Racing Bike Advice

dubes

Hi,
Ive taken up cycling this year and have been using an old (20 years) Raleigh racer. It has served me well up to now, however with 2 warped wheels and some other maintenance needed, I am thinking of upgrading rather than spending on repairs.

I am hoping to use the bike to work scheme so with this I am looking for a racer in the region of €800.

What bikes would you advise for this price and can you tell me the pros and cons of each?

Thanks . .

Inquitus

I am in the market for a Road racing bike also on the Bike to Work scheme, budget 1000 (from scheme) and perhaps a couple of hundred on top from me. Any advice gratefully recieved.

Fender76

I have just ordered my Felt F95 through the bike to work scheme as I am returning to cycling after 15 yrs... It is a sweet bike for 800. All the reviews I've read say its great. Check it out.. http://www.eurocycles.ie/Road_Bikes_c.aspx

dubes

How bout a Giant Defy 3???

Or a Specialised Allez 18?

Any ideas???

TheBlaaMan

Giant, Trek, Specialized...........you cannot go far wrong with any. The important thing is that it fits you and you can be comfy on it for up to two hours or so. Spend a bit of time getting measured and fitted to the bike - there are quite a bit of adjustable elements to get you just right on the bike. At under a grand, these models will with have basic enough equipment, but certainly adequate. As ever, the more you spend, the better you get........

I bought a used Spec Allez at Christmas and it was fine. After a bit of work cleaning and adjusting the rear deraillleur, its performing really sweetly and shifts very very smoothly, so I'm in no rush to upgrade.

amused2death

Before you hand over your hard earned and heavily taxed euros do some price/product research.
Get a range of prices from online and LBS vendors and compare prices for bikes and components.
here is a few to start with. Use these to benchmark others against Particularly your local bike shops. You are in a good bargaining position.

http://roseversand.com/bikes/racing-bikes/racing-bikes/red-bull-pro-2000-new-2010.html?cid=156&detail=1000&detail2=32157
Shimano 105 2011 model €999. Shipping €32.
Points value €50 (can be used for future purchases)

http://roseversand.com/bikes/racing-bikes/racing-bikes/red-bull-pro-3000-2010.html?cid=156&detail=1000&detail2=30531
€1299 I have the 2009 model of this

a Lighter frame with 2011 Shimano 105
http://roseversand.com/bikes/racing-bikes/racing-bikes/red-bull-pro-sl-2000-2010.html?cid=156&detail=1000&detail2=32161


and Canyon
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/specs.html?b=1818
€999 ex delivery