Entry level road bike online

Tar.Aldarion

Hi I want to pick up a bike for the bike to work scheme, I'll be looking in all the shops but I also want to look online. I know very little about them so would like some help or recommendations on bikes you think are good. Also what are the best sites in your opinion? I also wonder what height I should get. I'm 5 9.

What do you make of these? Would there be much difference in them? I love the look of the black and orange one.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81027

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75443

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75444

http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/64315/Specialized-Allez-Sport-Black/

I haven't been looking long, any suggestions welcome!

longshanks

Maybe go for 2012 models instead of 2013 models, lots of 2012 models are reduced now.

DirkVoodoo

Chainreaction, wiggle, evans, canyon, rosebikes, etc. are all good sites.

If it's your first bike, I'd nearly go to a shop. At the very least you will get a few test rides and an idea of what you like.

Bike geometry isn't standard, there are no hard and fast rules and really what fits you will be manufacturer specific.

The most important measurement, for comparing between different frames, is normally the horizontal or effective top tube measurement. Something around 540mm to 550mm would be good at your height, but again, this is a rough approximation.

I've had several bikes, all with TTs of within a few millimetres and due to final setup, each has felt quite different and taken some tweaking of the position with the same pedals and saddle.

Even when each is dialled in to make them similar in fit, the ride characteristics, frame material and wheelsets make each one quite different to ride.

A test ride is your best bet if you're starting out and don't know quite what you want from a road bike.

Tar.Aldarion

Thanks for the answers guys! I have no problem paying to be fitted or whatever, if that exists I can't imagine bike shops allow you to do test runs? Stealing etc. And if they did it wouldn't be long enough to tell if it was a good fit for you? If I get something with a frame in the general right height and generally right TT, 540-550, I would say i would be grand?

When I am picking one for a shop/online what do i look out for? Say those 4 I listed, would there be things you like/are put off by their specs etc?

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Chainreaction, wiggle, evans, canyon, rosebikes, etc. are all good sites.

If it's your first bike, I'd nearly go to a shop. At the very least you will get a few test rides and an idea of what you like.

Bike geometry isn't standard, there are no hard and fast rules and really what fits you will be manufacturer specific.

The most important measurement, for comparing between different frames, is normally the horizontal or effective top tube measurement. Something around 540mm to 550mm would be good at your height, but again, this is a rough approximation.

I've had several bikes, all with TTs of within a few millimetres and due to final setup, each has felt quite different and taken some tweaking of the position with the same pedals and saddle.

Even when each is dialled in to make them similar in fit, the ride characteristics, frame material and wheelsets make each one quite different to ride.

A test ride is your best bet if you're starting out and don't know quite what you want from a road bike.

Tar.Aldarion

Anybody? I was thinking of this one
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81027

Any reason not to?


I also want a wall bracket to hang it up high on th ewall at home, over another bike, anybody know any good ones/where to get it?

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Anybody? I was thinking of this one
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81027

Any reason not to?


I also want a wall bracket to hang it up high on th ewall at home, over another bike, anybody know any good ones/where to get it?

Only reason I could think of is this:

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=56914

slightly cheaper, you can try it first and it's a race proven geo.

For the price, this is probably the best bike you can get in Ireland and you can go to the store in Tallaght and try it out, not in stock yet but if you phone them they will give you a date and you could probably reserve one.
Review below.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-cannondale-caad8-7-sora-12-46359

Tar.Aldarion

Up at the crack of dawn helping me thanks. Looks great, would be nice to actually try it out in the shop too. Not that I don't mind getting it outside Ireland if there is a better bike online.
Looking at the specs of these bikes is very confusing, they all seem so similar, like mine vs yours there, shimano this, FSA that.
Not much difference really when they are the same price as fas as I see? /I probably come across as the noob that I am. You can tell by my passion for the other bike just because I think it looks good. Will give those guys in tallaght a call to have a look. Also wouldn't mind if anything similar was in the 600E-800E range!
just thought that I have to spend a lot on accessories too. Looks great though thanks!

g0g

Now I'm no expert on this stuff, but from what I've seen looking at bikes this year and last year the Cannondale and Vitus bikes you have linked have the more basic (sora) components on them. For the sort of price you're looking at or near to that you should be able to get better. For € 1,000 some of the online bikes will have full 105 groupset. Granted I don't know how that makes them so much better, but it's what I went with and am certainly happy.

