Another which bike??

wuzzy

Hey Folks been lurking here for a few months and now looking for some advice on a new road bike, first time poster as well so bear with me.

Was pretty set on going for a Cannondale CAAD 10 105, 2011 model in cycleways, until a visit to other 2 LBS' this afternoon.

http://billybilslandcycles.co.uk/catalog/sale-bikes/adults-bikes/cannondale-caad-10-105

In the first shop came across a Giant TCR Composite 3, 2012 model for the same price as the Cannondale.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tcr.composite.3/9310/49808/

Then in another shop, which specialises in custom builds, offered a Tifosi Alu frame with ultrega custom built for the same price.

So any thoughts which direction to go, Cannondale v Giant v custom build. Thanks in advance.

Icyseanfitz

i can only speak for the Caad 10 (as i own one), it is a brilliant bike, properly stiff but at the same time its actually pretty comfortable for an alu bike, love the acceleration on it, when i put a bit of power down its like a bullet.

In my opinion (and many others) the caad 10 is probably the best alu frame you can buy at the moment and apparently its as good if not better than many low-mid end carbon frames (i wouldnt know as ive never had one), i also love the fact that there is a lifetime warranty on the frame.

I must say that the Giant you linked is a lovely looking bike though

seve65

CAAD 10 seems the bees knees.

A few that take my eye for different reasons (cant recommend as I dont own them but food for thought...):

Colnago Arte (bit pricey for what it is. but is my kind of look)
Ghost EBS, looks very good value
And Wilier always look good to me !

wuzzy

Thanks for the feedback guys;
Cannondale looks like the way to go, although seve65 has given me food for thought with the Ghost EBS, agree with you looks like very good value and the Wilier is a good looking bike, like your taste in bikes, have to do a bit more research again! thanks again guys...

ebouee

The giant bike looks very good, would it not be best to go with carbon frame? Im only new to bikes too but i wouldnt mind upgrading to the giant bike. Anyone else any views?

Tenzor07

Got the TCR composite 1 recently, had my eye on the 3 but fancied a bit of Ultegra And the Giants look much better in the flesh than on the website by the way!

Went for the Giant on the basis of price(from Lbs) and spec, and I like the "aero" aspect to the TCR frame, e.g. the way the rear wheel "cuts into" the seat tube..

Have clocked up a few hundred k's on it now, even though its got race orientated geometry its still fairly comfortable.. the miles just zipp by on it.. Having come from an Alu Specialized there is a huge difference to me.

The Cannondale Alu's are very well regarded and would be my main choice for an Alu frame..

Not sure about premium brands like the Willier or Colnago, though if you have the extra cash sure why not!

murph226

Just won a a TCR sl3 on fleabay, can't wait to have a spin off it, I hope I'll be ok on it coming from a Defy 2.

What kind of money are Irish dealers charging for them?