Road bike advice

[sone]

I posted a thread recently which was asking about modifying my existing bike to which I had some very helpful responses however that's where things started to go wrong! I made the mistake of going into a couple of bike shops and talking through what is available new, so now I've decide I'd like to go carbon with electronic gears.
Question is price wise where can I start, should I consider second hand and even buy on flea bay.
My riding is purely pleasure but I'd like to improve my efficiency. Any guidance on manufacturers, price and what to avoid would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Steve

[Master Bean]

£2k and upwards if buying new.

[sone]

Master Bean said:

£2k and upwards if buying new.

Evans in Leamington tell me start at £3300.00

[Usget]

sone said:

My riding is purely pleasure but I'd like to improve my efficiency.

Invest in a power meter, then buy a bike to fit it to. Best investment in efficiency you can make.

For carbon and magic robot gears, Canyon are normally a good option.

[Nezquick]

You can pick up a relatively inexpensive carbon road bike. It's the electronic shifting which will cost you the money and massively increase your budget. Is it even necessary for your needs?

As said above, look at Canyon, Ribble, Cannondale, Cube etc.

[sone]

Nezquick said:

You can pick up a relatively inexpensive carbon road bike. It's the electronic shifting which will cost you the money and massively increase your budget. Is it even necessary for your needs?

As said above, look at Canyon, Ribble, Cannondale, Cube etc.

Yes I think you are right I could live without the trick gears.
What’s opinions on this? I like this bike purely from an aesthetic point, please tell me if it a bad idea.

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Roubaix-Elite...

[Daveyraveygravey]

I would start with Evans but maybe research what you can get for say £2k and their £3.3k. The good thing about Evans is you can ride a demo bike of anything they sell; if they don't have it in the shop they can get it in from their warehouse in a few days. You will have to leave your details and book in advance, but they were the best retailer for this when I was looking. Your local independent bike shop will only sell one or two brands, and only have demo models further up the price range. If you have £3k to spend that will be fine but if you are spending half that there is no point riding a demo bike at twice the price.
The online suppliers will likely offer you the best value but it's hard to even see a real bike, never mind ride one.
Second hand can be a brilliant way to get a bargain, loads of people think they want to get back into cycling, splurge a load of cash and then find they don't like it enough or have the time to make use of their new toy. Conversely, scumbags sell stolen bikes, or ones with damaged frames which you might not spot, can you afford to right off your outlay?
I'd avoid di2; some makers will do a "value di2" bike but it will then have cheaper wheels and maybe frame too. People who have it say they would never go back ;I've never tried it and struggle to see what benefits I would get for the extra outlay. For me, there are more demanding things to spend money on.
Carbon is good but don't write off any other material, ally titanium and steel all still have a place and all can be made up into a fantastic bike.

[R1gtr]

What style of bike do you want? A relaxed position with a less aggressive geometry or a low and fast aero bike that won't be as comfortable.
2500 will get you Carbon with Ultegra and discs which would be perfect, a little bit more and you will get great wheels included.
You are looking at the right time as bikes are starting to appear in the sale as manufacturers release the 2019 models.

I would take a look at this, the pinnacle of Aluminium bikes and lighter than most Carbon bikes, I think it looks fantastic in purple.
Comes with hydraulic discs and decent wheels and Dura ace which is a fantastic groupset.

https://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/cannondale-caad1...

Edited by R1gtr on Wednesday 8th August 19:11

[BoRED S2upid]

sone said:

Yes I think you are right I could live without the trick gears.
What’s opinions on this? I like this bike purely from an aesthetic point, please tell me if it a bad idea.

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Roubaix-Elite...

That seems expensive for 105. I’d expect Ultegra (non Di2) for that kind of money.

You really don’t need electronic gears for leisure rides and a cheap carbon frame can be heavier than an expensive metal frame.

[alock]

sone said:

My riding is purely pleasure but I'd like to improve my efficiency.

From personal experience in the last few months, the best value for money will come from a proper bike fit. I recently treated myself to a precision fit at http://vankru.com (they're local for me) and it has transformed how I feel after 2+ hour rides.

[Madness60]

How about this?

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRRULTR8050DI2/pl...

Bang on £2k, and for the price, really good frame (if you want aero), latest di2, ok-ish wheels and finishing bits. Available in other colours not just black and green.

