About to pull the trigger need advise from PH massive

[paulmon]

I've been running around on my Boardman Team R since March this year and have racked up over 1200 miles. I've now decided to bite the bullet and buy a proper road bike. In true PH fashion I set myself a budget and then after talking to a friend it was immediatley blown out of the water. My initial budget was the magic £1K and I'd decided on either a 2012 Boardman Team (or carbon from the bay) or a 2013 Giant Defy 1.

A good friend of mine suggested that if I could stretch my budget the Colnago CLX 3.0 105 represents a good deal. The problem is by extending my budget another £600+ it opens up a whole host of other options, any advise suggestions would be welcome.

Cheers
P

[burriana]

Aaah, the slippery (expensive) slope of getting carried away with shiny bike bits

The thing you have to ask yourself is - are you good enough or riding at a high enough level to justify saving a few grams here and there?

I ride with a bunch of guys who are pretty fit and cover the ground fairly quickly, but hardly any of them race. Their bikes have wheels costing twice my whole bike, yet I still ride the same rides with them and get the same enjoyment. Yes, I'd love a new set of carbon rims but I have neither the funds or the ability to justify it.

There are a hell of a lot of good bikes out there for sub-£1k.

[burriana]

I have had a look at the Team R - why do you say it is not a "proper" road bike?

One idea may be to upgrade your wheels. That is the first improvement I will do to my Bianchi when funds allow. Always look to improve areas of rolling mass first and one far more knowledgeable bike mechanic than me said: Spend your first upgrade budget on better wheels, spend your second upgrade budget on even better wheels!

[GBDG]

That Colnago looks stunning. If I was in the market for one, then it would be very high up my list.

[GTO-3R]

My LBS has a few Cube Agree GTC's in that he is selling off cheap to make way for 2013 bikes. He has a GTC in for 1k which is full carbon and 105 gear set. Not many sizes left but might have yours in.

Website is www.freeridecycles.com

[insurance_jon]

I got one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f4-ultegra-2012/ from evans for 1620 , using the evans price match deal (against wiggle along with the 10% off 2012 bikes at wiggle voucher from pizza express. they chucked in 0% too

[paulmon]

insurance_jon said:

I got one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f4-ultegra-2012/ from evans for 1620 , using the evans price match deal (against wiggle along with the 10% off 2012 bikes at wiggle voucher from pizza express. they chucked in 0% too

That looks like a good deal. I could do with one of those pizza express vouchers myself.

P

[Justin S]

I would say a Cube, as really pleased with mine, but helping a mate spanner check and get 20 Felts ready for a triathlon this weekend, must say they look very nice indeed.Did check over a couple of Colnagos as well and being an ex owner of one, but still prefer the Cube or Felt.

[anonymous-user]

burriana said:

I have had a look at the Team R - why do you say it is not a "proper" road bike?

It's a great bike.

The OP might be nowhere near the limits of the Boardman Team but 99% of bike purchases are about getting something new and shiny not about actual marginal performance gains.

The Boardman team would be a great winter training bike if you can afford to keep it.

[IntegraTypeR]

I've just picked up a Scott CR1 team reduced from £1899 to £1299

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/scott-cr1-team.h...

It's my first road bike and I'm blown away by how much fun it is I cycle ~60 miles per week during my work commute so this is my weekend toy. Can't wait to get back out on it again - it's awesome!

[paulmon]

el stovey said:

It's a great bike.

The OP might be nowhere near the limits of the Boardman Team but 99% of bike purchases are about getting something new and shiny not about actual marginal performance gains.

The Boardman team would be a great winter training bike if you can afford to keep it.

I intend to keep the boardman for winter and the odd trail (this is the one I have http://www.boardmanbikes.com/mtb/ht_teamr.html not the roady). The problem I have is when I am out with friends who have road bikes on long rides I struggle to maintain a high pace (avg 18mph+) and often fall behind particularly on fast sections where I find I'm spinning in my highest gear and still struggling to keep up.

[burriana]

Ah, all becomes clear

[paulmon]

insurance_jon said:

I got one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f4-ultegra-2012/ from evans for 1620 , using the evans price match deal (against wiggle along with the 10% off 2012 bikes at wiggle voucher from pizza express. they chucked in 0% too

This is becoming a more compelling option as wiggle are now doing this for £1499 before the 10%. I'd be interested in your feedback on the bike because there is very little on the web.

Cheers
Paul

[mcelliott]

I've just bought a lovely Felt F75, 105 equipped from Wiggle, and by using my Pizza Express voucher, coupled with their sale, the bike came in at about £800. This gives me plenty left over to upgrade the wheels if I feel the need. The bike's an absolute dream to ride.