€1500 Budget - road bike

BailMeOut

I have been cycling my Trek Hybrid for about 5 years now and have done three sportives this summer on it. All has been going well until the Healy Pass decent this weekend when I realized that my Trek is really not the right bike for the job. The vibrations through the bike frame were quite severe and was especially painful on my wrists for the ride down and ultimately dangerous as I did not really feel in good control of the bike. It was during this descent that I decide that I really need to get myself a proper bike! Problem is that I am clueless about what to get or where to go.

- I am looking for a new road bike that have a good stiff/firm frame that would be more comfortable descending bumpy hills. I live in West Cork so hill climbing is really important and since the roads here are really rough a bike that helps smooth them out is a must.
- I have €1500 to spend and do not qualify for the bike to work scheme
- Ideally would like to but locally so a make/model something sold in a Cork bike shop is idea.
- I am not adversed to buying on line if that makes sense
- I cycle for pleasure and to keep fit but would be doing 3 to 5 sportive events a year.
- I'd like the bike to be bullet proof and last me many years
- I am 6' tall and weigh 88kgs!

Anyone want to just tell me where to start, what I should buy or at least check out and test cycle?

Thanks!

Seve OB

I got a Felt Z6 last year. Love it, and entry level Carbon Fibre frame road bike with decent components

I dont understand why you don't qualify for the BTW scheme if your other bike is 5 years old now. You can do it every 5 years and it could give you an extra €500 or so to spend!

Lumen

Your requirement for a "good stiff/firm frame that would be more comfortable descending bumpy hills" is a bit confusing.

Do you want comfort or stiffness? You can't optimise both.

For Irish roads you can't go far wrong with a Planet-X Pro SL for €1300:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FBPXPRORIV12/planet_x_pro_carbon_rival_road_bike_2012

Still in budget is a Canyon Ultimate AL 8.0 with 11sp campag:
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2506

The PX is probably smoother, the Canyon probably stiffer and has one more sprocket at the back so the optional 12-27 gearing will be nicely spaced.

Those are internet bikes, you won't be able to buy them in a shop in Cork.

BailMeOut

stevieob - I am self employed and unless I am missing something I am not aware of a way to take advantage of the bike to work scheme. I also office from home so hard to argue that I need a bike to get to work!

Where did you get your Felt Z6?

Lumen

I guess I want a bike that does not shake me to bits when coming down hills on your typical rough Irish roads. I am thinking a full carbon bike will only help here. The Planet X bike seems like a great choice based on some other posts on see on boards. Consensus seems to be that these are really good value for money?

Will check all these out.

Thanks so much

Seve OB

Got it in Eurocycles, but would not recomend them at all.

Many retailers selling Felt so you should find one handy enough in Cork.

Do you have a spouse / brother / sister / parent / friend who might need to get themselves a bike on the BTW scheme

kuro_man

BailMeOut wrote: »

stevieob - I am self employed and unless I am missing something I am not aware of a way to take advantage of the bike to work scheme. I also office from home so hard to argue that I need a bike to get to work!

Check with your accountant

route66

Halfords Carrera Virago has got some good reviews and is under budget: link

And it's Tour DeFrance certified. Well, sortov: link

Seriously, if you're ok with Halfords (i.e. able to look after bikes yourself just in case your branch of Halfords isn't up to the job) then this might be a good option - and leave a few quid over to upgrade your 5-year old kit

sy

Another option is the Cannondale SuperSix with Sram Apex for £1199 and the 105 equipped for £1349 . Delivery is free to Ireland. Great frame and you can always upgrade the wheels etc at later date. Slightly biased as I have this frame and it has won quite a few awards over the years

Lumen

sy wrote: »

Another option is the Cannondale SuperSix with Sram Apex for £1199 and the 105 equipped for £1349

^^ This!

BailMeOut

kuro_man wrote: »

Check with your accountant

I did and there are things I can do here if I used the bike for business or cycled to work.

BailMeOut

excellent - getting excited about this now

So I will check out this Cannondale, the Plannet X, Carrera Virago and Felt.

There are two on Wiggle that meet my budget and are full carbon

Battaglin C12 Plus Veloce 2012

and

Ridley Orion 1105B 105

Worth considering these too?