[sone]

[quote=R1gtr]What style of bike do you want? A relaxed position with a less aggressive geometry or a low and fast aero bike that won't be as comfortable.

My riding consists of steady runs over rolling hills for perhaps 1.5 to 2hrs most evenings during the week. I like to keep a reasonable pace up but I’ll never be competitive due to my age, build, weight etc but I’d like to improve my fitness and general pace.
So in answer I think I’d like something more aggressive.

Thanks everyone for input and anyone sees a second hand bike that looks the part with a 54cm frame let me know.

Cheers
Steve

[Usget]

sone]1gtr said:

Thanks everyone for input and anyone sees a second hand bike that looks the part with a 54cm frame let me know.

Cheers
Steve

All sorts of things available on Facebook for that kind of money. Some of which are genuine.

[JEA1K]

Canyon Endurance CF SL with Ultegra Di2 £2999 .... non Di2 version is £2349. Not much out there that offers better value .... I don't ride one myself but have mates who do, some of which have multiple Canyon's after converting from other brands. The non Di2 version makes the Spesh look like ste value ...

[JCDenton]

Also look at Merlin Cycles, they build their own bikes up in Lancs - I got my first one from there about 5 years ago and it's still going strong today.

I have however been tempted to get their carbon Nitra SL, which at around £1700 and comes with Ultegra groupset.
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-nitro-sl-carbo...

If you really want electric, they can do that for £2k
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-nitro-aero-ult...

JC

[yellowjack]

sone said:

Master Bean said:

£2k and upwards if buying new.

Evans in Leamington tell me start at £3300.00

I'd ignore any advice from Master Bean. Elsewhere on the forum, on the subject of safe overtaking distance when passing cyclists...

Master Bean said:

I use the phrase 20s plenty in my overtakes. That's 20cm.

...this nugget swears blind that 20 cm away is just fine when overtaking a bicycle. He's either a fantasist, or doesn't know how far 20 cm actually is.

Evans in Leamington, or Evans anywhere, for that matter, are far more likely to know the starting price for a carbon fibre bicycle equipped with electronic gears. Being, as they are, in the business of actually selling bicycles, as opposed to getting high on crack and then posting drivel on a motoring forum...

Edited by yellowjack on Friday 10th August 13:28

[Labradorofperception]

I would look to get the best frame you can for the price. you can then add the sexier bits as you go. Di2 is fine, but I don't think you gain much for the cost.

The Canyons are good value for money, and also have a decent wheelset. You'll find a lot of bikes, even up to say £2,500, can have st wheels. It's a way of getting the price down so they offer Ultegra and sell on that, but put poo wheels to make up the balance.

The new Boardman looks good - the frame is very good, and the groupset not bad.

A lot of the mainstream brands are a bit samey, and you might find you are paying for the name.,

Also, check out Tifosi and Orro - both are UK firms, albeit sourcing open mould frames from Taiwan. That's not a bad thing, the expertise to work with carbon is in Taiwan these days.

I would also look at the Ribbles and Dolans - again, open mould stuff but sell direct and you get a lot for the money.

If you do up spec the wheels - look at Hunt or a pair of Campag Zondas - brilliant kit for circa £300.

[snobetter]

Probike (I'm nothing to do with them despite plugging them twice now) are offering Ultegra R8050 Di2 groupset for £999, £1250 with discs. If that changes anything with your new bike / upgrade conundrum...

With potentially another 20% off, certainly can get 10% through code available online, the other 10% is if they let you add a recommendation code I can email as the same time.

Edited by snobetter on Friday 10th August 13:47

Edited by snobetter on Friday 10th August 13:48

[g7jhp]

I have a 2012 Specialized Roubaix Elite. Carbon, 10 speed and 105 gears. I've upgraded the wheels to Fulcrum Racing Zeros.

Comfortable ride and great for climbing hills or flatter rides.

I bought a power meter and got out and risen more to increase by power and overall speed.

Would suggest looking for Carbon and Ultegra group set.

Canyon are a great value alternative to Specialized, Trek etc

[SVS]

alock said:

From personal experience in the last few months, the best value for money will come from a proper bike fit. I recently treated myself to a precision fit at http://vankru.com (they're local for me) and it has transformed how I feel after 2+ hour rides.

+1