Help me spend my €1000

agentgreen

Hi,

Like so many people I'm joining the cycle to work scheme, but know very little about bikes.

I've done a little research and decided that I want to get a road bike as I want to be able to go for long cycles at the weekends.

I've also decided I want to spend the full €1,000 on the bike, as I believe if you are going to get one you might as well get a good one.

I have to get the bike in http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/ as that is the only place my employer deals with. We also receive a 12.5% discount on the RRP.

I'm going to get the accessories online or in my local shop at home.

I was wondering if some people here could help me pick the bike please for in and around the €1000?

A friend of mine suggested this one as he said he felt it had the best spec and had the Shimano 105 gear set and carbon fork. What are peoples opinions on this?

And how does it compare to this and this? And is there much difference between the '10 and '11 version?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks a million in advance.

Paul Kiernan

The main difference between the '10 and '11 is that the '11 has the 5700 groupset (excepting crankset and brakes). There is a review of the 5700 here and it appears to be a major improvement over the 5600. Also the Ultremo tyres are better than the Blizzards though perhaps not as comfortable as they're 23mm width rather than 25mm (also Ultremos are narrower than their spec. but that's another story).

Of all the bikes you mention I'd go for the '11 Attempt. However, if I was a basic rate taxpayer I might forget about the BiketoWork scheme and buy elsewhere.

Very positive review of the bike here.

agentgreen

Thanks a million for that. I really appreciate it.

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

However, if I was a basic rate taxpayer I might forget about the BiketoWork scheme and buy elsewhere.

Why is that? Because the store is so expensive?

Paul Kiernan

In fairness, with a 12.5% discount, that price isn't particularly bad. It might be worth looking around online to see what the best price for that bike is.

If I was spending the best part of a grand I'd be hoping to get a full carbon bike with a decent groupset but maybe that's not possible anymore. Certainly the likes of Boardman and Planet-X have jumped well above that threshold.

agentgreen

Thanks again for the reply.

I had a look around and the price of the bike seems ok. I also get the full 47% discount.

Had a look at the Planet-X and the Boardman, but not too sure how to compare them to it

Paul Kiernan

The popular Planet-X SL Pro is a full carbon bike. The prices have gone up a lot on these. A full ultegra bike was £999 18 months ago, now £1249 and not even full ultegra. Boardman carbon is now €1625, could be picked up for around €1000 not too long ago. The closest boardman to the Cube is the Road Team at €1249 but given the choice I'd prefer the Cube.

Of all the road bikes at CSS, that Cube would seem to offer excellent value compared to what's available from Giant and Lapierre. Cube are a well-known and respected brand. I'd be inclined to go for the compact double rather than the triple though.

agentgreen

Thanks a million for the responses. Really appreciate them.

Any reason for the compact???

I hear what your saying about the boardman and planet-x having read the reviews, but without the b2w it works out pricey for me.

Thanks again!

agentgreen

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

The popular Planet-X SL Pro is a full carbon bike. The prices have gone up a lot on these. A full ultegra bike was £999 18 months ago, now £1249 and not even full ultegra. Boardman carbon is now €1625, could be picked up for around €1000 not too long ago. The closest boardman to the Cube is the Road Team at €1249 but given the choice I'd prefer the Cube.

Of all the road bikes at CSS, that Cube would seem to offer excellent value compared to what's available from Giant and Lapierre. Cube are a well-known and respected brand. I'd be inclined to go for the compact double rather than the triple though.

Those are nice bikes Isn't the 105 as good as the Ultegra?

Paul Kiernan

The 105 Groupset retails about £300 cheaper than the Ultegra though in reality the difference is closer to £200. The main differences would be in weight and general quality e.g. an ultegra component might be forged out of harder metal rather than moulded from softer, resulting in a stronger, lighter, more precise component. However, the old 105 5600 was always highly regarded and the new 5700 seems to be considerably better so I'd have no problems living with it. I wouldn't go near the lesser groupsets though (Tiagra, Sora, 2300) unless I really had to.

Re compact v. triple, compact is only 20 gears rather than 30 but many of the 30 overlap, the whole system is heavier and tends not to shift as cleanly. It's also looked down upon by purists as being for wimps and freds. When somebody asked on this forum some time back "what would it cost me to change from a double to a triple?" the first answer given was "your self-respect".

