Which road bike (cycle)
12 July 2009, 03:27 PM
#1
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Which road bike (cycle)
Between £500 and £600. Local bike shop has stock of all of them. Not really sure which spec is best value. I already have a Giant FCR so was convinced on that, although after seeing the trek I think it looks best.
Trek 1.2 Triple - carbon forks, sora gears.
Giant Defy 3 - composite forks, sora gears
Specialized Allez Triple - Carbon forks - sora gears
Trek 1.2 Triple - carbon forks, sora gears.
Giant Defy 3 - composite forks, sora gears
Specialized Allez Triple - Carbon forks - sora gears
Last edited by davyboy; 12 July 2009 at 03:29 PM.
12 July 2009, 04:18 PM
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12 July 2009, 04:26 PM
#3
Also known as daz
Whatever you prefer the ride of, seriously all people will do is suggest what they like, try as many as you can but the ones you posted are reputable.
I ride a giant anthem x btw.
I ride a giant anthem x btw.
Last edited by hux309; 12 July 2009 at 04:27 PM.
12 July 2009, 05:13 PM
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what are you planning on using it for? racing commuting or pleasure
to be honest all the big manufacturers bikes will be very similar and you would be best selecting the one you like the look and feel of the most as you will be more likely to ride it.
if like me you love riding and bicycles, then spend as much as possible at the outset as upgrading bits and pieces afterwards is a very expensive option
to be honest all the big manufacturers bikes will be very similar and you would be best selecting the one you like the look and feel of the most as you will be more likely to ride it.
if like me you love riding and bicycles, then spend as much as possible at the outset as upgrading bits and pieces afterwards is a very expensive option
12 July 2009, 05:27 PM
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I'll just be using for pleasure, and the fact I can't ride my motobike at the moment! Although it might mean I get in to it and join a club who knows, I'm not spending any more though.
Although I'm not supposed to I just did 6 miles on my Giant FCR (flat handle barred road bike) and even that felt fast. Especially now I have a pump that can get me 100psi. Why I percervered so long with crappy pumps is beyond me!
They offered me some test rides today, but I declined as I was not supposed to ride anyway....maybe next weekend I'll take a couple of test rides.
Although I'm not supposed to I just did 6 miles on my Giant FCR (flat handle barred road bike) and even that felt fast. Especially now I have a pump that can get me 100psi. Why I percervered so long with crappy pumps is beyond me!
They offered me some test rides today, but I declined as I was not supposed to ride anyway....maybe next weekend I'll take a couple of test rides.
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12 July 2009, 10:20 PM
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12 July 2009, 10:22 PM
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I've got the Allez Sport double.(2009 model)
Have to say it's a good, stiff bike just for the odd 50 miler and general training rides, but all those listed are pretty good.
Unless you live in a particularly hilly place you won't need a triple.
Whatever you get though, bin the normal flat pedals they usually come with and buy a set of entry level Shimano/Look SPD's with a pair of decent shoes.
Have to say it's a good, stiff bike just for the odd 50 miler and general training rides, but all those listed are pretty good.
Unless you live in a particularly hilly place you won't need a triple.
Whatever you get though, bin the normal flat pedals they usually come with and buy a set of entry level Shimano/Look SPD's with a pair of decent shoes.
12 July 2009, 10:29 PM
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I don't live in a hilly area, but I want to climb a mountain in the alps. I might never do it on this bike, but I need to be prepared. Although I guess I could get a triple if and when I do it.
But for the sake of a few quid, isn't it better to have a granny gear?
But for the sake of a few quid, isn't it better to have a granny gear?
12 July 2009, 10:34 PM
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I know it may sound silly but look at Lidl, a really well specced 1500 pound bike for half price....
Lidl’s Stratos will be on sale in the UK from Monday | Bicycle business | News by BikeBiz
Lidl’s Stratos will be on sale in the UK from Monday | Bicycle business | News by BikeBiz
12 July 2009, 10:40 PM
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But if you really want a particular bike and it comes as a triple, then why not.
13 July 2009, 06:55 AM
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13 July 2009, 07:16 AM
#19
I do triathlon and lots of road racing. At the moment I've got a Specialized S-Works op spec with Dura Ace gear and Easton TT wheels, but have had several other lesser spec Specialized bikes and can vouch for the great build quality and durability. Also had Trek and Giant in the past, but Specialized seem to have the edge over the rest?
I think what may be the deciding factor is your size (Inseam and torso length, and your weight - as all bikes will come with max weight figures and only in certain frame sizes, so this may rule out some.
Lots of my fellow cycling club members have Specialized, a few have trek, and I know one that has a Giant (Only as his winter hack though), so you'd probably be ok with any of the bikes tbh, but I'm biased and would say go for the Specialized.
Another brand worth looking at which is highly rated is Focus. If you have a look on the Wiggle website you'll see the different models, and they always get great write-ups
.
Good luck in deciding, and enjoy the roads safely when you get it.
P.S. Looking at the Giant bike for a 2nd time there, I can't help feeling it looks like a Woman's bike
Deffo go for Specialized.
