Second hand Cannondale supersix or new Planet X/Ribble R872?

[Mr Pies]

I apologise for another what bike thread but I can't decide what to buy, so I'm after some advice from the cyclists on here.

My budget is £1200. I am looking for a road bike and it must be carbon.

After doing doing some research I have narrowed it down to the above 3. So which would you chose & why? I'm swinging towards the Cannondale but getting the right size second hand could be a problem, as I'm not sure what size I would need?

[IroningMan]

Planet-X for me: I've had one of their TT bikes for years and it's been great. My next bike will be one of theirs, too.

[duff]

I've just bought a supersix as a winter bike, not going to work for mudguards and 25mm tyres though, one or the other! You can get a supersix from pauls cycles for just over £1200 depending on your size. I'm sure ribble/Px are ok but would take a 'dale with lesser group set any day.

[nammynake]

Why Carbon? You'll possibly get more for your money with an Alu frame. Not all carbon frames are equal, and carbon is not better by default.

[80sMatchbox]

Mr Pies said:

I apologise for another what bike thread but I can't decide what to buy, so I'm after some advice from the cyclists on here.

My budget is £1200. I am looking for a road bike and it must be carbon.

After doing doing some research I have narrowed it down to the above 3. So which would you chose & why? I'm swinging towards the Cannondale but getting the right size second hand could be a problem, as I'm not sure what size I would need?

This was my exact thinking over a year ago.. I could almost have written this exact predicament!

I was looking for a bike at the same budget, and my preference was for an all black bike, hence my initial interest in the R872, previously known as Stealth.

I had the R872 in my basket a couple of times. When I was about the hit the button, there were warnings that there weren't x/y sizes in stock and that there would be a delay in despatch. Another thing in the back of my mind was that peoples perception of it varied. Not that I care how people think of what I ride, but what if I didn't get on with it and wanted to sell it? Would I get much back for it? (yes, I would have, I've seen such bikes being snatched up on bikerader, ebay etc}

I then drifted into looking at the Planet X bikes, as the customer service and reviews of them were all favourable.

But my brother's had a Supersix for a couple of years, and although I'd never ridden it, he was forever saying I should get one. With pre-owned ones going for the same as new Ribbles, Planet Xs, it made sense to keep an eye on ebay..

I bid on a few and stopped at my perceived value of said bikes, always to be outbid by £10..

About a year passed(I'm a careful buyer..ha ha) and I had an auction that I was watching, that was ending at 9:30 on a Saturday night..the same night that I was at a good friends wedding..

The reminder went on my phone, after 9...after having had a skinful as the festivities started at 5. I put a bid whilst having a pee, and forgot all about it..

At about 1am I looked at my phone....and realised that I had won the bikes! A black bike...having passed on many a Liquigas coloured bike. And then it dawned on me, that I would have to get to Manchester from London, to collect it..

The seller couldn't have been nicer.. He agreed to meet me half way, and gave me the bike with 105 pedals(ad said it would come with flats), spare tyres, spare pair of cleats(oh I've got plenty, he said) and the orginal receipts, and his busines card..

The last bit is if I had any problems with the frame, as they have a lifetime warranty as long as you're the original purchaser of the bike.

But here's the important bit...it's a dream ride, having ridden fixed gear or an Allez, before this, it's a big step up. I haven't ridden an R872, but after reading many, many reviews, I think that I would have been just as happy with it. All I can say is the Supersix is a great bike. I would have prefered an all black bike, like the newer Tiagra ones, I can't complain as I got mine at less than £1000...

Sorry for going on a bit...not even sure it helps!

[Disco You]

Wilier Izoard XP 105.

[Gizmoish]

You can get the Boardman Road SLR for £1272 if you're a BC member and willing to wait until their next 10% off weekend...

[FSRxc]

Obviously a little bias, but I bought a second hand Ribble frame & built that up.

Maybe it's because I built it up or maybe its the bike, but I think it's brilliant.

I've looked and tested a few new bikes, but cannot feel there would be any improvement over the Ribble.

[RicksAlfas]

Could you build one of these up within your budget?

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/frame-forks/...

[bakerstreet]

The SuperSix will be a better bike than the Planet X Pro Carbon, however, IMO, there is a lot of faff in buying a second hand bike and I think that can be worth £100 if not more, especially if you have to go and fetch it ect ect.

I thought there were some SuperSixs floating about in the sales for around £1500.You need to be quick though as the popular sizes will go quickly.

I personally don't like the look of the Ribble. I think their cheaper bikes actually look better, but thats just me

[ChrisMCoupe]

Mr Pies, have you ridden a Supersix? It's a pretty aggressive geo that may not suit you if you are new to road bikes or prefer something a bit more comfortable.

I can't comment on the Ribble/PX but I own a Super Six 105 (albeit now with SRAM Red) and love how it rides. I picked it up from Pauls Cycles around 18 months ago for only a smidgen over your budget, so don't be afraid to stretch your budget slightly to get one

I personally wouldn't like the idea of buying a second hand carbon frame.

[TheLemming]

ChrisMCoupe said:

I personally wouldn't like the idea of buying a second hand carbon frame.

The frame is the one thing I haven't had issues with on a secondhand carbon bike.... But hey, upgrade excuses....

[Dixie]

I have an Apex SuperSix. I love it. You might be able to get a new bike for your budget.

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/cannondale_road_...

It'd be a tricky decision between a lower specced Cannondale and a PX with Rival. But I'd probably go with the Cannondale again. Theres some comfort in buying from a mainstream manufacturer. Not to mention the lifetime warranty you'd get with the Cannondale. They look better too

Buying a second hand one is a bit of a risk I guess. But if it's only a year or 2 old chances are it's been sold as it's not been used. I wouldn't worry too much about it but I guess new is better for peace of mind.

[Mr Pies]

ChrisMCoupe said:

Mr Pies, have you ridden a Supersix? It's a pretty aggressive geo that may not suit you if you are new to road bikes or prefer something a bit more comfortable.

I can't comment on the Ribble/PX but I own a Super Six 105 (albeit now with SRAM Red) and love how it rides. I picked it up from Pauls Cycles around 18 months ago for only a smidgen over your budget, so don't be afraid to stretch your budget slightly to get one

I personally wouldn't like the idea of buying a second hand carbon frame.

No I haven't. I need a comfy bike though as I'm a little overweight at the moment. Maybe the supersix would not be a wise choice after all?

I've had problems buying a carbon bike before. Bought a second hand Planet X from ebay which got badly damaged in transit. I won't let that deter me though

[itsnotarace]

Cannondale Synapse probably a better bet for you than the Supersix. More relaxed geometry and upright seating position

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5236/CANNONDAL...

Giant Defy also similar to Synapse

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p4495/GIANT-DEF...