The two big downsides of a compact are the big gap on the front shift (32% change) and lack of an ultra low gear for climbing (e.g. on Cube Attempt the triple is about 10% lower than compact).

agentgreen

Thanks a million for that. It's being a great help.

Is this bike much better or is the difference minimal?

Thanks.

Paul Kiernan

agentgreen wrote: »

Thanks a million for that. It's being a great help.

Is this bike much better or is the difference minimal?

Thanks.

Bikes seem to be exactly the same except Streamer has Ultegra shifters and Easton wheels. Not enough (IMHO:)) to pay €250 extra for, maybe €50 or €100 at a push.

agentgreen

Paul Kiernan wrote: »

Bikes seem to be exactly the same except Streamer has Ultegra shifters and Easton wheels. Not enough (IMHO:)) to pay €250 extra for, maybe €50 or €100 at a push.

Thanks for your help

I really wanted to buy the bike elsewhere, but stuck to cyclesuperstore. Would like to use planet-X or even my local shop at home. But looks like the cube should tick my boxes

Now to decide on triple or compact. I might just flip a coin!

dowlinj

Apologies for the thread hijack. Am in a similar predicament...looking to spend €1k on a road bike on the bike to work scheme. Have no real restrictions on where I can buy the bike. Think it just as to be an Irish shop. I also want to spend the money on the bike itself, not too worried about the accessories for now.

Was looking at the Felt f85 which a friend recommended. Just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions on getting maximum value for €1k?

Vizzy

dowlinj wrote: »

Apologies for the thread hijack. Am in a similar predicament...looking to spend €1k on a road bike on the bike to work scheme. Have no real restrictions on where I can buy the bike. Think it just as to be an Irish shop. I also want to spend the money on the bike itself, not too worried about the accessories for now.

Was looking at the Felt f85 which a friend recommended. Just wondering if anyone had any other suggestions on getting maximum value for €1k?

If you are not limited to a particular shop you should check all the shops.
Chain Reaction are cheaper than most but there may be problems with them from what I have heard(anecdotally)They are in NI.
Another guy that is very good to deal with is Tony O Mahoney in Dungarvan,Co Waterford (058 43346).He does Giant,Trek,Cube and possibly Speciailzed.He definitely worth a call anyway.
Best of luck

dowlinj

Cheers. No limitations on the shop but just looking for advice on what road bike is best value in the €1k category.

Vizzy

I would think that for €1,000 you will probably be looking at a bike with carbon forks and possibly a carbon seatstay.You wont get a full carbon frame for that money.
Groupset wise,you will be able to get Shimano 105( or at least part of the groupset should be 105).Ultegra stuff will probably push up the price quite considerably.
It will be a matter of choice whether to go for a "double" or "triple" chainset.The triple will give you more gears but will add an extra bit of weight.
Of the various bike manufacturers out there,I doubt if there will be a major difference in quality of the frame for the same price bike.Having said that I have had 2 friends who have bought new Cubes and they are very happy with the framesets and forks.(the bikes were about €1,500 though).
Check what bikes are available on line(spec wise) and then go to a bikeshop armed with your new knowledge.
Best advice would be to try loads of different bikes cause the geometry of a Giant might suit your "shape" better than a Cube or vice versa.

Oh, and haggle.

dowlinj

Cheers Vizzy. The Felt has a carbon seatpost and fork so I'd be looking for this at a minimum. As you say, I won't get a carbon frame for that money but as I'm new to cycling this isn't too much of an issue.

I'm starting to pick up on the lingo now so at least I know what to look out for!

johnstown

Hi, I am in a similar position to the OP.

I currently have a Dawes Hybrid and would like to upgrade (its a bit old now). I used to use it to cycle to work, but my cirsumstances changed and I was not able to anymore. At the moment I just use the bike the odd time for cycling in the evening. I want to start cycling a bit more, weekends etc. and hope to be able to get back to cycling to work.

The company I work for participates in the bike to work scheme exclusively with CycleSuperStore. I called there the other evening for a browse and the salesman recommended the Cube Hybrid. He said the components are typically better than the Giant and they had a better range of Hybrids than the Lapierre.