Tar.Aldarion

I have seen that mentioned with googling, just don't know enough about it really, or saw any examples of bikes with it for the price. What did you go for?
Mostly I was jsut drawn to the colours of the vitus and looked at specs after. And that cannondale that seaneh recommends comes highly rated and I'll deffo try it in the shop. However I could not tell the difference between the two I like now, the vitus and the cannondale, and what is with the specs not giving the weight on bikes? Must have a look about as I have seen people saying what you have on other threads. Pick 3 or 4 bikes and then just pick one when I can examine their specs closer. Ive certainly seena lot of talk of this mysterious 105 heh. Thanks.

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

I have seen that mentioned with googling, just don't know enough about it really, or saw any examples of bikes with it for the price. What did you go for?
Mostly I was jsut drawn to the colours of the vitus and looked at specs after. And that cannondale that seaneh recommends comes highly rated and I'll deffo try it in the shop. However I could not tell the difference between the two I like now, the vitus and the cannondale, and what is with the specs not giving the weight on bikes? Must have a look about as I have seen people saying what you have on other threads. Pick 3 or 4 bikes and then just pick one when I can examine their specs closer. Ive certainly seena lot of talk of this mysterious 105 heh. Thanks.

You could get a Rose or Canyon bike with 105 or Apex for €999 and to be honest they would be a massive upgrade on any of the bikes you linked and the cannondale I linked.

Canyon Roadlite AL €999:
Sram Apex
Shimano 105

ROSE Pro-2000/2200 €899:
SRAM Apex
Shimano 105



I myself prefer Sram's ergo and shifting system to Shimano and I find Apex is a lot smoother than 105 too.
The other benefit with Apex is you have a much bigger range of gearing (11-32 rear cassette), it's lighter and a lot of people say Sram parts last longer than shimano (chain's and cassettes don't wear as quickly).


to be honest, the Rose pro-2200 is the one I'd go for if I was dropping €900 to €1000 on a bike in the morning. beautiful looking bike, amazing specs for the money and €100 cheaper to the pretty much identically specced Canyon.

They have a system on their site for sizing too, you take a few measurements (inseem, trunk length, arm reach, etc) and and they use the info to advice you on the bike to suit you and it *should* be a pretty near perfect fit right out of the box.

g0g

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

I have seen that mentioned with googling, just don't know enough about it really, or saw any examples of bikes with it for the price. What did you go for?
Mostly I was jsut drawn to the colours of the vitus and looked at specs after. And that cannondale that seaneh recommends comes highly rated and I'll deffo try it in the shop. However I could not tell the difference between the two I like now, the vitus and the cannondale, and what is with the specs not giving the weight on bikes? Must have a look about as I have seen people saying what you have on other threads. Pick 3 or 4 bikes and then just pick one when I can examine their specs closer. Ive certainly seena lot of talk of this mysterious 105 heh. Thanks.

I got a Canyon Roadlite 6.0 based on recommendations on here and from some friends. € 999 plus maybe € 50 to have it delivered. Has full 105 plus I'm told reasonable wheels/frame. Think more than 1kg ighter than that Vitus. Only catch is you can't try one in a shop. PM me if you want any more info, and no I dont work for them!

hsilgnede

I started cycling this summer. Got an entry level Felt z95 for €800 and I've been very happy with it.

I would buy the bike from a shop. Everything else you can go online for. Chainreaction have been excellent in my experience so far.

Tar.Aldarion

Seaneh wrote: »

You could get a Rose or Canyon bike with 105 or Apex for €999 and to be honest they would be a massive upgrade on any of the bikes you linked and the cannondale I linked.

