Another newbie recommendation request

walshy123

Id day you guys are sick of “my first bike” treads! But here’s one more…
Im planning on taking advantage of Cycle to Work Scheme but must confess my biking knowledge is very limited.

I started out, with a budget of €600, looking at Hybrids, specifically the CB Levante and Specialised Elite. I initially liked the CB, but got put off quickly after reading opinions on here. But the more I think about it, I reckon I would be best off with a road bike as I will primarily be using it for fitness, and hope to get up into the Dublin mountains at the weekends. I may use it for some small amounts of commuting, and it is this that put be off dropbar bikes. Are they really that awkward around town? (given the limited about of this I will be doing)

And so as my attention turned to racers, I discovered id have to up my budget. Im hoping to stay under €1k (with some kit) and would like your opinions on the following (ranked in my order of preference):

Willier Escape Mirage €979 http://www.wilierbikes.co.uk/2009/escapemirage.php
Giant Defy 2 €849 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/EN-GB/bikes/road/2428/32460/
Trek 1.5 €910 http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/road/1_series/15/ (I see the general consensus on here is that its overpriced)

Or would I be best of going for Carbon?
Boardman Team Carbon €1,249 (€1,060 if they will apply AXA discount), I was sure this was €999 on Sunday?! (which would bring it down to €850 with AXA)
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_501983_langId_-1_categoryId_212536
I see a lot of people are recommending the Focus Cayo 105 from Wiggle – but its about €1,200 so a bit out of my budget, plus they don’t seem to take cheques?
I have heard the CB Strada can be got for €1k – but it appears to be very badly thought of on here.

Flipping back to a flat bar, any opinions on the Giant FCR1 €769 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/road/2431/32466/

Lumen

walshy123 wrote: »

But the more I think about it, I reckon I would be best off with a road bike as I will primarily be using it for fitness, and hope to get up into the Dublin mountains at the weekends.

Good man.

walshy123 wrote: »

I may use it for some small amounts of commuting, and it is this that put be off dropbar bikes. Are they really that awkward around town? (given the limited about of this I will be doing)

Drop bar bikes are in no way awkward for commuting.

The only disadvantages compared to a hybrid are the slightly rougher ride from the narrower tyres (which you get used to and then ceases to be a problem) and the lack of clearance for mudguards (which means you get a wet arse when it rains, unless you use clip-ons).

These minor disadvantages are massively outweighed by the increased speed and more numerous hand positions.

walshy123

Lumen wrote: »

Good man.



Drop bar bikes are in no way awkward for commuting.

The only disadvantages compared to a hybrid are the slightly rougher ride from the narrower tyres (which you get used to and then ceases to be a problem) and the lack of clearance for mudguards (which means you get a wet arse when it rains, unless you use clip-ons).

These minor disadvantages are massively outweighed by the increased speed and more numerous hand positions.

ok thats pretty much made up my mind for me so! cheers.

Now allum or carbon?!

walshy123

ok so the 1.5 can be got for €675... seems like an excellent price?

or the 1.7 for €965. is there anything better than the 1.7 for less than €1k?