Not sure if this is the best place to post but I'm in the process of getting a road bike from Evans (cycle to work) and wanted an opinion these bikes.
http://imgur.com/LSQePf2
http://imgur.com/LSQePf2
New Road Bike
- Thread starter harryface
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They all look much of muchness to me. I'm a cyclist but by no means an expert. I think the fit would pick a bike for me. Can you get down to Evans and get a feel for them, see what feels most comfortable?
Soldato
We have a whole cycling subforum over here
105 groupset is better than tiagra, so i'd avoid the BMC.
I'd prefer disc brakes too so it would be a choice between the 2 cannondales for me (but not everyone likes/wants disc brakes)
The difference between the CAAD and the Synapse is the geometry of the frame. The CAAD is more race geometry whilst the synapse is more relaxed and comfortable. If you dont do a lot of cycling, the Synapse is probably a better choice.
105 groupset is better than tiagra, so i'd avoid the BMC.
I'd prefer disc brakes too so it would be a choice between the 2 cannondales for me (but not everyone likes/wants disc brakes)
The difference between the CAAD and the Synapse is the geometry of the frame. The CAAD is more race geometry whilst the synapse is more relaxed and comfortable. If you dont do a lot of cycling, the Synapse is probably a better choice.
Soldato
Personally, I wouldn't buy a disc brake bike but then get hybrid brakes like on those Cannondales. The stopping power on my £900 new Cube Attain GTC pro Disc 2016, bought in May, is amazing (comes with Shimano BR505 hydraulic disc brakes).
Very little between them after that. The Synapse is probably more endurance geometry, like my Cube, with a less racy position that will reduce pressure off a weak back. The Trek is a bit lighter at stock if the figures quoted are true, which will help hill climbing.
If I was in your position with a £1k voucher to spend at Evans, I would be looking at bikes such as...
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-x-2017-adventure-road-bike-EV275629 (hydraulics, huge tyre clearance allowing some moderate off-road, tubeless ready wheels... Potentially quirky bar end gear shifter and 1x10 gearing)
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-threshold-a-105-hydraulic-2017-cyclocross-bike-EV277746 (highly regarded, 2x11 gearing, 505 hydraulics)
https://www.evanscycles.com/hoy-alto-irpavi-001-2017-road-bike-EV246161 (not quite so good spec, but still hydraulics)
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-dolomite-5-2017-road-bike-EV275637
etc.
Very little between them after that. The Synapse is probably more endurance geometry, like my Cube, with a less racy position that will reduce pressure off a weak back. The Trek is a bit lighter at stock if the figures quoted are true, which will help hill climbing.
If I was in your position with a £1k voucher to spend at Evans, I would be looking at bikes such as...
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-x-2017-adventure-road-bike-EV275629 (hydraulics, huge tyre clearance allowing some moderate off-road, tubeless ready wheels... Potentially quirky bar end gear shifter and 1x10 gearing)
https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-threshold-a-105-hydraulic-2017-cyclocross-bike-EV277746 (highly regarded, 2x11 gearing, 505 hydraulics)
https://www.evanscycles.com/hoy-alto-irpavi-001-2017-road-bike-EV246161 (not quite so good spec, but still hydraulics)
https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-dolomite-5-2017-road-bike-EV275637
etc.
Soldato
Your email addy is on that pic 
Caporegime
Get the CAAD Optima because horizontal top tubes are hawt.
Soldato
I bought the synapse a couple of months ago. I wanted comfort over distance rather than speed. Based my research on the web, didn't actually ride any of them before hand. Whatever I bought was going to be far better than the 20 year old triathlon bike I borrowed off my brother which I'd been using.
When deciding it came down to the Cannondale or the Specialized Alleez Elite. Figured either would be fine but went with the Synapse (Mine has Tiagra groupset)
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/which-road-bike-up-to-1000.18778235/#post-30763135
When deciding it came down to the Cannondale or the Specialized Alleez Elite. Figured either would be fine but went with the Synapse (Mine has Tiagra groupset)
https://forums.overclockers.co.uk/threads/which-road-bike-up-to-1000.18778235/#post-30763135
Soldato
What do you currently ride? How far is your commute, and what sort of road surfaces are you facing? What do you plan to use the bike for outside of the commute?