Canyon Roadlite AL €999:
Sram Apex
Shimano 105

ROSE Pro-2000/2200 €899:
SRAM Apex
Shimano 105



I myself prefer Sram's ergo and shifting system to Shimano and I find Apex is a lot smoother than 105 too.
The other benefit with Apex is you have a much bigger range of gearing (11-32 rear cassette), it's lighter and a lot of people say Sram parts last longer than shimano (chain's and cassettes don't wear as quickly).


to be honest, the Rose pro-2200 is the one I'd go for if I was dropping €900 to €1000 on a bike in the morning. beautiful looking bike, amazing specs for the money and €100 cheaper to the pretty much identically specced Canyon.

They have a system on their site for sizing too, you take a few measurements (inseem, trunk length, arm reach, etc) and and they use the info to advice you on the bike to suit you and it *should* be a pretty near perfect fit right out of the box.

I would snap up one of those rose bikes in a second if shipping was free. 50e :-( Think the max ill spend on bike + shipping is 900 Ive decided. Locks and other gear will cost too much otherwise. Sweet bikes though, damn.

So I guess I'll try out that one in tallaght you put up and decide between that and the vitus, even if they are worse. Thanks, really appreciate your help mate.

g0g wrote: »

I got a Canyon Roadlite 6.0 based on recommendations on here and from some friends. € 999 plus maybe € 50 to have it delivered. Has full 105 plus I'm told reasonable wheels/frame. Think more than 1kg ighter than that Vitus. Only catch is you can't try one in a shop. PM me if you want any more info, and no I dont work for them!

Again a lovely bike, I just can't spend that much. :-(

hsilgnede wrote: »

I started cycling this summer. Got an entry level Felt z95 for €800 and I've been very happy with it.

I would buy the bike from a shop. Everything else you can go online for. Chainreaction have been excellent in my experience so far.

You signed up nearly 3 years ago and this is your first post, I'm honoured.
I would love to try one out in a shop, as apparently personal preference/measurements matter a lot. I wonder if I tried one out and got measurements, would other brands vary much?

Raam

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

and what is with the specs not giving the weight on bikes?

You usually won't get a weight for bikes at the entry level. Even at the higher levels you might be lucky to get a somewhat accurate frame+fork weight, but it typically doesn't include any components.

My first road bike was a Spesh Allez. The frame is still going strong over 6 years later. Apart from the cranks and the brake calipers, everything has been replaced. It cost about 1,500.

Tar.Aldarion

Some of them have weights, some don't. I was just wondering why they don't? seems pretty basic?

So it is between that one seaneh posted and the vitus. Ideally I can find something with tiagra for 800-850.

How are these?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-300-tiagra-2012/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-filter-hi-2012/

Tar.Aldarion

That is rather weird spam...

Where would be the best place to pick up locks and a wall bracket for mounting my bike?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=101 ?


Everything else I need really is just a helmet and a hi vis vest I think.

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Some of them have weights, some don't. I was just wondering why they don't? seems pretty basic?

So it is between that one seaneh posted and the vitus. Ideally I can find something with tiagra for 800-850.

How are these?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/raleigh-airlite-300-tiagra-2012/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/charge-filter-hi-2012/

I'd still go for the Cannondale, it's the best over all package (even though the Raleigh and Charge have a higher speced groupset) because of the wheels, the frame and the finishing kit.

The CAAD8 Frame is pretty much the best alu frame you can get on any bike less than a grand by a long way, it's the same geo as the higher end cannondales and is pretty much race ready, just has a slightly longer headtube to make it a bit more upright so it's more comfortable for the average user.

The Charge Filter is a lovely looking bike and the wider tires and discs would make it a bit more suited to the winter out of the box and you could even consider doing cyclocross on it (if you took off the mudguards) but it's going to be a lot heavier and to be honest, the discs are over kill for commuting imho, good calipers will be just as useful 99.9% of the time, weigh less and are easier to maintain.
It's

Raleigh are starting to get a reputation for making really solid, really cheap bikes, they were a joke of a brand for the last 15 years since the RSP plant in nottingham closed and they stopped making proper bikes but they are trying pretty hard to regain their old reputation as a good manufacturer and doing a good job, that said at 9.8kg that's a ****ing heavy bike!


