Advice on entry level racing bike for €1000 max

cloonton

Hi all,
I got a hybred under the bike to work scheme 6 months ago, and have so enjoyed being back ar mo rothar that I'm considering getting a racing bike.
At the moment I've got a Giant Escape 2W (yep, I'm a girl), which I love, but I've been borrowing an old Trek 7(I think), and am awful tempted to get something with a bit more pace;)
I know people are going to say that €1000 isn't going to get me very far with a racer, but I'd really just like something that I can show up to my local cycling club's Sunday rides and not get completely left behind on, so if you've noticed anything in Halfords, or know someone with one of the cheap entry level Treks or Giants and can give me some advice, I'd appreciate it!

wannabe7a

I am not a road bike expert, but reading from the forums for that money you can have a descent bike online: canyon or planet x. But be sure that it will fit you as it is more a "guys" bike.

My girlfriend has a specialized dolce.

Khannie

I have one of these on the way based on advice I got here. Very good spec for the money. Definitely worth having a browse on their site.

cloonton

thanks wannabe7a,
had a quick gander at the dolce there - looks a lovely bike (all I know is that carbon = good), but a bit out of my budget from what I've seen so far. Will do more research, tho!
I really do mean an absolute max budget of €1000. TBH I'd be a lot happier spending €500-600, but would be willing to stretch the budget for something that I could knock some impressive mileage and speed out of, and therefore not feel the need to upgrade any time soon. I'd also prefer to buy from a shop rather than on-line, unless I absolutely have to to get value for money.
Also, the Trek I've been using is a man's model, and as I'm not exactly a petit little flower, a mans bike would probably work fine for me.
Thanks for the recommendations, tho. I'll go and have a good look at all the brands you mentioned now.

cloonton

Khannie wrote: »

I have one of these on the way based on advice I got here. Very good spec for the money. Definitely worth having a browse on their site.

Thanks Khannie. The Roadlite 5W does look like it might be something to consider. Still want to find a bargain, though!

wannabe7a

cloonton wrote: »

thanks wannabe7a,
had a quick gander at the dolce there - looks a lovely bike (all I know is that carbon = good), but a bit out of my budget from what I've seen so far. Will do more research, tho!
I really do mean an absolute max budget of €1000. TBH I'd be a lot happier spending €500-600, but would be willing to stretch the budget for something that I could knock some impressive mileage and speed out of, and therefore not feel the need to upgrade any time soon. I'd also prefer to buy from a shop rather than on-line, unless I absolutely have to to get value for money.
Also, the Trek I've been using is a man's model, and as I'm not exactly a petit little flower, a mans bike would probably work fine for me.
Thanks for the recommendations, tho. I'll go and have a good look at all the brands you mentioned now.

The dolce model just has a a carbon fork: €870.

http://www.mycycle.ie/racer-p/658768689.htm

Lumen

wannabe7a wrote: »

I am not a road bike expert, but reading from the forums for that money you can have a descent bike online: canyon or planet x. But be sure that it will fit you as it is more a "guys" bike.

I think the Canyon girlybikes (e.g. 5W) have the same frame as the boy ones, just a different saddle.

Women have short arms, apparently, but are generally more flexible so the reach requirement probably isn't much different. Unless you're really short you should be able to get a boybike to fit.

Sr. Assumpta

cloonton wrote: »

thanks wannabe7a,
had a quick gander at the dolce there - looks a lovely bike (all I know is that carbon = good), but a bit out of my budget from what I've seen so far. Will do more research, tho!
I really do mean an absolute max budget of €1000. TBH I'd be a lot happier spending €500-600, but would be willing to stretch the budget for something that I could knock some impressive mileage and speed out of, and therefore not feel the need to upgrade any time soon. I'd also prefer to buy from a shop rather than on-line, unless I absolutely have to to get value for money.

I have a Specialized Dolce Sport (triple). I bought it from CycleWays on Parnell St. last June, and for well under €1000. It is my first road bike. CycleWays stock several Dolce models, all aluminum frame, carbon fork; some compact, some triple.

I do love my bike..... it is supremely comfortable, apparently indestructible, and has gears ample to all occasions. However it is now referred to by my clubmates as my Winter Training Bike, and, not even a year after getting it, I find myself in the market for a new bike. Let me explain....

Having joined my local Cycling Club some time after buying my bike, I soon became aware of a certain cycling rite of passage, let's call it 'the finger lift'.......

You will turn up for a club spin some morning and a clubmate will arrive with his New Bike. Everyone will ooh and aah; they will surround New Bike Owner, they will point, prod, admire (even if they don't actually like New Bike all that much; Later: "For that money I wouldn't have gone for it myself"), and then....... everyone will take turns lifting New Bike clear of the ground, and with as few fingers as possible, and will exclaim in awed terms at it's weight, or lack thereof......

What I'm saying in a roundabout way is...... the Specialized Dolce Sport weighs tonnes!!!! Cycling on the flat is a workout in itself, cycling uphill at any speed is an achievement (which I don't manage)! In short, reading what you've written, something lighter and racier might suit you better, imho .

15lean

Is it possible to get a canyon on the cycle to work scheme? similar to the planet x

Kintarō Hattori

15lean wrote: »

Is it possible to get a canyon on the cycle to work scheme? similar to the planet x

If your company places no restrictions on where you can purchase the bike, then yes.