Yes, it's another 'which bike' thread

[Kablinsky]

I know this type of thread is quite common but I need some input.

I'm doing the vatternrundan http://www.cyclistsfc.org.uk/vatternrundan.html in June and in order not to be humiliated (too badly) by Bollo and Zoom am in the market for a new bike. As I've never done this sort of distance before I'm looking for something:

a.) Comfortable
b.) Reliable
c.) Fast

in that order. I need the bike asap (got to pack those miles in) so don't have limitless time for research and test rides. So need a few recommendations that I can follow up on and anyone got experience of the ones below?

Thanks in advance.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/galbier-2008-road-bike-ec001174

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/trek-madone-52-compact-road-bike-id39171.html

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/roubaix-elite-2009-road-bike-ec016910http://www.mikevaughancycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b1s6p636

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...oogle&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=froogle

 

[jayce]

If you a going for one of them three ,trek or specialized,i would buy the trek if it were me ,but there a loads for the price that these a going for

 

[MadoneRider1991]

get the 5.2 its a great bike, and the price looks like a great deal to me

 

[ontheroadtofrance]

Got to be the Trek

 

[Dave Higgin]

I'm sure all the bikes will be fast but not sure about comfort for 180 miles. Why not a more relaxed geometry of a fast audax/light tourer? For the money you're spending, how about a Ti frame - I've been hankering after a Van Nicholas Yukon.

 

[Kablinsky]

Dave, I use comfort in it's absolutely loosest term but thanks for the pointer. Definitely something to consider for the future.

 

[Kablinsky]

Looks like I struck out on the 08 Madone. Only stock in the country left seems to be 56 and 58cm.

Found a triple that's available in a 54 but that just seems wrong on this sort of bike.

 

[Paul_Smith SRCC]

The 'Madone Performane fit' bikes are slightly nearer their race bike versions than the Specialized Roubaix range is to their 'Tarmac' race bike range, you will see that the front end is slightly higher for example.

I refer to Sportive bikes in this thread in more detail that may be of interest

Paul_Smith
www.corridori.co.uk

 

[Kablinsky]

Thanks for that Paul. I'm leaning towards the Roubaix now (looking at it from a long ride comfort perspective)

 

[Kablinsky]

I couldn't resist. . . . I found an 08 Madone 5.2 in my size in Cheshire and Trek have agreed to let me ship it to a local dealer to be setup. £1649 . . . . . BINGO!

Next question. . . .what's the best way to break teh news to the wife?