I phoned cyclecuperstore yesterday because I am actually thinking of buying a CAAD 8 myself they will have them in sometime in the next two weeks, he told me to call back after the 5th of november.
They have a few in the shop already for demo's and test rides and if it's in your size you could ride it out the door on the day.

I really think that for €875 the CAAD 8 Sora is the best bike you could get in a brick and mortar store for less than a grand. The only way you could possibly beat it for value is to buy the Rose Pro 2000/2200 for the extra €75.

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

That is rather weird spam...

Where would be the best place to pick up locks and a wall bracket for mounting my bike?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx?CategoryID=101 ?


Everything else I need really is just a helmet and a hi vis vest I think.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=10230

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=60751

they both work pretty well.

And somthing like would be as good as it gets lock wise.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=12767

They say spend at least 10% of the price of the bike on a good lock.

Tar.Aldarion

Thanks Seaneh you're great. I'd like to try that one out or maybe get a cheaper one in a shop in Ireland either.
http://buildabike.ie/product/bike/giant/giant-road/ Gonna look there, in tallaght and around town too.
Any idea what weight the cannondale is? Any reason you want to pick it up over the rose, trying it out for size?

If you were spending 6 or 7 hundred what would you get?

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Thanks Seaneh you're great. I'd like to try that one out or maybe get a cheaper one in a shop in Ireland either.
http://buildabike.ie/product/bike/giant/giant-road/ Gonna look there, in tallaght and around town too.
Any idea what weight the cannondale is? Any reason you want to pick it up over the rose, trying it out for size?

If you were spending 6 or 7 hundred what would you get?

The rose isn't available in my size right now and as they take 4-5 weeks to arrive I don't fancy waiting for it to come into stock and then have to wait for it to arrive, it would probably be Feby before i got the damned thing and yeah, being able to go out to Tallaght, try the bike out myself and get a feel for it would be a massive selling point for me, also gives me an easier point of reference for warranty stuff (if its ever needed) rahter than using phones and emails, which is always a pain in the balls.

As for weight, as far as I know it's about under 9kg. but most manufacturers don't state on their sites as every frame size is obviously different and some companies only release the frame weight...


The CAAD8 frame is really light though, and with a few upgrades it's probably race ready, new wheels and a goupset upgrade down the line and you're ready for a4 I'd say.

Tar.Aldarion

Thanks, jsut gonna go for that or see can I get one for 600-700.

Also do those mounts mount it like this yeah?



Would prefer it along the wall as it's a narrow hallway and I couldnt have it like that.

Seaneh

According to cannondale it's the lightest frame in it's class, but, they are biased...


Yeah, the mounts i linked work like that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-hHILwvt3o

Tar.Aldarion

Hey Seaneh, if you are still looking to get the caad 8 sora, I went in at the weekend and put down a deposit but today im told it wont be in til like april, I have cancelled my order. So I have to try and find it else where, grr.

Pity as it was only 830 there with the 5% off. Now to see if anywhere actually has it in stock.

Seaneh

cheers for the heads up, that's a pain in the balls!

Might buy it in evanscycles instead. would have prefered to buy in ireland but oh well!

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-7-sora-2013-compact-road-bike-ec042913

Tar.Aldarion

Yeah really annoying, at least I checked out my fit on the same frame. Yeah snap, I just emailed evans about stock etc. I was looking to see if any other uk sites had a 5% discount as well like cyclesuperstore had but dont see anything yet.

830 was a great price for it!

route66

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Yeah really annoying, at least I checked out my fit on the same frame. Yeah snap, I just emailed evans about stock etc. I was looking to see if any other uk sites had a 5% discount as well like cyclesuperstore had but dont see anything yet.

830 was a great price for it!

In the link above for Evans, they say that they will match any lower price ...

Tar.Aldarion

route66 wrote: »

In the link above for Evans, they say that they will match any lower price ...

