Road bike wanted, £3,000 budget
Discussion
Simply... i'm after a road bike, budget of £3,000 due to justification reasons (and C2W limits).
Current cycling is 30miles twice a week along country lanes, with the odd longer charity ride once / twice a year, but nothing really more than that.
I currently have an alu Cube I bought blind locally to give road cycling a go, and thats the only road bike I have any experience of riding. Therefore, I would prefer to sit on something prior to buying rather than buying blind.
At the moment i'm having trouble seeing past the 2022 Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc 2 for £2,999. Okay it comes with 105, but I see those as the bits that will wear out. Other from that it’s a good level carbon frame and fork with Giants own carbon rims (albeit the SLR2s rather than the slightly lighter SLR1s of the 2021 model (which was £3,499)). The step up to the Ultegra kitted version is £4,199, which is more than I fancy spending.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/tcr-advanced-pro...
Other than that, there's the Cannondale SystemSix, again with 105
https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/road/race/s...
The problem of course is trying bikes out locally - I've tried the Giant and liked it, but there isn't much more locally in my size at the moment (5'10 - 5'11, so thinking a 56 probably). I've tried an Orro Venturi, but felt it might be a bit too aggresive for my needs - the endurance focussed Gold was only in stock in S or XL.
The Scott Addict RC range starts at £3,600, which is a bit much, whereas the standard Addict range is more endurance based. I've got to go and look at the available Trek bikes (although the Emonda at £2,700 is a lardy 9.2kg), other than that, I'm then looking at 30 miles away to see anything else.
There are obviously the likes of Ribble etc, but they obviously come with the issue that I can’t try them beforehand. I don't mind waiting until April or so - but I would like something this side of summer!
I’ve looked at second hand, and haven’t seen anything that would tempt me, and even if I did, after C2W is taken into account it’d cost me the same for a second hand 2019 bike as it would a new one under C2W.
Any suggestions would be more than welcome!
Current cycling is 30miles twice a week along country lanes, with the odd longer charity ride once / twice a year, but nothing really more than that.
I currently have an alu Cube I bought blind locally to give road cycling a go, and thats the only road bike I have any experience of riding. Therefore, I would prefer to sit on something prior to buying rather than buying blind.
At the moment i'm having trouble seeing past the 2022 Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc 2 for £2,999. Okay it comes with 105, but I see those as the bits that will wear out. Other from that it’s a good level carbon frame and fork with Giants own carbon rims (albeit the SLR2s rather than the slightly lighter SLR1s of the 2021 model (which was £3,499)). The step up to the Ultegra kitted version is £4,199, which is more than I fancy spending.
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/tcr-advanced-pro...
Other than that, there's the Cannondale SystemSix, again with 105
https://www.cannondale.com/en-gb/bikes/road/race/s...
The problem of course is trying bikes out locally - I've tried the Giant and liked it, but there isn't much more locally in my size at the moment (5'10 - 5'11, so thinking a 56 probably). I've tried an Orro Venturi, but felt it might be a bit too aggresive for my needs - the endurance focussed Gold was only in stock in S or XL.
The Scott Addict RC range starts at £3,600, which is a bit much, whereas the standard Addict range is more endurance based. I've got to go and look at the available Trek bikes (although the Emonda at £2,700 is a lardy 9.2kg), other than that, I'm then looking at 30 miles away to see anything else.
There are obviously the likes of Ribble etc, but they obviously come with the issue that I can’t try them beforehand. I don't mind waiting until April or so - but I would like something this side of summer!
I’ve looked at second hand, and haven’t seen anything that would tempt me, and even if I did, after C2W is taken into account it’d cost me the same for a second hand 2019 bike as it would a new one under C2W.
Any suggestions would be more than welcome!
What are you longer term plans for cycling? Are you looking to stay with the 30 miles / couple of times per week or are you looking to increase mileage and how regularly you ride?
If you are not looking to increase maybe you'd want to look at a different type of bike rather than the "race" style bikes you are looking at.
I ride 80 - 100 miles a week on a full suss MTB, but I have a gravel bike for longer distances. I had a full carbon road bike with carbon aero wheels which was far too stiff....a lovely bike, but a real bone shaker.
I've ridden over 100 miles in one ride on the gravel bike and whilst it's not quite as fast as a full on race bike I was far more comfortable. It also handles poor road surfaces a lot better and hucking off curbs (kerbs???) and bunny hops on it don't feel like they are going to break anything.
