New road bike.

Wheely GR8

Hi ,I'm looking around at road bikes at the moment and I'm pretty much set on getting something thats going to cost around 2500. I've no experience of road bikes so I'm wondering if people think this is getting too heavy into it for a beginner ?
My hybrid has tiagra gears on it and is pretty light.

Any advice appreciated ,
Thanks.

Idleater

At that price bracket and you stating that you've not used a road bike before, I'd recommend at least visiting a couple of bike shops to sit on some bikes.
You can get different geometry from sportive to race and it'd be worth sitting on something expensive before being convincef into ordering a canyon aeroroad.

Hungrycol

You'll have plenty of choice at this price range. Remember to keep some money by for some bike clothes, shoes, etc.

Do you want to by in a bike shop or are you open to buying online?

Wheely GR8

I'll be buying from a local bike shop ,I'm happy with the guy in the shop. My main concern is having an expensive bike starting off in a cycling club ,not sure how things work like that :S

Bikes I've seen and liked are ,wilier with campag ,giant tcr advanced 2 and an olmo.

redzone

Hi Wheely,

I'm only cycling the last couple of years myself so I'm no expert. There is alot to learn about cycling and you will pick it up as you go along. My advice would be to pick up a good deal on a well looked after second hand bike, join a club and soak it all in. Then when ye have a good idea of what you want/need go and make your purchase of a bike you will really enjoy. You will still shift on the first bike at good price.

Hungrycol

I'd go for the giant of those three. Just because i like Giant bikes. Don't worry about cycling clubs attitude towards starters and expensive bike. Buy what to the max of your budget and enjoy it. Most cycling clubs couldnt care what you're cycling IMO, just as long as you take it easy when cycling in a bunch and are courteous.

(oops slow edit!)

Wheely GR8

Thanks redzone ,I had been thinking along those lines aswell and I think the bike shop I was in has secondhand stuff aswell.

Hungrycol

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

Thanks redzone ,I had been thinking along those lines aswell and I think the bike shop I was in has secondhand stuff aswell.

I wouldn't if I had that budget. I'd do lots and lots or research and buy the absolute max of my budget. I think a budget like this won't come around often and buying a second hand bike will only eat into this and when you come to buy a better bike later you may not have that kind of money again.

Wheely GR8

I have an offer of a loan of the giant for a few hours to see what I think of it and to try out the gears etc.
It's just a tad scary venturing into this league of bike ,I could end up a top of a mountain somewhere :O

BUACHAILL

im certainly no expert but regardless of what I ever buy I always look to get the best for my money. Firm believer in buy right buy once. Set your budget and like Hungrycol said try get the best for it. Lots and lots of trying out bikes, research and questions got me through it and even at that I'm sure others will disagree so peace of mind for your own decision is essential and you will only get that with looking at lots of different makes and models.

I still went over budget all that said but wanted to buy right and took advice of peolpe really in the know.

Wheely GR8

Thanks buachaill ,I was thinking of going to other shops to see whats on display elsewhere alright and still order through my local shop.
I think theres a wilier supplier in dundrum centre and might have a look there.

It's crazy buying the first bike ,101 things going round in my head.

Carpenter

http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/giant/defy-advanced-3--2010 SWEET

wuzie71

thats very good advice red

Wheely GR8

Maybe my hybrid can be converted to a road bike by changing the handlebars and gear levers ?
Maybe I could take a picture of the bike and someone might tell me if I can convert. At least I'd have a backup bike then.

fran oconnor

OP, Buy this for the money, http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2509

VanhireBoys

My advice is the same asa the lads.. Dont go blowing £2.5k and then regretting it.. Your local bike club is invaluable for advice and recommendations

Get your hybrid sorted with a set of drop bars and go out and fleece the lining out of it .. TIt will take about €40-50 to get this done.. Even cheaper if you go second hand ... hen you will have a better idea what you would like..!.. Maybe in the interim get a second hand road bike.. Lots about as boys had big notions a few years ago and bought very dear bikes that are now gatering diust...

Its a nice feeling to be on sommit you connect with.. Everybody is different but.. Look plenty take your time and make your own mind up !

Funny when you mention hybrids.. I met a Scots lad on the Skyride in August on a hybrid and he was milling it.. I couldnt keep with him at all .. He laughed the whole way around as he left boys in his wake... !

Sorry for the length of the post .. Still buzzing from my commute .. Got a lend of a bike as I wrote my other one off.. Its a hybrid...! First run out this morning.... Nice riding machine ..! . I feel like an urban cowboy on it !

Wheely GR8

fran oconnor wrote: »

OP, Buy this for the money, http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2509

I understand them bikes are popular on Boards ,but I count myself lucky to have such a good local bike shop ,can't see myself buying online.

VanhireBoys wrote: »

My advice is the same asa the lads.. Dont go blowing £2.5k and then regretting it.. Your local bike club is invaluable for advice and recommendations

Get your hybrid sorted with a set of drop bars and go out and fleece the lining out of it .. TIt will take about €40-50 to get this done.. Even cheaper if you go second hand ... hen you will have a better idea what you would like..!.. Maybe in the interim get a second hand road bike.. Lots about as boys had big notions a few years ago and bought very dear bikes that are now gatering diust...