Only for their listed competitors, I don't think this would count will ask them though thanks

Donie75

That Rose Pro SL 2000 is a serious bike for €899. They allow you to customise a lot of parts and even the wheels. You can also spec some parts at no extra cost. Things like a carbon seatpost upgrade for €20 is a great deal. The frame has some nice features like internal cable routing and I like that they use complete groupsets and not mixtures of different chainsets or brakes. http://www.roseversand.com/article/rose-pro-2000-double/aid:557614

Seaneh

Donie75 wrote: »

That Rose Pro SL 2000 is a serious bike for €899. They allow you to customise a lot of parts and even the wheels. You can also spec some parts at no extra cost. Things like a carbon seatpost upgrade for €20 is a great deal. The frame has some nice features like internal cable routing and I like that they use complete groupsets and not mixtures of different chainsets or brakes. http://www.roseversand.com/article/rose-pro-2000-double/aid:557614

Only available in larger sizes and they take a fair while to deliver though.

I'd buy a 2200 in they had it in my size.

I'd pick Apex over 105 every day of the week too.

Tar.Aldarion

The rose bikes are lovely! 55cm might be ok for me, 5' 9. Might be too big, will stick the the cannondale 54 but would love one of those roses, just am spending too much on my bike as it is (they charge 50 delivery). If nobody gets a cannondale quick i'd be tempted

Seaneh

55 would probably be too big for you.

Measure your inseam, get a book and put it tight up against your crotch, stand beside a wall, mark on the wall where the and measure that.

at 5'9 it's not likely to be more than 80cm and the standover of the rose bikes at 55cm is 81.5cm.

Tar.Aldarion

Yeah it would be bit big, I cycle my gfs 56 and I over reach, jsut thought a 55 might be smaller and could move the front back a bit. My inseam is 79cm. Ideall I'd be getting the smaller cannondale anyway!

Seaneh

I'm a 79 as well, yeah, it's a pain in the balls.

Seaneh

Right, seeing as cyclesuperstore don't have the CAAD8 Sora and won't anytime soon, I did a little investigating and question asking and I've decided I am not going to go with it.

I've decided to go with the Dola Preffisio Apex, €2 (yes, a whole €2!!!!!) cheaper than the CAAD8 Sora and is a much better spec.

For €873, I don't think it can be beaten for value in the UK or Ireland.

It's on the Dolan Website here.

Terry Dolan is one of the best frame builders in the world and has build world championship winning bikes for both Track and Road racing.


The thing that is edging me towards the Preffisio most is it comes with full mudguards and has eyelets for racks so would be perfect for me as I am also in the market at the moment for a light tourer and this seems the perfect allrounder in that it's a nice light alu frame and carbon fork, comes with an Apex groupset so I can have a choice of closer 11-25 gearing for every day use and wider 11-32 gearing if I want to tour with a heavy load.

Also, I can choose a lot of options like handle bar width which is handy being a fat arse.


It is apparently the same frame as the Ribble Audax/winter trainer, which was voted bike radar's "best bike under £750" and gets good reviews everywhere.

ugsparky

Don't know if it's too late but check this:

http://www.greenbikes-store.com/

I got my Ridley with these guys - Wiggle €2,033/£1,700 ... Green Bike Store €1560/£1260

Got fitted to the bike and had a good talk with the guys about all things bike ... and coffee & jaffa cakes. Recommend them 100%

Tar.Aldarion

Seaneh wrote: »

Right, seeing as cyclesuperstore don't have the CAAD8 Sora and won't anytime soon, I did a little investigating and question asking and I've decided I am not going to go with it.

I've decided to go with the Dola Preffisio Apex, €2 (yes, a whole €2!!!!!) cheaper than the CAAD8 Sora and is a much better spec.

For €873, I don't think it can be beaten for value in the UK or Ireland.

It's on the Dolan Website here.

Terry Dolan is one of the best frame builders in the world and has build world championship winning bikes for both Track and Road racing.


The thing that is edging me towards the Preffisio most is it comes with full mudguards and has eyelets for racks so would be perfect for me as I am also in the market at the moment for a light tourer and this seems the perfect allrounder in that it's a nice light alu frame and carbon fork, comes with an Apex groupset so I can have a choice of closer 11-25 gearing for every day use and wider 11-32 gearing if I want to tour with a heavy load.

Also, I can choose a lot of options like handle bar width which is handy being a fat arse.


