I’m definitely buying a road bike in the next couple of weeks, have looked at all sorts but this is the short list:

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

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giant-tcr-1-compact-2012/

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/streetracer-sr01-tiagra-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031069

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75442

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=67805.

Bike is for fitness rides, commuting and hopefully a sportive next year. I had a road bike previously so I have a knowledge for fit and TT length. Been to the local shops but nothing that catches the eye and Certainally no deals on the go.. : (

So if it was your cash, what would you do? I really can’t decide and I’m just going round in circles…

Thanks.

Got an email from Dolan yesterday – special offer on 50 bikes. Looks in your price range

http://www.dolan-bikes.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=158_239&product_id=407

Very nice Stox, thanks.. Although those tyres appear to be white… Phone call required to change them me thinks..

The giant without a shadow of a doubt. Surely?!?!

Yeah give them a call. Very helpful lads. I’m sure thy could colour the tyres in with a black marker 😀

Or black electrical tape.. Would make it loads of fun.. Yeah I’m very drawn to the Giant Dave. Just looked at to much now I think..

If you are 5’8″, then the Giant, since it’s a Small. Next, the BMC.

I think, however that a Giant Defy is a better choice for the riding you are suggesting.

5’8″ on a small? woah boy!

5ft 8… Ah the stuff of dreams for me. I’m 5ft 6… And that’s being generous. Had a Giant road bike a few years back in a small and it felt fine.. Just looks daft, looked like if nicked my little brothers bike.

In that case order it now. It’s a bargain.

And I’m 5’10.5″ and ride a TCR medium and it’s perfect sized. So I would have thought 5’8″ or less was Small. But I didn’t check. There is also an XS and then you can go down to “woman-sized” as I do for my son.

Stop procrastination on that Giant! It’s not only the best bike you’ve been looking at by a mile, it’s a bloody bargain of a price!

I’ve struggled in looking to find anything else in your size on t’internet that represents even remotely as good value, let alone is as good a bike as the Giant… Just buy it now!

Seconded. As the new owner of an alloy TCR. Lovely geometry, lovely ride. And 105 components. Giant spec top frames on all their bikes and differentiate on components. And 105 is a fine groupset.

Buy it
But it now.
Thank us later.

I just bought a Giant Defy Advanced, the TCR was too aggressive for me – Giants are great!

I’m on a defy advanced too, and I think it’s great. My wife tried an avail (women’s specific defy)with tiagra kit. The 105 is better ( but ultegra…). She now also owns an avail advanced.

I’m sure he won’t mind me mentioning it. A mate of mine has just ordered one of these….

Some nice other stuff here also !

http://www.canyon.com/_en/outlet/article.html?o=A1025762

Have a look at this Canyon, just over £800, BUT it is full 105 groupset unlike the Giant ( unbranded Shimano brakes, Tiagra cassette and chain , own brand tyres , seat and rims and stem and seatpost.)
The Canyon has Mavic wheels and Conti GP4000s tyres ( best tyres out there imo) Selle Italia seat and Ritchey WCS finishing kit.
Also the black and red finish of the Giant looks cheap. The Canyon looks great imo.

Linky to Canyon Roadlite

PS click the colour selector, I think the white looks right.

I hope the OP is still watching this thread before he spends his money!