Its a nice feeling to be on sommit you connect with.. Everybody is different but.. Look plenty take your time and make your own mind up !

Funny when you mention hybrids.. I met a Scots lad on the Skyride in August on a hybrid and he was milling it.. I couldnt keep with him at all .. He laughed the whole way around as he left boys in his wake... !

Sorry for the length of the post .. Still buzzing from my commute .. Got a lend of a bike as I wrote my other one off.. Its a hybrid...! First run out this morning.... Nice riding machine ..! . I feel like an urban cowboy on it !

I think either way ,I'd be converting my hybrid and I may aswell do it first. The bike hasn't been used at all really as I never used it as a commute. I'm sure the chap in the bike shop would do the job for me as he seems to have people in and out all day with old bikes.

murph226

you would do well to convert a hybrid to drop bars for €50.

If you are comfortable spending 2.5k on a road bike, do your research and go for it.

I would rather max out the budget on the bike and pick up the rest of the bits I need afterwards but thats just me.

Wheely GR8

I priced the few bits this morning for conversion and it's not worth my while ,if I was converting I'd like to do it properly and the tiagra sti shifters are around 200 euro.
I'm gonna bite the bullet on this and buy the best bike I can at the moment ,I've a fair bit of investigation to do by the sounds of things so it's going to take a few weeks.

Thanks for the replies.

velo.2010

If your willing to splash out e2500 on a road bike then you should be prepared to entertain buying online. At that price point you can certaintly pick up a relative bargain compared to what a local shop will do for you. If you were buying an introductory roadbike then we would all recommend your LBS to sort you out as there is no real difference at the entry level plus you get that personal service.

Canyon, Rose, Dolan offer the best deals ATM. Are you making allowances for gear? Is the e2500 budget fixed? You'll get a very decent bike for between e1000 to e1500 - either a cheaper carbon frameset with 105/Force/some Rival or a top Aluminium with Full Ultegra. In a bike shop for e2500 you'll only get a very decent middle of the road bike without reaching a top end frame or groupset/wheels.

Paul Kiernan

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

I priced the few bits this morning for conversion and it's not worth my while ,if I was converting I'd like to do it properly and the tiagra sti shifters are around 200 euro.
I'm gonna bite the bullet on this and buy the best bike I can at the moment ,I've a fair bit of investigation to do by the sounds of things so it's going to take a few weeks.

Thanks for the replies.

Rose were doing Tiagra shifters for €67 a pair recently (admittedly they sold out in a few hours). I don't think you'd have any problem finding Tiagra (or better) shifters brand new for under €100. Cheaper for secondhand. PX have good quality 3TTT bars, stem and tape for £25 delivered.

What is your existing bike? Has it caliper or V-brakes? What sort of steerer/stem/headset setup has it?

Idleater

velo.2010 wrote: »

If your willing to splash out e2500 on a road bike then you should be prepared to entertain buying online. At that price point you can certaintly pick up a relative bargain compared to what a local shop will do for you. If you were buying an introductory roadbike then we would all recommend your LBS to sort you out as there is no real difference at the entry level plus you get that personal service.

Problem is though, despite the high budget it sounds like the op hasn't sat on many a roadbike never mind narrowed the spec to a type of roadbike. I for one wouldn't advocate spending 2500 internet euros on a random "good deal " purchase without at least visiting a shop or 6 to get a feel for different form and function roadbikes.

mp31

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

Thanks buachaill ,I was thinking of going to other shops to see whats on display elsewhere alright and still order through my local shop.
I think theres a wilier supplier in dundrum centre and might have a look there.

It's crazy buying the first bike ,101 things going round in my head.

Totally understand where you're coming from...with that level of spend there are hundreds of bikes to choose from. Not only that just look at the types of bikes that are out there. You can get audax bikes, winter training bikes, sportive bikes, cyclocross bikes, time trial bikes and bikes for going to the local shops in your slippers to get a pint of milk and some bread.

You may decide to read bike reviews online or stand in Easons and read the bike magazines (and then leave without buying anything ) which only leaves you more confused. Look at this comment from a tester on bikeradar:

"Its 101cm wheelbase is marginally longer than a racing bike’s, and its seatstays are both considerably slimmer than those on the Acciaio and elegantly curved for a bit more cushioning in the saddle"

Now I'm not slagging off the tester or the site - my point is that this sort of information, whilst fascinating, is just adding to the confusion in the decision making process.

How can anyone with limited experience decide which bike is right from just looking at them in a shop and maybe riding it on a trainer (if the shop has the space to let you do that).

Wiggle have a 30 day test ride which unfortunately doesn't extend to Ireland but Wheelworx in Liffey Valley do something similar so you could try a few bikes out before you settle on what you like.

I'd hate to spend that sort of money on a bike only to find out a month down the line that it wasn't for me - but then that's me and my 'value for money' approach to life which often leads to agonizingly long decision times - but that's for discussion another time/forum.