The two models he recommended were the Cube SL Cross Comp Bike '11 (€679) and the Cube SL Cross Team Bike '11 (€1099). The cycle to work scheme and corporate discount scheme from the store would reduce the price by well over 50% so I its well worth spending a few quid for a good one that will last.

I am not familiar with the components etc, but are these good bikes and would I be better of going for the more expensive model?

The specs are:

-> Cube SL Cross Comp Bike '11

Cross and lightweight. Longevity components and extra light wheels make the SL Cross Comp the first choice for avid cyclists.


Frame: HPA Crossroad Triple Butted
Fork: Aluminium Rigid Fork
Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
Stem: Easton EA30, 25.4mm
Bars: Easton EA30 Riser
Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore LX RD-T661 Top Normal
Front Mech: Shimano Deore FD-M591 Down Swing, 34.9mm
Shifters: Shimano Deore SL-M590 Rapidfire-Plus, 9-Speed
Brakes: Shimano BR-M422 V-Brake Front & Rear
Chainset: Shimano FC-M431 48x36x26T., 170mm, Shimano BB-UN26, Chainguard
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50 11-32T., 9-Speed
Chain: KMC X9 Double Durability
Tyres: Schwalbe CX Pro
Rims: Schürmann Yak 622 V-Brake
Front Hub: Shimano Tiagra HB-4500
Rear Hub: Shimano Tiagra FH-4500
Spokes: DT Industry 2.0 silver
Pedals: Fasten Alloy
Saddle: Scape Active 63
Seatpost: RFR Complight 31.6mm
Weight: 10,9 kg

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=32&idproduct=40459


-> Cube SL Cross Team Bike '11

Lightweight and rigid triple butted frame equipped with proven MTB shifting components. Perfect for long tours and moderate gravel roads.

Frame: HPA Crossroad Triple Butted
Fork: Aluminium Rigid Fork
Headset: FSA NO. 10 semi-integrated
Stem: Syntace F149 Oversized
Bars: Syntace Duraflite 2014
Grips: CUBE Double Doumeter
Rear Mech: Shimano Deore XT RD-M771 Top Normal
Front Mech: Shimano Deore LX FD-M660 Down Swing, 34.9mm
Shifters: Shimano Deore SLX SL-M660 Rapidfire-Plus, 9-Speed
Brakes: Shimano BR-M422 V-Brake Front & Rear
Chainset: Shimano Deore XT FC-M771 Hollowtech II 48x36x26T., 175mm, integrated BB, Chainguard
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50 11-32T., 9-Speed
Chain: Shimano CN-HG53
Tyres: Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evolution
Rims: Alex EN24 V-Brake
Front Hub: Shimano 105 HB-5700
Rear Hub: Shimano 105 FH-5700
Spokes: DT Swiss Champion 2.0 black
Pedals: Fasten Cross UltraLight Sealed Bearing
Saddle: Scape Active 63
Seatpost: RFR Prolight 31.6mm Setback
Weight: 9,9 kg

Other Cube bikes available from this vendor can be viewed at:

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/showsearchresults.asp?idCategory=32

Can anyone make any recommendations as to whether its worth going for the more expensive bike or is there a better option I should be going for?

Given the state of the roads, with the potholes, would I be better considering a MTB?

I went for a test cycle on both bikes by the way, and they were fine.

Also, these two have the older type V-Brakes. While they had disk brakes on models in the shop, the salesman said they might not be for me as they can more difficult for me to deal with if anything goes wrong as opposed to the V Brakes which are easy to sort and replace. He said the disk brakes were not as essential for a hybrid as they would say on a complete MTB offroader.

Thanks

johnstown

Anyone able to offer any advice in relation to bike choice, from my previous post? I really do not know much about bikes.

agentgreen

Hi,

So I went into cyclesuperstore this evening to buy the Cube attempt and they are sold out until September I have to get my bike there.

The guy in the shop told me basically my 2 decent options are the Lapierres:

400

And

500

Which would people recommend please?

Does the 500 justify the extra price? I'm not sure if I can justify it.

The Cube Peloton is also an option.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

agentgreen

agentgreen wrote: »

Hi,

So I went into cyclesuperstore this evening to buy the Cube attempt and they are sold out until September I have to get my bike there.