Also, what's your budget? I thought most cycle schemes had a £1000 limit, although you can sometimes top that up yourself. But it can sometimes be a good idea to save a little on a bike if it leaves you more money to pick up some nice clothing/accessories/shoes/pedals later on as you feel the need for them.
The first three of these are pretty aggressive race bikes that will have you in a more forward leaning position, which unless you're already used to riding a road bike and are particularly flexible will probably get uncomfortable if you're spending any real time in the saddle. The Synapse is more of an endurance bike, which is really what I'd recommend if this is a first road bike, but there are plenty of other options to consider.
I'd also decide whether you want disc brakes - they can be good for commuting in the UK as they give you more consistent braking performance in wet weather, but they can be a bit more involved to maintain.
Have a look at some of the bikes under these search terms;
https://www.evanscycles.com/bikes/r.../road_endurance-discipline?sort=price_inc_vat
Also, what's your budget? I thought most cycle schemes had a £1000 limit, although you can sometimes top that up yourself. But it can sometimes be a good idea to save a little on a bike if it leaves you more money to pick up some nice clothing/accessories/shoes/pedals later on as you feel the need for them.
The first three of these are pretty aggressive race bikes that will have you in a more forward leaning position, which unless you're already used to riding a road bike and are particularly flexible will probably get uncomfortable if you're spending any real time in the saddle. The Synapse is more of an endurance bike, which is really what I'd recommend if this is a first road bike, but there are plenty of other options to consider.
I'd also decide whether you want disc brakes - they can be good for commuting in the UK as they give you more consistent braking performance in wet weather, but they can be a bit more involved to maintain.
Have a look at some of the bikes under these search terms;
https://www.evanscycles.com/bikes/r.../road_endurance-discipline?sort=price_inc_vat
thanks for all your help guys.
So I already have Evans ordering the BMC for a test ride, but tbh i'm being more put off by it day by day.
I've also got them to order me a Pinnacle Dolomite 5 which looks like its more what I am looking for. The 105 groupset looks good and the additional clearance on the wheels I think would suit my needs more.
Anyone have anything to say about pinnacle? good brand ?
Cheers
So I already have Evans ordering the BMC for a test ride, but tbh i'm being more put off by it day by day.
I've also got them to order me a Pinnacle Dolomite 5 which looks like its more what I am looking for. The 105 groupset looks good and the additional clearance on the wheels I think would suit my needs more.
Anyone have anything to say about pinnacle? good brand ?
Cheers
I have an arkose 4 and it's been chucked off a car at 70mph without issue aswell as raced cx and day to day commuting and winter activities with no fuss. Not the lightest or comfiest but it's been a fabulous workhorse.
I would avoid the arkose x as it has a bar end shifter.
My girlfriend has the threshold a and altho not especially light its been good for her so far for off and on road riding. I would recommend it for all round capabilities and a great spec. Either that or plump for the arkose if you can put in some cash. The new design fits up to 40mm I believe and my mate is really enjoying his.
I would avoid the arkose x as it has a bar end shifter.
My girlfriend has the threshold a and altho not especially light its been good for her so far for off and on road riding. I would recommend it for all round capabilities and a great spec. Either that or plump for the arkose if you can put in some cash. The new design fits up to 40mm I believe and my mate is really enjoying his.
Soldato
Pinnacle are pretty good, apparently their frame designer is a bit of a whizz in the business. Came from Genesis I believe. In some ways I prefer the spec of the Dolomite 4 though. 10 speeds is easily enough, Tiagra is very comparable to 105 and the actual Shimano crankset/hollowtech bottom bracket is probably a big plus. I've not heard great things of that FSA setup on the Dolomite 5.