Apologies for the loooooong post but good luck with the search/purchase.

(PS: I don't have anything to do with Wheelworx - I just go there most weekends and drool at the bikes on display )

Bigus

Lookin for something similar to the op does anybody know anything about these ,German Built

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=68710

bcmf

I thoroughly recommend this - http://www.adverts.ie/bikes/carbon-bike/1078836

Icyseanfitz

bcmf wrote: »

I thoroughly recommend this

your link isnt working man, is it that cool carbon bike of yours?

bcmf

yeah it is. Will fix the link now. Cheers

Wheely GR8

Spotted the dolan hercules today and it's on my list of bikes:)

wuzie71

does anyone know anything about cube bikes are they worth looking at ???

Paul Kiernan

wuzie71 wrote: »

does anyone know anything about cube bikes are they worth looking at ???

Yes and Yes.

Hint: Search this forum for "cube".

Wheely GR8

I've lost the plot looking at bikes at the moment ,going to have to take a break from it and hopefully I'll happen across something in the meantime.

Unless I've missed some magical shop with all the answers ????

smacl

Just an idea, but why not pick up a second hand one to get you going and give you an idea of what you really want in a bike. Nice one here on the adds section which seems pretty good value. I'm guessing you could either re-sell it, stick it on a turbo, or use it as a second bike when and if you want something better. It also leaves you a few spare bob to try out different saddles, tyres etc... which IMO is where much of the comfort comes from, on a bike that you don't feel too precious about.

Wheely GR8

Thanks smacl ,I need a small/medium frame though. I tried out canyons measurment program online and it said I need xs.

Lemag

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

Thanks smacl ,I need a small/medium frame though. I tried out canyons measurment program online and it said I need xs.

What height are you? I'm 5'7'' and I have a 52 Ultimate CF and find it a very good fit. A 50 probably would have done me also. I think I read somewhere here about Canyon having changed the geometry of one/some of their road bikes for this year though.

Wheely GR8

Lemag wrote: »

What height are you? I'm 5'7'' and I have a 52 Ultimate CF and find it a very good fit. A 50 probably would have done me also. I think I read somewhere here about Canyon having changed the geometry of one/some of their road bikes for this year though.

I'm 5'7" but I'm blocky so I've a short reach ,was just out in fitzcycles and the guy was very helpful and sized me to a bike in there ,never had anyone to offer do that yet. Looks like I'm a 50 myself maybe a little less.
Lovely stock out there ,like santas grotto

Don't think I'd bother with canyon after seeing what fitzcycles have tbh.

Lemag

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

Looks like I'm a 50 myself maybe a little less.

'a 50' is usually different across different bike models. Whilst there are some rules governing the size and shape of competitive bikes there is no geometry standard. You could be a '50' for one bike and as much as a '54' for another.

Rob987

Wheely GR8 wrote: »

Lemag wrote: »

What height are you? I'm 5'7'' and I have a 52 Ultimate CF and find it a very good fit. A 50 probably would have done me also. I think I read somewhere here about Canyon having changed the geometry of one/some of their road bikes for this year though.

I'm 5'7" but I'm blocky so I've a short reach ,was just out in fitzcycles and the guy was very helpful and sized me to a bike in there ,never had anyone to offer do that yet. Looks like I'm a 50 myself maybe a little less.
Lovely stock out there ,like santas grotto

Don't think I'd bother with canyon after seeing what fitzcycles have tbh.

The Fitzcycles guys are quite helpful. Have used them for a few minor things. Haven't read earlier threads but you should have a look at Cube's range of racers. For €2,500 you're looking at a mid/upper range Cube such as the Agree GTC Race or Pro. All carbon with Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset. A lot of bike for the money and lovely paint scheme.

Can't go wrong with Trek either. You could probably afford a Madone 4.7 for that price. I have 2 Madones & love em...

Do make sure to get set up properly on whatever bike you buy. Otherwise it's a recipe for back problems down the line.

Rob

Rob987

murph226 wrote: »

you would do well to convert a hybrid to drop bars for €50.

If you are comfortable spending 2.5k on a road bike, do your research and go for it.

I would rather max out the budget on the bike and pick up the rest of the bits I need afterwards but thats just me.

I agree. Just take your time. LBC all the way. You have all the major brands: Trek, Giant, Lapierre and rising stars such as Cube & Focus etc. Market has never been better. Where a bike differs from other high end purchases is that it is an investment in your health...

My twopence on online purchases - provided you've done your research and you're buying from a reputable online firm then the risks are relatively low. You could even profit from exchange rate differences and grab a bargain, relatively speaking.

R

Wheely GR8

Thanks for the info ,when I was in the bikeshop today I actually liked the look of the forme vitesse as a starter road bike and a good winter trainer aswell.
The smallest size was right at my limit and only for that I would have bought it there and then.
I'll decide tomorrow on buying it ,it's not much money to keep my health and sanity for a few months
It will give me a few months to decide properly on a proper road bike.

Thanks for all the help.