The guy in the shop told me basically my 2 decent options are the Lapierres:

400

And

500

Which would people recommend please?

Does the 500 justify the extra price? I'm not sure if I can justify it.

The Cube Peloton is also an option.

Thanks in advance for any advice!!!

Anyone? Please.

Funkyzeit

OP - Just fyi I got the 2010 Cube attempt (which is a great bike) on Chainreactions earlier in the year for €840 so the 1100 price tag isn't as competitive as you might think.

Still excellent value in it when combined with the btwork

agentgreen

Funkyzeit wrote: »

OP - Just fyi I got the 2010 Cube attempt (which is a great bike) on Chainreactions earlier in the year for €840 so the 1100 price tag isn't as competitive as you might think.

Still excellent value in it when combined with the btwork

Definately. I had my heart set on it, but it wasn't to be... Completely stomped now

Kav0777

I really don't think the extra €500 justifies the upgrade from tiagra to sram apex, given that you can get a canyon roadlite 5.0 with sram apex for €899 on the canyon website. If I was to pay out around 1500 to cyclesuperstore I'd be more inclined towards either the Ridley Icarus Or the Giant TCR 1, as they both have 105 groupsets.

agentgreen

Kav0777 wrote: »

I really don't think the extra €500 justifies the upgrade from tiagra to sram apex, given that you can get a canyon roadlite 5.0 with sram apex for €899 on the canyon website. If I was to pay out around 1500 to cyclesuperstore I'd be more inclined towards either the Ridley Icarus Or the Giant TCR 1, as they both have 105 groupsets.

Thanks for that. And any advice on the cheaper spec bikes? The Lapierre 400 doesnt get great reviews

Kav0777

A friend got a cube peleton last year and thinks its a great bike. That'd be the one i'd be inclined to go for after the Cube attempt.

agentgreen

Kav0777 wrote: »

A friend got a cube peleton last year and thinks its a great bike. That'd be the one i'd be inclined to go for after the Cube attempt.

Even though the Lapierre has a better group set?

I'm not 100% sure they have it in my size, but I think they do...

Kav0777

agentgreen wrote: »

Even though the Lapierre has a better group set?

I'm not 100% sure they have it in my size, but I think they do...

The cube Peleton & the lapierre 400 have the same groupset, they are both equipped with tiagra. They only difference is the Lapierre has the option to go for a compact over a triple.

edit to say: Having done the wicklow 200 on a bike with triple, I was extremely grateful for the extra gears!!....

agentgreen

Kav0777 wrote: »

The cube Peleton & the lapierre 400 have the same groupset, they are both equipped with tiagra. They only difference is the Lapierre has the option to go for a compact over a triple.

edit to say: Having done the wicklow 200 on a bike with triple, I was extremely grateful for the extra gears!!....

The guy in the store said the Cube didn't have the full Tiagra, it had some unbranded stuff...

He also more or less ruled out Giant for me.

Would I be better spending extra on 105?

Russman

This might be a little out of left field, but iIf you're considering spending €1k out of your own pocket, plus BTW then why not:

1) Get something like a Defy 4 now without using BTW, €675 less Corp Discount = €590

and

2) in Sept, when the Attempt is in stock, and if you like cycling, get the Attempt using BTW, €1,200 less Corp Discount = €1,050, less BTW = c€550

Total outlay from your own pocket €1,140

You'd easliy shift the Defy on Adverts or something to recoup some of that too.

Just a thought

agentgreen

Russman wrote: »

This might be a little out of left field, but iIf you're considering spending €1k out of your own pocket, plus BTW then why not:

1) Get something like a Defy 4 now without using BTW, €675 less Corp Discount = €590

and

2) in Sept, when the Attempt is in stock, and if you like cycling, get the Attempt using BTW, €1,200 less Corp Discount = €1,050, less BTW = c€550

Total outlay from your own pocket €1,140

You'd easliy shift the Defy on Adverts or something to recoup some of that too.

Just a thought

Hi,

I thought of doing that too looking at second hand bikes now at the mo. There doesn't seem to be a lot on the market. Anyway the company I work for only open the B2W for 1 month every 6 months...

Kav0777

agentgreen wrote: »

The guy in the store said the Cube didn't have the full Tiagra, it had some unbranded stuff...