It is apparently the same frame as the Ribble Audax/winter trainer, which was voted bike radar's "best bike under £750" and gets good reviews everywhere.

Damn you making me think about other bikes :pac:
I like the customisation and such, very cool. Apex looks nice as well. Still leaning towards the cannondale after riding the 105 version, really liked it. Also don't really mind about mudguards or eyelets and like the look of the cannondale more. Still, that dolan bike sounds better and you get to choose loads of stuff.

ugsparky wrote: »

Don't know if it's too late but check this:

http://www.greenbikes-store.com/

I got my Ridley with these guys - Wiggle €2,033/£1,700 ... Green Bike Store €1560/£1260

Got fitted to the bike and had a good talk with the guys about all things bike ... and coffee & jaffa cakes. Recommend them 100%

This seems like a good price http://www.greenbikes-store.com/epages/es144708.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es144708/Products/01372/SubProducts/01372-0022&ChangeAction=SelectSubProduct

Seaneh

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Damn you making me think about other bikes :pac:
I like the customisation and such, very cool. Apex looks nice as well. Still leaning towards the cannondale after riding the 105 version, really liked it. Also don't really mind about mudguards or eyelets and like the look of the cannondale more. Still, that dolan bike sounds better and you get to choose loads of stuff.



This seems like a good price http://www.greenbikes-store.com/epages/es144708.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es144708/Products/01372/SubProducts/01372-0022&ChangeAction=SelectSubProduct

I have since talked myself out of it again...
Apparently those Dolan/Ribble frames have a very long toptube to head tube ratio which mean's it's a very aggressive position so really wouldn't be suited to me at all, the cannondale is mroe upright and AFAIK it does have mudguard eyelets.

Think I will probably end up going with the Cannondale.


Only other thing I can think of is just blowing budget altogether and buying a touring bike.

It's all very confusing.



That does seem a really good price for that Specialized, similar spec to the CAAD8 but I have no idea of the quality of the frame of the Allez.

Tar.Aldarion

I tried adding the cannondale to basket on evans and now it comes u as 900e instead of 875, hate that.

That specialized is 950e in town, looks very nice from what I saw of it. No idea about the fram though but looks like a nice bike for that price.

Seaneh

€814 from that website above seems a really good price for the Allez in fairness.

Seaneh

This is a review of 2012 model but with a 105 groupset.
http://road.cc/content/review/55145-specialized-allez-comp

They seem to really like the frame, and much like cannondale with the CAAD 8 getting it's geo from the Supersix evo, the Allez is apparently the same geo as the Tarmac (Specialized's pro level frame) so that's gotta be a plus.

Hoohummm!

Might take one for a test spin tomorrow and see how I feel about it.

Tar.Aldarion

I might just get that tbh. Doubt there is much difference between that and the cannondale, not sure, ill have a look.

Tar.Aldarion

Seaneh wrote: »

This is a review of 2012 model but with a 105 groupset.
http://road.cc/content/review/55145-specialized-allez-comp

They seem to really like the frame, and much like cannondale with the CAAD 8 getting it's geo from the Supersix evo, the Allez is apparently the same geo as the Tarmac (Specialized's pro level frame) so that's gotta be a plus.

Hoohummm!

Might take one for a test spin tomorrow and see how I feel about it.

Cool let me know if you take a spin, how it feels, cos the cannondale was great, and quite light.

I wonder is it 2012 or 2013 on that site?

here is 2013 spec from evans

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-sport-compact-2013-road-bike-ec040965#features

How fares it compared to the caad 8?

Seaneh

That site had a Sora 3500 shifter on the picture so it's 2013.
Same specs really as the CAAD8 Sora, the specialized apparently a Tiagra front mech, which is a tiny, tiny, tiny upgrade.

The only difference would be the wheels and frame, both frames look decent quality geo wise both have a longer head tube than their full race speced "big brothers" so would be more comfortable for casual cyclists. Both have wheels and finishing kits that are inhouse and from good companies so they should be fine.

I'd really say it would just come down to personal choice on which you prefer the look and feel of as spec wise you couldn't split them and I'd imagine they are near identical weight wise.

