Canyon - Forme - Focus - Cube

SWL

OK I know another which bike thread, I have done my research and read the dozens of different threads with a similar theme.
I have short-listed a couple of bikes and would like to get some knowledgeable opinions.

Forme Reflex – LSB has one in my size priced at €1700, I am a regular customer I buy all my gear and accessories in the shop and know one of the partners fairly well so I am confident I can get a good discount, might get it for €1500. The bikes are getting good reviews here is a specification.
http://www.formebikes.co.uk/bikes/road/reflex.php

Focus Cayo 105 – You will already know about this one.

Canyon 6.0 or 7.0 again thanks to this forum I have discovered canyon bikes. The difference in cost between both models is €200 in price, 30lbs in weight and a full to partial ulterga group set.

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2105

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2106

The lead in time is about 5 weeks – for the same price as the Forme Reflex I could get this in the outlet shop, possibility in my size
http://www.canyon.com/_en/outlet/article.html?o=A1023146

And finally over the last few days I have discovered in Cube Agree Pro, again thanks to this forum.

I presently ride a 56cm steel frame and I am 6'4'', which is too small especially for long rides, I hope to do some sportive this summer and maybe start racing next year if I am not too old at 38
The btw scheme is a non runner. I would love to support my lbs but I want to get the best bike for my money.


Thanks for your time and opinions.

Whitehawk

For me its Canyon VS Cube, and seen that you can only get Canyon online personly its cube for me all the way, tho lot of people here are Canyon fans....

ednwireland

focus or canyon

AstraMonti

Stevens are also in your price range, really nice and stiff bikes!

triggermortis

I like the look of the Canyon - might be on my shopping list now..

Lemag

SWL wrote: »

The difference in cost between both models is €200 in price, 30lbs in weight and a full to partial ulterga group set.

:eek:

I'm not really sure what you're looking for. You've linked both full carbon and alu' bikes. Is €1500 your limit?

If I were to go for an alu I'd go with either a Canyon or I'd choose one from Rose Bikes.

I've I were to get a carbon within 1500 I'd have a look at what PX have to offer.

SWL

AstraMonti wrote: »

Stevens are also in your price range, really nice and stiff bikes!

Thanks for feedback, had a look and they are nice bikes, but for my sanity I think I will stick to what I have, otherwise I will never make my mind up:)

SWL

Lemag wrote: »

:eek:

I'm not really sure what you're looking for. You've linked both full carbon and alu' bikes. Is €1500 your limit?

If I were to go for an alu I'd go with either a Canyon or I'd choose one from Rose Bikes.

I've I were to get a carbon within 1500 I'd have a look at what PX have to offer.

Thanks Lemaq,

Thanks for highlighting my tpyo 30lb (which i think is about 13kg) is not correct

I have little preference for ALu or carbon frames, I have read dozens of threads about the difference between both materials on boards and other cycling forums. If I am honest I am still unsure of the benefits. I am looking to get the best value bike (aren't we all), €1500 is my max budget I believe as I approach 2k plus I will end up with more of a bike than I need if that makes sense?

Lemag

SWL wrote: »

I have little preference for ALu or carbon frames, I have read dozens of threads about the difference between both materials on boards and other cycling forums. If I am honest I am still unsure of the benefits.

You'll only experience the difference by trying them out. Do you know anyone with a suitably sized carbon bike?

SWL wrote: »

I am looking to get the best value bike (aren't we all), €1500 is my max budget I believe as I approach 2k plus I will end up with more of a bike than I need if that makes sense?

Well for €400 more than the Roadlite 7.0 which you linked you can get a frame, fork, wheel and seatpost upgrade with the Ultimate AL 9.0. It'd be worth it IMHO however, if I were to spend that kind of money I'd just get this and upgrade the wheels and maybe a couple of other things.

Lumen

Regarding alu vs carbon, framebuilders are always saying that the frame material is less important than what you do with it.

I have two alu bikes, one for road racing and the other cyclocross, and they are light years apart in terms of ride quality and stiffness.

The CX bike is so floppy I can see the bottom bracket flex back and forth on the turbo even with my meagre power, but it just floats over bumps. I'm not sure I'd want to do a very fast Alpine descent on it, but then most of the descents around Dublin are limited by bumpiness and sheepiness rather than mechanical grip.

I don't really buy the "lateral stiffness, vertical compliance" hype. A bike is either stiff or it isn't. If it's stiffer it will be less comfortable; just pick the characteristic that you want and live with the compromise.