Icyseanfitz

sy wrote: »

Another option is the Cannondale SuperSix with Sram Apex for £1199 and the 105 equipped for £1349 . Delivery is free to Ireland. Great frame and you can always upgrade the wheels etc at later date. Slightly biased as I have this frame and it has won quite a few awards over the years

this x2

billyhead

Will you be using the bike at the weekends only or commuting on it aswell? You may need another road bike for commuting as you dont want to get the expensive one in bad nick during th winter;). Just another excuse for one more road bike:p

BailMeOut

billyhead wrote: »

Will you be using the bike at the weekends only or commuting on it aswell? You may need another road bike for commuting as you dont want to get the expensive one in bad nick during th winter;). Just another excuse for one more road bike:p

I work from home so no commuting but I will still keep my old hybrid for any odd ball trips. The new road bike will be used 100% for staying fit or doing sportives.

BTW: anyone able to explain the difference between the two Cannondale's recommened? I assume the 105 is better but do not know why!

Seweryn

sy wrote: »

Another option is the Cannondale SuperSix with Sram Apex for £1199

Wow! That is an excellent value bike, especially with Sram Groupset.
That would be my choice.

Seaneh

Lumen wrote: »

Your requirement for a "good stiff/firm frame that would be more comfortable descending bumpy hills" is a bit confusing.

Do you want comfort or stiffness? You can't optimise both.

For Irish roads you can't go far wrong with a Planet-X Pro SL for €1300:

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FBPXPRORIV12/planet_x_pro_carbon_rival_road_bike_2012

Still in budget is a Canyon Ultimate AL 8.0 with 11sp campag:
http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=2506

The PX is probably smoother, the Canyon probably stiffer and has one more sprocket at the back so the optional 12-27 gearing will be nicely spaced.

Those are internet bikes, you won't be able to buy them in a shop in Cork.

You can buy the Planet X bike from Planet x Ireland in Athlone, you cna go visit the shop in Athlone and test ride to find the frame that suits you best.

Seaneh

BailMeOut wrote: »

I work from home so no commuting but I will still keep my old hybrid for any odd ball trips. The new road bike will be used 100% for staying fit or doing sportives.

BTW: anyone able to explain the difference between the two Cannondale's recommened? I assume the 105 is better but do not know why!

The Apex groupset is probably better spec than the 105.

Much wider range of gears, lighter, smoother shifting, I think the sram double tap system is better than the shimano system too myself.

BailMeOut

Seaneh wrote: »

The Apex groupset is probably better spec than the 105.

Much wider range of gears, lighter, smoother shifting, I think the sram double tap system is better than the shimano system too myself.

The Apex is 150 cheaper so that's even better. Looks like it is narrowing down between the between it and the Planet X.

Seaneh

The planet x has a better groupset again, and it's cheaper, and you can test it first which is always handy.

They will even adjust it to suit you to a degree (swap stem/bars/saddle/etc).

BailMeOut

Seaneh wrote: »

The planet x has a better groupset again, and it's cheaper, and you can test it first which is always handy.

They will even adjust it to suit you to a degree (swap stem/bars/saddle/etc).

I have been on to Planet X in Athlone. This might be the one: Planet X Pro Carbon Rival Road Bike 2012 in white.

Lemag

BailMeOut wrote: »

stevieob - I am self employed and unless I am missing something I am not aware of a way to take advantage of the bike to work scheme. I also office from home so hard to argue that I need a bike to get to work!

If I recall correctly, one has to be a PAYE employee to avail of the scheme.

From the suggested bike, the SuperSix with 105 would be my favourite. I would deem the gearing of the Apex groupset to be unnecessary for most. The Planet X with Rival would, in my eyes, represent the best value for money though. Rival would be my groupset of choice for a bike in and around your budget.

petethedrummer

Lemag wrote: »

If I recall correctly, one has to be a PAYE employee to avail of the scheme.

Yes. If you have your own Limited Company and you are a PAYE employee of it, you can avail of the scheme. If you are a sole trader you can't.

full gas

BailMeOut wrote: »

I have been cycling my Trek Hybrid for about 5 years now and have done three sportives this summer on it. All has been going well until the Healy Pass decent this weekend when I realized that my Trek is really not the right bike for the job. The vibrations through the bike frame were quite severe and was especially painful on my wrists for the ride down and ultimately dangerous as I did not really feel in good control of the bike. It was during this descent that I decide that I really need to get myself a proper bike! Problem is that I am clueless about what to get or where to go.

