Which Road bike up to £1000?

Ben Cole · 30 Apr 2017 at 20:31

Want a road bike for comfortable miles. Voucher will be with Hargroves Cycles.

It'll be used around South Wales so lots of climbing.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ben Cole · 1 May 2017 at 12:06

Cannondale Synapse?
Specialized Allez Elite?

Any thoughts?

MM-Seat · 1 May 2017 at 12:39

Ben Cole said:
Cannondale Synapse?
Specialized Allez Elite?

Any thoughts?

The Cannondale is regarded as a great, comfortable bike. I'd probably be inclined to go for that assuming a decent level of componentry.

NoNameNoNumber · 1 May 2017 at 12:52

I couldn't fault my allez... It was my first road bike and 4 years later I have only just replaced it... Took me from a 20 mile charity rides to Lanzarote Ironman 70.3.

Ben Cole · 1 May 2017 at 21:45

Thank you chaps. Probably won't go wrong with either then.

Ben Cole · 1 May 2017 at 21:52

MM-Seat said:
The Cannondale is regarded as a great, comfortable bike. I'd probably be inclined to go for that assuming a decent level of componentry.

Looks like Tiagra for a grand. I'm sure it was 105 when I went through the process last year though.

MM-Seat · 1 May 2017 at 22:05

Ben Cole said:
Looks like Tiagra for a grand. I'm sure it was 105 when I went through the process last year though.

Exchange rates. Most bikes are produced overseas. I'd imagine a tiagra synapse at a grand is about right. Can always look to upgrade componentry as it wears to 105 etc. Espicially as the synapse is regarded as a top frame as is the Allez.

Ben Cole · 1 May 2017 at 23:50

MM-Seat said:
Exchange rates. Most bikes are produced overseas. I'd imagine a tiagra synapse at a grand is about right. Can always look to upgrade componentry as it wears to 105 etc. Espicially as the synapse is regarded as a top frame as is the Allez.

Bloody Brexit

budge1972 · 1 May 2017 at 23:52

Check out the Reid Falcon Elite at Winstanleys it has a full 105 groupset for less than £549
A really good spec for the ££
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/80714/Reid_Falco_Elite_Bike
For better pics check the Tredz website.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Reid-Falco-Elite-2017-Road-Bike_87057.htm

Ben Cole · 2 May 2017 at 00:31

budge1972 said:
Check out the Reid Falcon Elite at Winstanleys it has a full 105 groupset for less than £549
A really good spec for the ££
https://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/80714/Reid_Falco_Elite_Bike
For better pics check the Tredz website.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Reid-Falco-Elite-2017-Road-Bike_87057.htm

Thanks but....

Ben Cole said:
Voucher will be with Hargroves Cycles.

booyaka · 2 May 2017 at 08:16

Tiagra is fine - had it on my CAAD8 for 3 years now - never any issues.

UTmaniac · 3 May 2017 at 21:10

Can you persuade them to supplement the voucher with a bit of cash? http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/cube-attain-race-disc-2017-road-bike.html gets you proper hydraulics, rather than hybrids.

If not, I'd probably also consider http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/cube-attain-sl-2017-road-bike.html in addition to the Synapse and Allez (you might want to consider a cheaper version of the bikes with a lower spec groupset, if you want/need accessories).

SDK^ · 4 May 2017 at 09:42

Some good £1k carbon frame road bike suggestions here : http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide...ikes-under-£1000-—-high-tech-bikes-cycle-work
It's worth sacrificing spec for a decent frame then later you can upgrade to better components when then wear out.

MM-Seat · 4 May 2017 at 09:58

From what I've read, it seems that at this end of the market decent aluminium frames (Cannondale and Specialized) are better than cheap carbon. Although, I haven't ridden any carbon bikes to substantiate that claim.

SDK^ · 4 May 2017 at 11:27

If you buy a Specialized bike then you're paying a premium just for the name. At this end of the market where you're trying maximise bang for buck it seems silly paying 20% more for the words 'Specialized' down the tube. [unless the bike is reduced in a sale

]

Ben Cole · 4 May 2017 at 18:34

UTmaniac said:
Can you persuade them to supplement the voucher with a bit of cash? http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/cube-attain-race-disc-2017-road-bike.html gets you proper hydraulics, rather than hybrids.

If not, I'd probably also consider http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/bikes/road-bikes/cube-attain-sl-2017-road-bike.html in addition to the Synapse and Allez (you might want to consider a cheaper version of the bikes with a lower spec groupset, if you want/need accessories).

Thanks. I've heard they will do that so the Cube is worth considering. I'm not bothered about saving money though, I won't even notice the £400 it's going to cost me when it's spread over 12 months.

SDK^ said:
If you buy a Specialized bike then you're paying a premium just for the name. At this end of the market where you're trying maximise bang for buck it seems silly paying 20% more for the words 'Specialized' down the tube. [unless the bike is reduced in a sale ]

I'd probably feel the pinch if I was paying retail but since I'm saving 62% on the list price it's not so painful.

NoNameNoNumber · 4 May 2017 at 22:43

MM-Seat said:
From what I've read, it seems that at this end of the market decent aluminium frames (Cannondale and Specialized) are better than cheap carbon. Although, I haven't ridden any carbon bikes to substantiate that claim.

My Allez with Ultegra wheels ride infinitely nicer and climbs better than a carbon hire bike with lesser wheels did in Lanzarote.
I agree, stick with aluminium.

Ben Cole · 5 May 2017 at 19:04

Thanks mate. How much were your wheels?

NoNameNoNumber · 5 May 2017 at 19:13

IDK, maybe £300... £350. been a few years

Ben Cole · 5 May 2017 at 22:53

Hope I don't get upgradeitis too badly.