Tar.Aldarion

Grand so, they both look great imo. I think I prefer the cannondale but the specialized is cheaper by a good margin though so maybe that, as they do seem quite similar as you say.

bedirect

better go to your local bike shop & get yourself measured, if you get a bike on line & it does not fit, it wont be worth the money. Also a new bike will need some tweaking. You always need to change parts on your bike, eg, chains, cassettes, tyres, cables. When you get the hang of things, Chain reaction or other sites are great. You need to look at what quality of gears you are getting & perhaps the most important item are the wheels. What about pedals, are you going to get clip less ones ? Your local bike dealer will be a great help, I know I had not got a clue when I started but he kitted me out with saddle bag, pump, cateye computer, good helmet etc.

Tar.Aldarion

Well I've gone to a couple now and been measured in one, in the shops I went to a 54 was always the size I needed, so I can look at the TT of those bikes. I have tried one of these bikes now and somebody with the same inseam and height is trying the other one for me, eh seaneh (Do you always get 54's or what sizes have you bought, much variety?). My gf knows a lot about bikes so she helped me with chainreaction etc, picking out parts. was thinking of clip pedals, why clipless, any reason? I would be looking to local bike dealers for help if I need it, no bother paying them to help out. But if I save 300-400e on bike accessories and the bike, then I have a lot of room to pay them. As you say I should try out the bikes I want definitely.

Lemlin

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Well I've gone to a couple now and been measured in one, in the shops I went to a 54 was always the size I needed, so I can look at the TT of those bikes. I have tried one of these bikes now and somebody with the same inseam and height is trying the other one for me, eh seaneh (Do you always get 54's or what sizes have you bought, much variety?). My gf knows a lot about bikes so she helped me with chainreaction etc, picking out parts. was thinking of clip pedals, why clipless, any reason? I would be looking to local bike dealers for help if I need it, no bother paying them to help out. But if I save 300-400e on bike accessories and the bike, then I have a lot of room to pay them. As you say I should try out the bikes I want definitely.

I just bought the Specialized from my local bike shop for €950. I'm in Cavan and they're the best cycle shop in the area so didn't mind paying the bit extra because they do a free bike maintenance course once a month and help support the local club which I am interested in joining.

The fella from there (who is hugely into bikes) recommended it as his best bike under €1000 and even recommended it above the Giant Defy 2 which was €999.

I got it last Saturday and have only managed to get out on it once with it getting dark early but its a great bike, in my hugely inexperienced opinion, and I'm very happy with it.

I'm 5 foot 10 and he measured me in store and I'm on a 56 inch. He was unsure if I'd be 54 or 56 prior to measuring as he said people around 5 foot 9 or ten can differ between those two sizes.

Tar.Aldarion

Thanks for the info, I'd definitely be a 54 so I think. Sounds good from your experience. Looks like a good bike, might go for that so.

Tried to ring the company but their number doesnt work for me, fail. Not answered email either.
Anybody know the process for ordering bikes on the bike to work scheme from the UK, do I ask them not to charge vat or something? Might make a thread to ask.

Lemlin

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Thanks for the info, I'd definitely be a 54 so I think. Sounds good from your experience. Looks like a good bike, might go for that so.

Tried to ring the company but their number doesnt work for me, fail. Not answered email either.
Anybody know the process for ordering bikes on the bike to work scheme from the UK, do I ask them not to charge vat or something? Might make a thread to ask.

I see you were asking about buying gear online. I'm looking for cheap gear myself. Have you picked up anything good in particular?

Tar.Aldarion

Nothing good in particular really, Im just picking up cheap stuff off chain reaction, gloves, jacket, helmet, bottle holder etc. I picked up everything off there apart from the kryptonite evo mini lock which was 42 euro on amazon.

Lemlin

Tar.Aldarion wrote: »

Nothing good in particular really, Im just picking up cheap stuff off chain reaction, gloves, jacket, helmet, bottle holder etc. I picked up everything off there apart from the kryptonite evo mini lock which was 42 euro on amazon.

You have any links to good stuff that you've picked up?