Rambling post...not helping
Sorry. Carry on.
If you are not looking to increase maybe you'd want to look at a different type of bike rather than the "race" style bikes you are looking at.
I ride 80 - 100 miles a week on a full suss MTB, but I have a gravel bike for longer distances. I had a full carbon road bike with carbon aero wheels which was far too stiff....a lovely bike, but a real bone shaker.
I've ridden over 100 miles in one ride on the gravel bike and whilst it's not quite as fast as a full on race bike I was far more comfortable. It also handles poor road surfaces a lot better and hucking off curbs (kerbs???) and bunny hops on it don't feel like they are going to break anything.
Rambling post...not helping
Sorry. Carry on.
You can't really go wrong with a TCR
I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
I bought my Giant Propel in 2015, and for me being able to test ride bikes was critical. It has mechanical Ultegra, which is lovely, but I would be happy with 105 these days; as you rightly point out, some of the drivetrain is consumable, so why go for pricier bits?
If it's your only bike, I would recommend one that can take mudguards in the winter. They definitely keep you drier, and keep a lot of the cack off your bike. My Propel can't fit mudguards on it, and it is a nightmare to clean after a wet ride, and the tight tolerances mean little bits of s
te get in places they shouldn't and don't come out. I've gone back to riding my old 90s Specialised when its wet, it's harder, less comfortable and less fun, but I can abandon it in the garage for days after a wet ride and not worry about it.
You can't go wrong with either the TCR or SuperSix. I tried a SuperSix at the same time as the Propel, and although it was great, it wasn't as great as the Propel.
If I had £3k to spend, I'd be looking at a titanium bike, but you are going to struggle to get a complete bike for that, and a test ride on the obvious one from Ribble might hard to arrange. Enigma do let folk try them, but they start at £3500 I think.
If it's your only bike, I would recommend one that can take mudguards in the winter. They definitely keep you drier, and keep a lot of the cack off your bike. My Propel can't fit mudguards on it, and it is a nightmare to clean after a wet ride, and the tight tolerances mean little bits of s
te get in places they shouldn't and don't come out. I've gone back to riding my old 90s Specialised when its wet, it's harder, less comfortable and less fun, but I can abandon it in the garage for days after a wet ride and not worry about it.You can't go wrong with either the TCR or SuperSix. I tried a SuperSix at the same time as the Propel, and although it was great, it wasn't as great as the Propel.
If I had £3k to spend, I'd be looking at a titanium bike, but you are going to struggle to get a complete bike for that, and a test ride on the obvious one from Ribble might hard to arrange. Enigma do let folk try them, but they start at £3500 I think.
Carbon frame with Ultegra, 1k under budget? Only in 58 though
https://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-giulia-evo-ulte...
https://www.merlincycles.com/sensa-giulia-evo-ulte...
Threeracers said:
My brother was faced with the same budget in December and ended up with a very nice Orbea which has ultegra bits.
A LBS is a stockist, but has nothing in, which is a shame as the M30/20 do look good, which puts me in the buying blind sector again. I particularly like the MyO options as i'm not someone who changes things regularly, so like the idea of it being painted to my preferences.Scoobyshue said:
What are you longer term plans for cycling? Are you looking to stay with the 30 miles / couple of times per week or are you looking to increase mileage and how regularly you ride?
If you are not looking to increase maybe you'd want to look at a different type of bike rather than the "race" style bikes you are looking at.
I ride 80 - 100 miles a week on a full suss MTB, but I have a gravel bike for longer distances. I had a full carbon road bike with carbon aero wheels which was far too stiff....a lovely bike, but a real bone shaker.
I've ridden over 100 miles in one ride on the gravel bike and whilst it's not quite as fast as a full on race bike I was far more comfortable. It also handles poor road surfaces a lot better and hucking off curbs (kerbs???) and bunny hops on it don't feel like they are going to break anything.
Rambling post...not helping
Sorry. Carry on.
Nah, all good stuff! I'd love to increase it, but with 3 young kids it's not realistically going to happen for a good few years. One ride a week is solo and the other with a few mates, so i'd like to keep up with them.If you are not looking to increase maybe you'd want to look at a different type of bike rather than the "race" style bikes you are looking at.
