Killed my road bike last week, so time I bought a new one. Always been a hotch-potch of 2nd hand stuff in the past, but this time going to buy new!
Want to keep it under £1000, seeing as its only for commuting duties. Prefer it to be a local shop too, so have been looking at a [url= http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?category=Bikes&product=Via%20Nirone%20Veloce%202010 ]Bianchi Nirone[/url].
Any great deals been spotted? Or should I go buy the Bianchi?
Have a look at Planet-X - full carbon and decent SRAM groupset at the moment for £1000.
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPSP/sl-pro-carbon-sport
You just won't get better VFM than Planet X, I think the Bianchi you have linked to is the same as clubber of this forum has, if so it's no lightweight.
Get over to [url= http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ ]Ribble[/url] to see what they've got. I know some people have problems with their customer service, but I haven't had any problems and will buy from them in the future.
Put this on classifieds for a colleague on Friday. Still available if it's any good for you.
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/wallis-road-bike-57-cm-very-good-condition
Thanks for the info. Planet X are only mail order aren't they? Bit concerned about the sizing...
Ribble don't have shops down here in the sarth unfortunately.
I've got Evans, Cycle World, Hargroves, Cycle Surgery. But a decent bargain would be worth mail order risk I reckon.
Thanks for the info. Planet X are only mail order aren't they? Bit concerned about the sizing...
Mail order and shop but it's way up North, their sizing guide is pretty accurate, just compare the TT and seat tube length with your existing frame.
Studying that classifieds ad 🙂
Nice bike that wallis
Ribble don't have shops down here in the sarth unfortunately.
Don't have any in Madrid either even more sarther, why would that stop you buying? Get yourself measured up correctly, get the correct size frame and make the smaller adjustments at home.
Might have to sell my Bianchi 928. Mail me for more details...
Geofrey Butlers in Croydon have some planet x in stock - they also stock Bianchi (very good bike shop!), might be worth a ring. Personaly I have bought bikes from Ribble mail order no problems whatsoever, you already have a road bike so will know what size fits you so should be easy enough
That Planet X in Tonyg2003's link - looks almost like a MTB with that much post showing - I guess this is a "compact" road frame... what's the advantage of that then?
Kona Honky Tonk
smaller stiffer lighter frame and with more post (esp if carbon) flexing hence a more comfortable ride. The majority of new road bikes are compact to some degree.looks almost like a MTB with that much post showing - I guess this is a "compact" road frame... what's the advantage of that then?
I guess this is a "compact" road frame... what's the advantage of that then?
Cheaper manufacturing as they can get away with making less sizes.
Unless you already know the frame size you really need, avoid mail order and go and try a few locally.
I've got one for sale, have a look on the MA forum classifieds, just in case it may be of interest. No probs if not what you're looking for.
Pete
Cheers Pete, will take a look
Here's a couple from my LBS that might be worth a look. Only about 40mins drive from you.
[url= http://www.behindthebikeshed.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_52_69&products_id=992 ]Cube Attempt?[/url]
Slightly over budget [url= http://www.behindthebikeshed.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=197_4_54&products_id=140 ]Specialized Roubaix[/url]
Planet X are only mail order aren't they? Bit concerned about the sizing...
[url= http://www.bike-science.com/planet-x-and-on-one-demo-centres-c-305_313.html ]You can try them in bristol or derby[/url]
If you want a commuter then I don't see the advantage of a carbon frame, especially if it doesn't have eyes for mounting decent full length guards. I would be looking at a nicely built steel frame with eyes and a decent set of "proper" wheels rather than a factory built set like Mavics, etc.
I think the top three in the roadie mags [sub 1k] were Cannodale CAAD 9 or 10 cant recall which , planet x and the Boardman.
Most reviewers seemed to prefer the cannondale for frame but the other two have better spec iirc
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_502001_langId_-1_categoryId_165710#dtab
Boardman is tempting, slightly over budget so I can rule out a trip to Halfords 😉
Here's a couple of ideas I've been looking at in addition to recommendations -
Building up on e of these
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/78/kuk_tp/kinesis-decade-tripster-frame.html
Loving the idea of discs on the commuter
Or knocking CS down to a grand on this -
http://www.cyclesurgery.com/wilier-mortirolo-mirage-2010/carbon/bikes-components-bikewear/fcp-product/429
any opinions?
Mister P: Carbon mainly because I like the idea of the comfort and lightness. (As for factory Mavics, I have them on both MTBs and my current road bike and can't fault them!)
Carbon mainly because I like the idea of the comfort and lightness.
A 1K bike, ie SUB 1K Carbon frame will be neither light or comfortabe!
lightness
haha. several of my mates have £1000-£1200 carbon roadies and are always upset that my £500 alu bike is lighter.
the carbon ones are noticably stiffer putting the power down. i would assume they take out vibrations better but only given them car park tests.
i'd be looking for guards on a commuter.
My planet x carbon is alot lighter and smoother than my old aluminium road bike.
Then again, a nice alum frame like a CAAD 9 would be just as good or better.
I'd go for a planet x though if there £1000 at the moment
DezB I'd just get best VFM. You don't seem too bothered about wonderful performance, so I wouldn't beat yourself up worrying about it. And really the 1K market is all about VFM. All the tests for these bikes are at best an aid to help someone stop scratching their chin.
Would any of the bikes perform better over a club 25, a crit or a Sportive?
Two of the guys out on Sunday were on sub 1K Fujis from Evans, and ripping my legs off whilst on my PX.
I'd be interested in seeing if a Condor Fratello comes in built at 1K
I thought this was VFM, so I ordered it.
£2500 reduced to £1100 with my CRC voucher.
Not bad for carbon frame, Ultegra spec (bit of Dura Ace), Ksyrium wheels etc. methinks.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33009
cheers for the helpful responses folks.
Good find. Looks lovely and got a great spec for the money. Frame can't be that shoddy if it was £2.5K rrp.
i've this for sale:
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/fs-lemond-reno-triple-full-bike-57cm
Can be a bit flexible on price if it helps 🙂
stuartgoss@hotmail[b]DOT[/b]com
Thanks Stugus, but just ordered something
opps! didn't read that through.
looks like a winner, like the branding too.
🙂