- I am looking for a new road bike that have a good stiff/firm frame that would be more comfortable descending bumpy hills. I live in West Cork so hill climbing is really important and since the roads here are really rough a bike that helps smooth them out is a must.
- I have €1500 to spend and do not qualify for the bike to work scheme
- Ideally would like to but locally so a make/model something sold in a Cork bike shop is idea.
- I am not adversed to buying on line if that makes sense
- I cycle for pleasure and to keep fit but would be doing 3 to 5 sportive events a year.
- I'd like the bike to be bullet proof and last me many years
- I am 6' tall and weigh 88kgs!

Anyone want to just tell me where to start, what I should buy or at least check out and test cycle?

Thanks!

Seems to be a plant x love in going on here , I wouldnt go for one myself , plenty of better options out there lapierre do a carbon bike for that price , frame would be better quality , cube do the gtc with some 105 stuff on it take a day to visit the shops before ya pull the trigger , try sending a bike back in the post

Plastik

Planet X RT57 with Rival offer for €1,300.

Seaneh

full gas wrote: »

Seems to be a plant x love in going on here , I wouldnt go for one myself , plenty of better options out there lapierre do a carbon bike for that price , frame would be better quality , cube do the gtc with some 105 stuff on it take a day to visit the shops before ya pull the trigger , try sending a bike back in the post

Bikeradar.com would disagree with you.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-planet-x-pro-dura-ace-09-35138

Planet X frames are as reliable as any other manufacturer and they come with a warenty and in this case he wouldn't have to post anything back if there was an issue, he could just bring it to Morgan and the lads in the shop.

There is that as well, a former continental tour professional is putting his experience, name and reputation behind the brand and even sinking his own money into it, that's a big sign of confidence in a product.

I know a few lads who've bought PX bikes from the shop in Athlone and all of them have been extremely happy with the decision.
Not the stiffest frames in the world buy on ****ty irish back roads that isn't exactly a bad thing as it will mean a much more comfortable ride, which is exactly what you need unless you are a tour rider.

Seaneh

Plastik wrote: »

Planet X RT57 with Rival offer for €1,300.

Now that is value for money.

Go to athlone, find the RT-57 frame size that suits you, leave, order from px uk and you're sorted.

€450 cheaper than Athlone shop, worth mentioning to the lads in Athlone, see what they can do for ya )

Icyseanfitz

id still go for the supersix, im biased though as i love cannondales :pac:

Bandito909

Seaneh wrote: »

Now that is value for money.

Go to athlone, find the RT-57 frame size that suits you, leave, order from px uk and you're sorted.

€450 cheaper than Athlone shop, worth mentioning to the lads in Athlone, see what they can do for ya )

Seems to be the same price on the UK site now, or am I missing something?

Seaneh

Bandito909 wrote: »

Seaneh wrote: »

Now that is value for money.

Go to athlone, find the RT-57 frame size that suits you, leave, order from px uk and you're sorted.

€450 cheaper than Athlone shop, worth mentioning to the lads in Athlone, see what they can do for ya )

Seems to be the same price on the UK site now, or am I missing something?

The RT-57 Rival linked above is a special edition and priced at €1300 and change. The Irish shop just has the regular rt-57 rival and its €1750.

The Sl Pro Carbon rival is 1300 in ireland.

Bandito909

Seaneh wrote: »

The RT-57 Rival linked above is a special edition and priced at €1300 and change. The Irish shop just has the regular rt-57 rival and its €1750.

The Sl Pro Carbon rival is 1300 in ireland.

Ah! I'm very sorry, I seem to have misread your post!
Thank you for Clarification on this, these bikes have been on my radar for ages now. I'm leaning towards the Sl Pro, but you have given me food for thought my friend!

Seaneh

Bandito909 wrote: »

Ah! I'm very sorry, I seem to have misread your post!
Thank you for Clarification on this, these bikes have been on my radar for ages now. I'm leaning towards the Sl Pro, but you have given me food for thought my friend!