I think what may be the deciding factor is your size (Inseam and torso length, and your weight - as all bikes will come with max weight figures and only in certain frame sizes, so this may rule out some.
Lots of my fellow cycling club members have Specialized, a few have trek, and I know one that has a Giant (Only as his winter hack though), so you'd probably be ok with any of the bikes tbh, but I'm biased and would say go for the Specialized.
Another brand worth looking at which is highly rated is Focus. If you have a look on the Wiggle website you'll see the different models, and they always get great write-ups
.Good luck in deciding, and enjoy the roads safely when you get it.
P.S. Looking at the Giant bike for a 2nd time there, I can't help feeling it looks like a Woman's bike
Deffo go for Specialized.
Last edited by MilleniumRacer; 13 July 2009 at 07:19 AM.
13 July 2009, 09:17 AM
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Lordy - does anyone ride anything other than the 3 makes youve listed 
I honestly feel for the smaller producers - nobody has any imagination anymore
I honestly feel for the smaller producers - nobody has any imagination anymore
13 July 2009, 09:24 AM
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I know it may sound silly but look at Lidl, a really well specced 1500 pound bike for half price....
Lidl’s Stratos will be on sale in the UK from Monday | Bicycle business | News by BikeBiz
Lidl’s Stratos will be on sale in the UK from Monday | Bicycle business | News by BikeBiz
13 July 2009, 09:31 AM
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Definitely the Allez.
Got this three weeks ago (the model up - 2010 Elite) and it's a cracking machine. Not ridden a road bike for about 15 years so taking some adapting but loving the speed.
Short top tubes though so best if you are after a fairly compact (and accessible) frame.
Reflectors and bell all been taken off now...
Got this three weeks ago (the model up - 2010 Elite) and it's a cracking machine. Not ridden a road bike for about 15 years so taking some adapting but loving the speed.
Short top tubes though so best if you are after a fairly compact (and accessible) frame.
Reflectors and bell all been taken off now...
13 July 2009, 09:40 AM
#23
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13 July 2009, 04:47 PM
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I have a computer on my MTB and on the road bike.
Do a similar route three times a week before work - the road route is more hilly with no off roading (obviously) but slightly shorter at 12 miles compared to 12.6. The MTB route has about 2.5 miles of off roading but it's pretty light stuff - nothing technical but not road bikeable (and it would break a hybrid).
Averaging 15 mph on the road bike so far (early days though) and hit max mph of just under 40. Could go a lot faster if I had more bottle. MTB route averages 13mph if I hammer it and max mph on the same hills is 32 so far - again I could go a bit faster.
The road bike accelerates VERY quickly and is super smooth. Cornering hard takes a lot of guts but it does it very nicely and grips like a limpet - the tyres are slicks. Brakes are a bit scary - they are good but the usual riding position means not much leverage. MTB disks are a lot more powerful.
Although the differences don't seem huge, my MTB is a full on race hardtail with pretty racey tyres so is pretty quick. It weighs about 23lbs. The road bike is around 18lbs.
Some of the hills are sodding steep and on the road bike (18 speed, two chainrings) need standing out of the saddle. My driveway is 33% and 150 yards long (many delivery vans can't make it up) and is JUST makeable.
Overall I just like the different feel of both. Like driving different cars, I love trying different bikes.
Do a similar route three times a week before work - the road route is more hilly with no off roading (obviously) but slightly shorter at 12 miles compared to 12.6. The MTB route has about 2.5 miles of off roading but it's pretty light stuff - nothing technical but not road bikeable (and it would break a hybrid).
Averaging 15 mph on the road bike so far (early days though) and hit max mph of just under 40. Could go a lot faster if I had more bottle. MTB route averages 13mph if I hammer it and max mph on the same hills is 32 so far - again I could go a bit faster.
The road bike accelerates VERY quickly and is super smooth. Cornering hard takes a lot of guts but it does it very nicely and grips like a limpet - the tyres are slicks. Brakes are a bit scary - they are good but the usual riding position means not much leverage. MTB disks are a lot more powerful.
Although the differences don't seem huge, my MTB is a full on race hardtail with pretty racey tyres so is pretty quick. It weighs about 23lbs. The road bike is around 18lbs.
Some of the hills are sodding steep and on the road bike (18 speed, two chainrings) need standing out of the saddle. My driveway is 33% and 150 yards long (many delivery vans can't make it up) and is JUST makeable.
Overall I just like the different feel of both. Like driving different cars, I love trying different bikes.
13 July 2009, 05:30 PM
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Awesome.
I want a bike. A few of my friends have gone a bit mad and spent £3k on MTBs each. They go to a proper off-road course in Bedford and it looks really really fun. But i'd ride on-road a lot more than off. There's no way i'm buying two bikes but both kinds seem great.
I want a bike. A few of my friends have gone a bit mad and spent £3k on MTBs each. They go to a proper off-road course in Bedford and it looks really really fun. But i'd ride on-road a lot more than off. There's no way i'm buying two bikes but both kinds seem great.
13 July 2009, 05:33 PM
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13 July 2009, 05:40 PM
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