Looking for something cheap in the sales, preferably a Giant Defy or similar.

Shimano 105 or Ultegra prefered although will go down to Tiagra if the price is especially nice.

This at Wheelbase – a grand off is a pretty good deal.

Merlin are doing some own brand stuff at good prices;

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-bikes/merlin-road-bikes/

I got the Malt R for my adventure in road cycling. Full tiagra (although mine was upgraded to a 105 rear mech), good wheels and good finishing kit although I know little about road bikes.

I totally get spending more money on branded mountain bikes (full sus) as you are paying for the technology of the suspension unit etc (I have a SC Nomad) but don’t get spending more on branded road bikes, i.e a Specialised or Trek with the equivalent spec to my Merlin would be circa £700 at least!

how tall are you, I have a Lapierre Xelius 200 going cheap

Can’t go wrong with the Planet-X pro carbon ultegra for a grand

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT2/planet_x_pro_carbon_shimano_ultegra_road_bike

Sancho, I might be keen for that bike, depending on the definition of cheap. Email in profile 🙂

Anyone ridden a Sab la Rocca from Planet X? It looks a rather good value/low risk purchase, whole bike for a bit more than an ultegra groupset from merlin.

I have newest 10sp tiagra on my bike, and functionally/ergonomically it is hardly different from last version of 105. Except it has little shifter windows/indicators in the top. How quaint!

buenfoxa – Member

I totally get spending more money on branded mountain bikes (full sus) as you are paying for the technology of the suspension unit etc (I have a SC Nomad) but don’t get spending more on branded road bikes, i.e a Specialised or Trek with the equivalent spec to my Merlin would be circa £700 at least!

Is the frame comparable?

cynic-al – Member

buenfoxa – Member

I totally get spending more money on branded mountain bikes (full sus) as you are paying for the technology of the suspension unit etc (I have a SC Nomad) but don’t get spending more on branded road bikes, i.e a Specialised or Trek with the equivalent spec to my Merlin would be circa £700 at least

Is the frame comparable?

You tell me! The geometry feels no different and you;re not telling me they aren’t all made by the same factory in China!

I totally get spending more money on branded mountain bikes (full sus) as you are paying for the technology of the suspension unit etc

Which technology is that? That can full of air that squishes about a bit?

I totally get spending more money on branded mountain bikes (full sus) as you are paying for the technology of the suspension unit etc (I have a SC Nomad) but don’t get spending more on branded road bikes, i.e a Specialised or Trek with the equivalent spec to my Merlin would be circa £700 at least!

I guess if you’re willing to partake in a game of did they actually build my bike/frame correctly roulette then its not a problem.

Or if you’re willing to fully dismantle and rebuild your new rose/planetx/cheap bike when delivered then that could also make up for things. But you can’t escape the fact they do use cheap frames, and cheap odd components at times garnished with some ultegra fluff to keep their price point low whilst still running a profit.

Saw a rose bike the other day full “carbon” (no doubts it was light, but just standing on it you could make it flex like you wouldnt believe!) and ultegra yet it was already on its second frame (and warranty “rebuild” from rose) but it was in with us to be rebuilt again properly. And was using an ultegra triple (what the?!).

There is obviously a market for these bikes, but I wouldn’t really want to drop money on one 🙂

I like my Giant Defy. Good offer here…

Giant Defy 0

I got a good deal on my Giant TCR £800 instead of £1250
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/109320/products/giant-tcr-sl-2-2013-road-bike.aspx
Great reviews