QUOTE]

I can't wait to tell my friend that....

agentgreen

Kav0777 wrote: »

agentgreen wrote: »

The guy in the store said the Cube didn't have the full Tiagra, it had some unbranded stuff...

QUOTE]

I can't wait to tell my friend that....

That's why he was plugging the Lappiere over it. They are mad about the Lappieres there. He didn't even show me the Ridley or the Giant.

agentgreen

Bump, advice appreciated. Thanks.

tech

Ive also been looking at the cube Peleton seems like a good purchase,

agentgreen

It looks great to be honest, not as great value as the attempt though. Seemingly though peleton doesn't have full tiagra.

I'm really in limbo at the mo.

Lumen

If you want a cheaper bike, get the Cube Peloton.

If you want a more expensive bike, get the Cube Agree GTC Pro Compact Bike '11.

Giant are over priced, Lapierre have ugly logos.

agentgreen

Thanks for that

Except for the logo, how do the lappierres figure spec wise?

tech

would the Cube Peloton be a good started bike?

Thanks

Lumen

agentgreen wrote: »

Except for the logo, how do the lappierres figure spec wise?

In terms of wheels, the Cubes has Easton EA30, the Lapierrres have Shimano WHR500. I'd rather have the Eastons.

Bluefoam

agentgreen wrote: »

Thanks for that

Except for the logo, how do the lappierres figure spec wise?

There is an embargo on French products until Sarkozy shuts the **** up. That means no buying Lappierre bikes, no watching the Tour de France, no drinking French wine & no eating croissants.

So it doesn't matter what groupset it has. If yopu buy one, people will point at you an make snide comments under their breath...

agentgreen

Lumen wrote: »

In terms of wheels, the Cubes has Easton EA30, the Lapierrres have Shimano WHR500. I'd rather have the Eastons.

I don't think I can stretch to the cube agree . The Lappiere 500 would already be a stretch.

Would the Peleton not having the full tiagra group set make a diff? Or would it be an idea to upgrade the wheels on the other?

Lumen

agentgreen wrote: »

Would the Peleton not having the full tiagra group set make a diff?

No. It's just a chainset.

Or would it be an idea to upgrade the wheels on the other?

I wouldn't.

agentgreen

Lumen wrote: »

I wouldn't.

Thanks for that any reason why?

What's the Ridley Icarus like? Is the worth a look? I was told the 105 makes a massive difference to the tiagra.

Lumen

agentgreen wrote: »

Thanks for that any reason why?

Jeez, you're making hard work of this. :pac:

Why would you buy a bike with poor wheels and then bin them? It makes no sense.

agentgreen wrote: »

I was told the 105 makes a massive difference to the tiagra.

It makes no difference to the action of the shifters, it's just one extra sprocket on the back. If you have a triple chainset this is not much of an issue since you can run a narrower spaced cassette for the same effective range as a 10sp compact or standard double.

agentgreen wrote: »

What's the Ridley Icarus like? Is the worth a look?

Ridleys are nice. I wouldn't personally buy one because I don't like the logos and the idea of naming your bike brand after your favourite film director is bordering on stalkerish behaviour.

agentgreen

Haha sorry! I over think things. Thanks for your help

I was going to get a compact so that wouldn't make a difference?

Also I was wondering what the Lapierre Audico 500 was like. Thanks again.

soulpop

Seeing as the Attempt is N/A until September and based on what they have in stock. Would it be worth going for the Peloton and upgrading the chainset, shifters or some other components?

dowlinj

I was having a look at a few bikes yesterday and a guy in the shop recommended the KTM Strada 1000 (the Felt f85 I was after appears to be out of stock in most places). Can anyone offer a critique of the KTM? Reviews appear to be limited.

plumber77

got that felt model myself in february.love it to bits and no problems so far.i did a god bit of looking around at that price level but found no that could match the specs of the felt.super light frame too.got mine in red with white markings.looks the deal too.

petethedrummer

dowlinj wrote: »

Can anyone offer a critique of the KTM? Reviews appear to be limited.

KTM were a bicycle company who then diverged into motor bikes and apparently built some of the best off road motor bikes. They only got back in to bicycles a couple of years ago, hence reviews are thin on the ground. Seem to be good bikes with higher spec components than similar priced brands.