Claud Butler and Trek Road Bikes...

marathonic

I've recently taken up running and am planning to run a half-marathon in September. I'm now considering getting into cycling as well. I've had a look at three different bikes. One would probably be considered entry level and the other two are Treks. The bikes are below:

Claud Butler Milano - €610 http://www.bikes2udirect.com/B1661.html

This is an entry level bike. I quite like the look of it and think that it may be suffice as I am only just starting out. The spec seems quite reasonable (although I'm no expert).

Trek 1500 - €1,230 http://www.buyabikedirect.co.uk/products.php?action=prodinfo&pid=1297

I would consider this to be a very good bike which is quite a bit above my ideal price range (although, if push came to shove, I could afford it with a 12 month credit union loan for the extra €620). I am thinking that this is too expensive for someone starting out but that I may regret going for the Claud Butler in a few months if I take to the cycling.


Trek Pilot 2.1 - €1,200 http://www.buyabikedirect.co.uk/products.php?action=prodinfo&pid=200

This is another Trek for around the same price as the 1500. As I am a complete newbie, I cannot even tell the difference in the specs and was wondering if you guys could compare the two models.

As a last point to consider, the only road bike I've ever ridden is an Apollo TDF which my friend bought from Halfords in Derryhttp://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&productId=165596&categoryId=47151&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=47151&crumb=33957&varient=&CarSelectorCatalogId=&CarSelectorGroupId=. How do the above three bikes compare to this?


Thanks,

Ronan

copacetic

you should have a look at the cheaper treks and giant bikes as well as specialized. the allez from them is considered one of the best beginner bikes (500GBP), this or the giant scr 1.0 or 2.0, or the trek 1000. all similar spec all similar prices and all great entry level bikes.

other ones if you want to branch out are the felt f80, the lapierre bikes they have in cycle superstore etc etc..

read up in cycling plus. they had a good review of the carerra road bike from halfords recently..

marathonic

I've found the Specialized Allez Double for 400 pounds (or the Specialized Allez Triple for 425 pounds) which is a similar price to the Claud Butler above. I like the colours of the Claud Butler better but how do you all think the specs compare?


Its available at http://www.mcconveycycles.com

Mucco

I got a 1500 from buyabike last year. Lovely bike, and good spec for the price. I 'd go for it over the Pilot, despite the carbon stays.
Secondhand is always good, though maybe not if you don't know what to look for.

M

copacetic

marathonic wrote:

I've found the Specialized Allez Double for 400 pounds (or the Specialized Allez Triple for 425 pounds) which is a similar price to the Claud Butler above. I like the colours of the Claud Butler better but how do you all think the specs compare?


Its available at http://www.mcconveycycles.com

thats where i got my giant, drove up and got it to be sure it was the right one for me. nice enough guys although have never had to go back so only the one visit, good price and great bike..