Focus Cayo

[craigb84]

Ive been up to my lbs this afternoon and checking out a number of different racers and put a deposit down on a Focus Cayo 3.0. The deposit is to get the bike in stock and for me to try it out next week....no obligation to purchase or anything. I was on a Cayo 1.0 but figured that I wouldn't notice the £200 price difference just for the group set.

Others I looked at were the spesh Roubaix (didn't like it) and Giant TCR Composite (loved it but just too aggressive, in fact my lower back was hurting just in the shop).

The consensus in the shop was that I need something less aggressive that I could adapt over time by swapping round the stem and such. For the money is there anything else I should be looking at? I know ribble and planet x will come up but I've been put off somewhat.

[Jimbo.]

Not really: if it fits, then job...jobbed!

[Gizmoish]

I'd take a look at a Cannondale CAAD10 (disclaimer: I have a CAAD8), or one of the Cube models... But Theres nothing wrong with the Focus I don't think.

[craigb84]

Yeah it is on the list actually. I'm hoping to try one on Friday. I think I'd feel more comfortable with the Cannondale name / history. That frame is being touted as one of the best Alu frames going. I just don't want it to be too harsh...although I'm sure I could remedy that.

[Jimbo.]

craigb84 said:

Yeah it is on the list actually. I'm hoping to try one on Friday. I think I'd feel more comfortable with the Cannondale name / history. That frame is being touted as one of the best Alu frames going. I just don't want it to be too harsh...although I'm sure I could remedy that.

If the CAAD10 is half as good as the 9, it'll be ace. However, comfortable/relaxed it is not: it has rather aggressive geometry and riding position (arse up, head down) and is stiff with it. Fast and light though. I adore mine.

[ChrisMCoupe]

As Jimbo says, the CAAD 10 is very much a racing geometry which sounds like your back might complain about I have a Supersix which is the same geometry and love it, but I can see how it wouldn't suit all riders.

Definitely try a cube, I tried one and liked it a lot, also very good VFM.

Out of interest, what didn't you like about the Specialzed?

[craigb84]

It just didn't look right to me. There was something about the angled / curved top tube that didn't sit right with me. Plus for the money I'd be back to Tiagra which I'm already on so I might as well just swap the frame out instead.

I've compared the geometry of the Cube Agree GTC Pro with that of the Focus and they're largely similar. The Cube looks better has much better components and is only marginally dearer. Will check one out today. They get excellent reviews.

The guy did say that the Focus' finishing kit lets it down a bit.

[craigb84]

Well it's done. I went up to Leisurelakes and came away with a Specialized Tarmac. It felt silky smooth on the test ride. I love a good impulse buy.

[Gizmoish]

Fair dos. At that sort of budget I suspect there's no such thing as a really bad bike.

[Jimbo.]

craigb84 said:

It just didn't look right to me. There was something about the angled / curved top tube that didn't sit right with me. Plus for the money I'd be back to Tiagra which I'm already on so I might as well just swap the frame out instead.

I've compared the geometry of the Cube Agree GTC Pro with that of the Focus and they're largely similar. The Cube looks better has much better components and is only marginally dearer. Will check one out today. They get excellent reviews.

The guy did say that the Focus' finishing kit lets it down a bit.

"Finishing kit" usually means seat posts, stems, saddles, seat clamps, bar tape etc, and is nigh-on bottom of the "what to look for" list when buying a bike.