Which Bike?

YeahOK

Long time lurker, first time poster in this forum.

After years away from the bike, I'm looking at getting back in the saddle. Trying to figure out which bike is best suited for getting a nice few miles in over the winter with a view to maybe doing a bit of racing come summer. (there I said it)

Have thingkinfolk of narrowed down to this at this point;

1. http://www.dolan-bikes.com/road-bikes/Carbon/Shimano%20Op/Hercules%20SL%20Road?product_id=369
2. http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3085

Canyon looks to be better spec'd. Am I missing anything else worth considering?

billyhead

I might sound bias as I have a Baordman road bike already but they are good value for what you get. Just make sure if you do get one from Halfords that you give it a good look over once build in the bike hut their;)

YeahOK

billyhead wrote: »

I might sound bias as I have a Baordman road bike already but they are good value for what you get. Just make sure if you do get one from Halfords that you give it a good look over once build in the bike hut their;)

Which Boardman?

billyhead

YeahOK wrote: »

Which Boardman?

I ride a boardman team carbon but the pro carbon which is the next step up should eb within your budeget and if you have or know someone with an Axa insurance policy you can get 10% off

2011abc

Youd do well to check out Planet X in Athlone .I have an Uncle John touring/cyclo cross/training bike which I LOVE ,such good value at about 1250/1300ish.BUT they were doing full spec 'racing bikes' for only a little more .3-4k value bikes for 1750-2k ish...!!!

2011abc

billyhead wrote: »

I might sound bias as I have a Baordman road bike already but they are good value for what you get. Just make sure if you do get one from Halfords that you give it a good look over once build in the bike hut their;)

Standard of Halfords bike 'mechanics' probably varied ...girl in Liffey Valley seems very knowledgeable and pleasant.Prices charged by some bike shops for routine maintenance jobs literally ridiculous !!!Might eb cheaper to send it in to a BMW garage for a once over !Make friends with someone 'handy' in the local club scene and save a fortune !Ultimately though its far more rewarding (and reassuring!)to DIY.

YeahOK

Thanks for the input, might have a look at the Boardman.

macnab

I have a 2010 Boardman Team Carbon, its still in standard trim with no consumables changed after about 5000km. The bike has been faultless.
I got a rush of blood last year when I saw a Trek Madone 5.2 Pro frame for sale in my size. I bought the frame and built it up with Dura-Ace group set and other top quality parts at a total cost of about €2500.
The result is a sub 7kg that feels fan bloody tastic, is it faster than my Boardman I hear you ask.....no.
Having said that I think the Canyon is a sexy looking machine, not sure if I would spend €450 extra for it though (the Boardman Pro is €1742.49 with an AXA discount of 15%)