Like I said, you could go to Athlone, try the RT-57 and find the frame size you like most and then order online... if you so wished...

Lemag

Seaneh wrote: »

you could go to Athlone, try the RT-57 and find the frame size you like most and then order online...

I hate that suggestion. The guys in Athlone are running a business, not providing a free service.

Seaneh

Lemag wrote: »

I hate that suggestion. The guys in Athlone are running a business, not providing a free service.

If he goes into the shop, it's their job to sell him the bike, they have that chance while he is there, if he decides to buy else where after being there that's his choice.

He could mention the price on the .co.uk site while there and see if they can make it worth his while going with them.

Lumen

Whoever doesn't buy that Super Six is an idiot. :pac:

full gas

Seaneh wrote: »

Lemag wrote: »

I hate that suggestion. The guys in Athlone are running a business, not providing a free service.

If he goes into the shop, it's their job to sell him the bike, they have that chance while he is there, if he decides to buy else where after being there that's his choice.

He could mention the price on the .co.uk site while there and see if they can make it worth his while going with them.

I'd say your a pleasure to deal with . Anyhow back to the plant x love in , just watch out it doesn't melt in the sun , I've had the use of one ,while I was with out my own bike for a few weeks , now I am not a big lad , 70,kg 5,9 serious amount of flex in the frame , now that's just my experience , delighted for ya if plantx worked for you , but I would spend my money on something else

BailMeOut

I will not be driving up and down to Athlone! If I buy a Planet X it will be over the phone.

So the Cannondale SuperSix, is it the Apex or 105 that is the other contender?

Full gas - are you saying the Planet X frame is not very stiff? I am 6 foot / 90kgs so I want something sturdy so this could be a concern. You think the Cannondale frame is better?

Seaneh

BailMeOut wrote: »

I will not be driving up and down to Athlone! If I buy a Planet X it will be over the phone.

So the Cannondale SuperSix, is it the Apex or 105 that is the other contender?

Full gas - are you saying the Planet X frame is not very stiff? I am 6 foot / 90kgs so I want something sturdy so this could be a concern. You think the Cannondale frame is better?

stiff and sturdy are not the same.


The planet X bike would be grand for a lad of your height and weight.

The bit of flex in the frame would actually probably be better for someone of your build as a more rigid frame wound be more like to fail under a load. Also, the flex would translate to a smoother ride over crap irish roads, especially for a bigger rider. A stiff frame would be a lot more uncomfortable.

Seaneh

full gas wrote: »

I'd say your a pleasure to deal with

There are countless posts on boards 410 saying exactly the same thing, go to an LBS and try a few bikes, find the frame size that suits you and then, if you choose to buy online, atleast you aren't buying blind. What I said is no different. The fact that I encouraged him to go to the store means they have a chance to gain his custom at all, where as if I just said buy online I'd be removing that chance. A lot of places will try to price match, if they can do it, they gain a sale if not, the lose nothing.

C3PO

Personally I'd buy the carbon Planet X rather than the aluminium Cannondale but I'm sure you wouldn't go wrong wit either! Wouldn't buy the Carrera though!

Dubba

I'm pretty sure PX Ireland will match the PX UK price, at least they did with a frame when I asked a while back. Also the RT-57 is a very light frame at 999g, but the Cannondale looks nicer imo.

route66

C3PO wrote: »

Personally I'd buy the carbon Planet X rather than the aluminium Cannondale but I'm sure you wouldn't go wrong wit either! Wouldn't buy the Carrera though!

The Cannondale is full carbon, not aluminium. I've read a few reviews and they are all v.positive. The only downside might be that it is a full-on sports bike. Uncompromising, as stiff as a poker and therefore possibly unsuited to somebody who is new to road bikes. Having said that, the prices in the links quoted above sound very tempting and much cheaper than even Evan's discounted price...

I've seen the Carrera in Halfords and it looks good - and the reviews are all positive. The only slight negative is that they say there is some flex built-in to the frame - which sounds like how others above have described the Planet X - and that the wheels are a bit heavy. There are 5 seperate reviews of the Virago on this page: link

Am I the only one here who finds the Planet X seriously ugly?