I ride 80 - 100 miles a week on a full suss MTB, but I have a gravel bike for longer distances. I had a full carbon road bike with carbon aero wheels which was far too stiff....a lovely bike, but a real bone shaker.
I've ridden over 100 miles in one ride on the gravel bike and whilst it's not quite as fast as a full on race bike I was far more comfortable. It also handles poor road surfaces a lot better and hucking off curbs (kerbs???) and bunny hops on it don't feel like they are going to break anything.
Rambling post...not helping
Sorry. Carry on.
Master Bean said:
The Giant has hookless wheels which means tubeless only tyres. It would put some people off being forced to use them rather than have the option of using a regular clincher and inner tube setup.
Friend has the 2018 version of the bike and has never had an issue, but appreciate this is a regular comment on them. Must admit i'm pretty green to it, so no idea how much of a headache it is in reality.McAndy said:
Yep, can get the appeal of that! None in stock seemingly anywhere, and actually can't find it on the Halfords website otherwise i'd happily have a look at one.flight147z said:
You can't really go wrong with a TCR
I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
Just looking at the Canyon website, they actually have their CF SL7 etap for £3,300 and non-SL edition for £3,000, both in stock at the moment. Colours are a bit drab, but rather get the right base spec bike and sort out the colour later.I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
flight147z said:
You can't really go wrong with a TCR
I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
This is basically me. Bought my Canyon Ultimate in 2019 with Ultegra Di2 for £3k exactly. Same bike is now £3,800 I think, exact same components, which shows the effect shortages and Brexit have had on bike prices. I reckon you’d do well to get much more than 105 in the £3k budget these days on a decent frame and like you say, except for the Di2 versions the difference is not great.I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
Love my Ultimate, and in terms of sizing up remotely, I used their size guides and when I turned out to be on the cusp of L/XL the advice I was given (by them and from general research) was to round down to L. Can always try a few bikes for size in a bike shop and note the measurements for comparison with an online retailer.
Also, I have heard only good things about the TCR in recent years.
JagYouAre said:
This is basically me. Bought my Canyon Ultimate in 2019 with Ultegra Di2 for £3k exactly. Same bike is now £3,800 I think, exact same components, which shows the effect shortages and Brexit have had on bike prices. I reckon you’d do well to get much more than 105 in the £3k budget these days on a decent frame and like you say, except for the Di2 versions the difference is not great.
Love my Ultimate, and in terms of sizing up remotely, I used their size guides and when I turned out to be on the cusp of L/XL the advice I was given (by them and from general research) was to round down to L. Can always try a few bikes for size in a bike shop and note the measurements for comparison with an online retailer.
Also, I have heard only good things about the TCR in recent years.
My Ultimate with 105 was only £1,259 in September 2017!Love my Ultimate, and in terms of sizing up remotely, I used their size guides and when I turned out to be on the cusp of L/XL the advice I was given (by them and from general research) was to round down to L. Can always try a few bikes for size in a bike shop and note the measurements for comparison with an online retailer.
Also, I have heard only good things about the TCR in recent years.
JagYouAre said:
flight147z said:
You can't really go wrong with a TCR
I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
This is basically me. Bought my Canyon Ultimate in 2019 with Ultegra Di2 for £3k exactly. Same bike is now £3,800 I think, exact same components, which shows the effect shortages and Brexit have had on bike prices. I reckon you’d do well to get much more than 105 in the £3k budget these days on a decent frame and like you say, except for the Di2 versions the difference is not great.I'd say the main reason anyone should consider Ultegra over 105 is to get electronic shifting. Ultegra mechanical is pretty much identical to 105, just a little lighter
I bought my second bike from Canyon without ever sitting on it, worked out fine for me so I wouldn't rule out buying a bike remotely personally. Only issue with Canyon is that they have had almost no stock of anything for the past 2 years
Love my Ultimate, and in terms of sizing up remotely, I used their size guides and when I turned out to be on the cusp of L/XL the advice I was given (by them and from general research) was to round down to L. Can always try a few bikes for size in a bike shop and note the measurements for comparison with an online retailer.
Also, I have heard only good things about the TCR in recent years.
Expensive mistake in hindsight!
I know you said you considered secondhand but have you looked on eBay? I realise it needs a degree of care but there seem to be dozens of 56cm carbon bikes at well below your budget.
Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
FishAndChips said:
I purchased an Endurace last spring from Canyon, it arrived and was too big, but no hassle return free of charge and ordered a size down which is perfect. So don't be put off buying blind and getting it wrong.
That's worth knowing, thank you. Shame they've barely got any Ultimate spec bikes, but i'll keep an eye out.tertius said:
I know you said you considered secondhand but have you looked on eBay? I realise it needs a degree of care but there seem to be dozens of 56cm carbon bikes at well below your budget.
Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
I've had a look locally and there isn't a whole lot out there. Plus when taking into account C2W the 2nd hand budget would be c. £2k. I'm on a couple of FB groups also, so do keep an eye out. Your own seems a bit of a bargain though!Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
Miocene said:
FishAndChips said:
I purchased an Endurace last spring from Canyon, it arrived and was too big, but no hassle return free of charge and ordered a size down which is perfect. So don't be put off buying blind and getting it wrong.
That's worth knowing, thank you. Shame they've barely got any Ultimate spec bikes, but i'll keep an eye out.tertius said:
I know you said you considered secondhand but have you looked on eBay? I realise it needs a degree of care but there seem to be dozens of 56cm carbon bikes at well below your budget.
Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
I've had a look locally and there isn't a whole lot out there. Plus when taking into account C2W the 2nd hand budget would be c. £2k. I'm on a couple of FB groups also, so do keep an eye out. Your own seems a bit of a bargain though!Indeed I just recently bought a Storck Fenomalist, full Ultegra 6800; Hope/DT Swiss wheels; carbon bars and seatpost for £700. When it was new that was probably a £5k+ bike.
Now it’s clearly a much older frame than you were looking at but it’s still about 50 times more capable as a bike than I am as a rider.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224799808266?hash=item3...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115203171216?hash=item1...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373893345929?hash=item5...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313849687660?hash=item4...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/275120596700?hash=item4...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144382633937?hash=item2...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/294762248175?hash=item4...
That's just a few from a long list ...
I've not long had a new TCR myself, a 2021 Advanced 2 Disc with 105. Done around a 1200 miles on it since November through all weather and conditions and can't fault it. The frame is light enough (wheels aren't though but it's not the pro disc) and is comfortable yet stiff. The wide rims mean the 25MM tyres come up closer to 30MM and set up tubeless as standard which is nice for winter riding - can use lower pressures and if I get a puncture they usually seal up which means I'm not trying to change a tube when it's freezing out.
The one thing that always put me off Giants was the paint schemes they put on bikes, but they seem to have sorted that out over the last two years and they now also look as good as they ride. Would definitely recommended a TCR.
Miocene said:
I've had a look locally and there isn't a whole lot out there. Plus when taking into account C2W the 2nd hand budget would be c. £2k. I'm on a couple of FB groups also, so do keep an eye out. Your own seems a bit of a bargain though!
Canyon have the Endurance with SRAM Etap AXS 12 speed Rival (equivalent of 105?) for just under £3000.https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road-bikes/endurance-...
I bought an Ultimate in 2019 from Canyon and it has been fantastic - nothing else came close spec wise for the price. If you ny a Canyon I would recommend checking the torque settings on everything as some parts on my bike were loose when it arrived.
Another vote for Canyon from me. Best value for money by a mile.
I bought an Endurance CF at the beginning of lockdown 1 and it's been absolutely brilliant, and I do a similar level of riding to you. I was a little worried about getting the sizing right due to not being able to sit on one, but it was spot on - just make sure you do the measurements right before choosing your size. They do have some stock in of bikes around your budget at the moment when I looked the other day, so I'd give them a try if I were you.
I bought an Endurance CF at the beginning of lockdown 1 and it's been absolutely brilliant, and I do a similar level of riding to you. I was a little worried about getting the sizing right due to not being able to sit on one, but it was spot on - just make sure you do the measurements right before choosing your size. They do have some stock in of bikes around your budget at the moment when I looked the other day, so I'd give them a try if I were you.
I came very close to buying a TCR last year (coming from an old aluminium allez) but at the last minute tried a Defy and decided I preferred the slightly more relaxed geo, found an Advanced 1 model in the right size in green and went for it. Over 1,000 miles later I love it, its also tubeless but not had any issues. Not only is it comfortable, it is also much quicker than the old Allez. I had been comsidering a Canyon beforehamd but my c2w scheme didn't work with them.
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