and stiff pair of wheels transforms a dull ride into a sprightly, exciting ride. Even buying an entry-level bike with 105 equipment then buying some nice wheels will be better than a higher-priced groupset and the mediocre wheels fitted to most bikes.

Now is a good time to be looking around as retailers begin to shift stock in readiness for new models.

Whatever you buy, be sure to get it from a good bike shop that will support you and measure you then fit the bike to you. Specialized dealers and Concept stores will do this and give you a 12.5% discount if you ask nicely.

 

[Joshua Plumtree]

Evans have a 2014 super six evo 105 for £1399. Good reviews. Think I'd be tempted in your position

 

[Doyleyburger]

If your spending that sort of money, get a bike fit thrown in with the price ( as mentioned above)
Iv never had a fit and it's taken me the best part of a whole year of cycling to get to the most comfortable position on the bike. And now my average has all of a sudden shot up by almost 3 mph.......all because I'm comfortable on the bike.
I'm up for n+1 next year and the caad10 and synapse are on my short list

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks

A bit of research this afternoon has me interested in a Cannondale CAAD 10

Thoughts ?

Good bikes it is often said, I don't personally own one, neither have I ridden one so can't comment further.

If carbon is your bag the it might be worth a look at Canyon who do very lightweight carbon & aluminium models too.
The only problem with Canyon is that they are a direct selling bike Co from Germany & so unless you know someone with a Canyon of near your size, you can't try before you buy.

Other brands to look out for for great value for money/Spec/quality are Orro (a new British brand) Cube (German brand) Rose (German I think) & Planet X.

With your budget, you are most likely to get a very good quality machine.

 

[BrumJim]

Thanks

A lad I know in our village works at a LBS and has said he could get me a good deal on a Carbon framed Orbea.

I know nothing of this brand.

Orbea is a good brand. Made by a Spanish co-operative (if that makes any difference to you!), and used to be raced in the Pro peleton until Euskaltel Euskadi folded.

 

[Coggy]

Thanks all

Tried out Cannondale CAAD8 (didn't have a 10), An Orbea Onix, Specialized Roubaix SL4 and a Specialized Tarmac SL4.

All nice bikes but I felt most comfortable and loved the riding position of the Tarmac and so went for it. Used it on Saturday for the Essex Castle 50 miler and it was a pleasure to ride.

 

[Cyclist33]

By all accounts it's one of the best frames for the price to-date.

Bloke had one on a group ride recently. It looked beau. Mind you there were plenty of snakes on old steel things from the 90s.