Seaneh

route66 wrote: »

Am I the only one here who finds the Planet X seriously ugly?

No, some of their paint schemes aren't very nice at all, but I think the RT-57 in matt black and red is lovely.

2 Wheels Good

Might be pushing the top end of your budget, but it's passed the west Cork test with flying colours for me
I've the 2011 version of the Wilier Izoard, I got it for 1550 with 105 last year, this time of year you might get it for the same. It goes up past 2k depending on the spec.
JE James have it for under £1500 online now, I got mine in Cycling Pursuits in Limerick.

Lemag

The SuperSix with 105 is £1299 + £25 p&p to Ireland with TRIUK in 54 or 56. At 6' I'd hazard a guess at the 56 being suitabled sized for you.

flatface

Lemag wrote: »

The SuperSix with 105 is £1299 + £25 p&p to Ireland with TRIUK in 54 or 56. At 6' I'd hazard a guess at the 56 being suitabled sized for you.

Great price and bike. There's also is a Scott addict with the older 105 for £1299 in slane cycles - another good quality frame.
http://www.slanecycles.com/scott-addict-r3-5339-bike-2010-p-3352.html

full gas

Lemag wrote: »

The SuperSix with 105 is £1299 + £25 p&p to Ireland with TRIUK in 54 or 56. At 6' I'd hazard a guess at the 56 being suitabled sized for you.

Fine to hazard a guess when it's not your money , try and check out what ever bike ya go for , to many people on Irish roads on bikes they guessed would be ok for them , your spending a lot of money you need more then ok , yes the connondale is good value, but couldn't be sure about size

Coronal

full gas wrote: »

Fine to hazard a guess when it's not your money , try and check out what ever bike ya go for , to many people on Irish roads on bikes they guessed would be ok for them , your spending a lot of money you need more then ok , yes the connondale is good value, but couldn't be sure about size

Road bike sizing is pretty tolerant to +/- a size. Different saddle setbacks and stem lengths/handlebars can sort a lot of things. I think the usual advice is err on the small side. If you use a site like http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO will give you a bike top tube length that should be spot on - I use the competitive fit and find it fits very well on all my bikes. FWIW, I bought 3 of my 4 bikes online with no problems.

I'll also echo what Lemag(?) said earlier about using PX in Athlone for sizing and buying from the UK site - they have to pay rent, wages and stock to provide this "service".

Seweryn

C3PO wrote: »

Personally I'd buy the carbon Planet X rather than the aluminium Cannondale

The SuperSix is not an aluminium frame bike, it is carbon fibre. In fact the Cannondale frame is (one of) the best in its class. Very well engineered frameset and a bargain with the Sram Groupset.

Lemag

flatface wrote: »

Great price and bike. There's also is a Scott addict with the older 105 for £1299 in slane cycles - another good quality frame.
http://www.slanecycles.com/scott-addict-r3-5339-bike-2010-p-3352.html

The 105 bits are 5600 where as the 105 bits with the Cannondale are from the newer 5700. I'd guess that the Aksium wheels are probably older and perhaps a little heavier also. Nice bike though but probably a little too racey for a first-timer.

BailMeOut

Down to two and I have best pricing from two resellers

1. Plannet X SL Pro €1300 with just €5 to ship from Athlone. Comes with free carbon water bottle carrier (€25 value)
2. Cannondale Supersix Apex Road Bike White (2012) €1500 plus free shipping from UK

Advantage of #1 is that I can get myself €200 worth of extras (I will need pedals and shoes) and if I have any problem I can return to Atlhlone very easily and I also keeping my € in Ireland and an Irish small business.

#2 I think might be a better bike but I am ordering from UK so who knows if that complicated anything in the future. I will then be over budget once I buy the pedals/shoes.

Will let you know what I decide this week.

Thanks again for all your help here.

flatface

BailMeOut wrote: »

Down to two and I have best pricing from two resellers

1. Plannet X SL Pro €1300 with just €5 to ship from Athlone. Comes with free carbon water bottle carrier (€25 value)

If you get the sl pro from the uk you get SRAM rival for the same price. Also consider this newer frame if you dig the colour scheme:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT57RIV/planet_x_rt_57_sram_rival_road_bike