Claud Butler Milano vs Viking Roma

Grudaire

Hi all, I had ordered a bike on the bike to work scheme (a Claud Butler Milano) which I was perfectly happy with. But unfortunately they are no longer in stock in my size.

I got an email today off the shop giving an alternative option... "The brand is a Viking, It has the same components as the Claud Butler but upgraded wheels, Bottom bracket and headset."
He also said: "size 59, Alloy frame and Carbon fork. The only difference is the tyres, however I will include the same lugano tyres that came on the claud butler. "

Milano

• Online reviews are very positive - haven't seem anything bad said
• Prices online would be similar - so I had no worries I was being ripped off

Viking Roma

• Online reviews are not so positive
• People on boards seem to think the Viking brand had gone to cr*p
• Prices online would be cheaper than what they would be chargine (ie the same price)

I want to get the damn bike as quick as possible, but am now confused. Are the shop trying to overcharge or is it still a good option?
I understand that the actual parts that go on the frame are a large part of how good the bike is.
I want to get onto them tomorrow morning - can you guys help?

RobFowl

I would class Calud Butler and Viking as being almost the same in terms of quality and reputation. Both very old names with a rich history in cycling but under new ownership and producing entry level bikes.

TheBlaaMan

Agreed. These are not great brands, and you can surely do better.

I dont know what are being asked to pay, but IMO, you should take the lack of the Claude Butler as a bit of blessing in disguise. I know you are anxious/impatient, but my advice would be to take a step back and consider what else your money will be able to get you...........as they say, buy in haste, repent at your own leisure...Take a few days to consider your options.

Tonyandthewhale

RobFowl wrote: »

producing entry level bikes.

A generous description. Although having said that I think claud butler are making some effort to establish themselves as a reputable brand (although I still wouldn't be tempted by one) whereas from what I've seen, viking are out and out shite.

RobFowl

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

A generous description. Although having said that I think claud butler are making some effort to establish themselves as a reputable brand (although I still wouldn't be tempted by one) whereas from what I've seen, viking are out and out shite.

I was being polite.
Wouldn't touch either tbh (but am an out and out bike snob...)

stewy19188

I bought a Claud Butler Milano in September and looked at the Viking too. Felt the Milano was a bit light and more balanced bike only not a big fan of the saddle on the Milano gonna change that next year you aren't really in a rush as the weather is not going to be great between now and Feb/March time.

mistermatthew

Cliste wrote: »

Hi all, I had ordered a bike on the bike to work scheme (a Claud Butler Milano) which I was perfectly happy with. But unfortunately they are no longer in stock in my size.

I got an email today off the shop giving an alternative option... "The brand is a Viking, It has the same components as the Claud Butler but upgraded wheels, Bottom bracket and headset."
He also said: "size 59, Alloy frame and Carbon fork. The only difference is the tyres, however I will include the same lugano tyres that came on the claud butler. "

Milano

• Online reviews are very positive - haven't seem anything bad said
• Prices online would be similar - so I had no worries I was being ripped off

Viking Roma

• Online reviews are not so positive
• People on boards seem to think the Viking brand had gone to cr*p
• Prices online would be cheaper than what they would be chargine (ie the same price)

I want to get the damn bike as quick as possible, but am now confused. Are the shop trying to overcharge or is it still a good option?
I understand that the actual parts that go on the frame are a large part of how good the bike is.
I want to get onto them tomorrow morning - can you guys help?

I would hold back if I were you. The Viking Roma is not a good bike. And especially unsuited to a beginner. http://m.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-viking-roma-11-45621
This review points out that the bike has a 42/52 front chainring which would kill you on the hills.
Not to be nosy but I'm guessing they are asking around 500euro for this bike? You can give the amount they are charging if you like. There are MUCH better options available and you will be glad you questioned this purchase.

If you give your price range then we can advise you on these options. (I'm assuming 500 for that bike).

Grudaire

Hmmmm, surprised at the opinion on the Milano - a quick search on the forum had comments like "I would go for the Sora equipped Claude Butler." etc etc. Seriously it's the first negative comments I've seen online!

The Milano was all Sora equipped, and I think the periferals on the Viking were not the bog standard ones..

I was quoted 750 for the Milano, they said they would do the same price for the Viking, but what has this thread started is that comments online etc are not as good..
The €750 didn't seem outrageous based on prices online. I have accepted that there will be some premium for the shopfront & after service stuff.

Not sure if this complicates your advice, but I have the voucher already got from work - I understand that it must be the bike shop that I got the quote from that I can use it in?

Grudaire

Thanks for all the replies by the way..!

also 'entry level' is fine by me - I'm more of a commuter who occasionally does longer cycles than an actual road cyclist! :P

RobFowl

What other brands does the shop stock?
A lot of the frames at this level are generic ones simply sprayed and badged by the company so i wouldn't be swayed by the brand name so much.
If you can get a Giant, ridley or trek at this price point it'd be better value in the longer run and more amenable to upgrades in the future.

Grudaire

They definitely have Giant bikes, but I'm not sure if it's at that pricepoint though...

I'll check tomorrow!

RobFowl

Cliste wrote: »

They definitely have Giant bikes, but I'm not sure if it's at that pricepoint though...

I'll check tomorrow!

A Giant Defy should be in your price range probably with shimano 2300 components which are a step below sora but it's a good quality frame which is IMO more important. If you get the bug seriously it'll be a good base to upgrade (you'll have to replace components as they wear out and thats alwasy a good opportunity to o for a better spec).
The Viking and Claud butler frames are nowhere near as well regarded although as a result they can usually put slightly better components on as the same price, false ecomony in the medium to loger term though.
I am a complete snob with bikes but would happily be seen on a Giant Defy but nevr on a Claud B or Viking (unless they were classics 531's from the 60's or 70's )

Grudaire

RobFowl wrote: »

A Giant Defy should be in your price range probably with shimano 2300 components which are a step below sora but it's a good quality frame which is IMO more important. If you get the bug seriously it'll be a good base to upgrade (you'll have to replace components as they wear out and thats alwasy a good opportunity to o for a better spec).
The Viking and Claud butler frames are nowhere near as well regarded although as a result they can usually put slightly better components on as the same price, false ecomony in the medium to loger term though.
I am a complete snob with bikes but would happily be seen on a Giant Defy but nevr on a Claud B or Viking (unless they were classics 531's from the 60's or 70's )

Very interesting...

I'll chat to them tomorrow about that!

Now as long as nobody shows up disagreeing with what you said I'll be happy!

Out of curiosity what makes the Giant Defy so much better as a frame? It's obviously more than just weight?

RobFowl

Cliste wrote: »

Very interesting...

I'll chat to them tomorrow about that!

Now as long as nobody shows up disagreeing with what you said I'll be happy!

Out of curiosity what makes the Giant Defy so much better as a frame? It's obviously more than just weight?

It's more the build quality and the R+D which goes into the ride quality. Basically they are better built and nicer to ride....

Grudaire

Interesting! Thanks for all the help Rob!

Icyseanfitz

+1 on a giant or reputable brand over either of those two, viking are utter ****e, cant really comment on claud butler but ive heard similarly bad stuff about them, 700-800 will get you a lovely starter bike from a good brand

TheBlaaMan

Cliste wrote: »

also 'entry level' is fine by me - I'm more of a commuter who occasionally does longer cycles than an actual road cyclist! :P

Cliste

The thing here is that you need to buy with a view to ensuring (as far as possible) that you will be as satisfied in 3 years with the purchase as you are in 3 days. You may not be a 'sports'/road cyclist, but you may progress to one. IF you have the funds to re-finance a better bike within a year or so, then the CB ot Viking may be OK, but if this is a purchase for the next few years (and the BtW scheme will not be available to you again for 5 years...) then you will get a better machine than either of those for about the same money. Lastly, the trade-in value of either of those is going to be rock bottom, in order words, high depreciation on your purchase.

Grudaire

Don't worry - the consensus seems to be very much to try get a Giant/Other brand!

I'll follow your advice boardsies!

Grudaire

One last question lads...

Would Lombardo also be up to scratch? (I want to double check things now)

I'll be either getting a Giant or Lombardo come the end of January

Tonyandthewhale

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Lombardo

Dave Lombardo? Yeah, I suppose he's competent enough if you're into that sort of thing. Thrash metal isn't really my scene though.

If you're refering to some other Lombardo then you might want to through up a link because I can't say I've heard of it (which doesn't bode well to be honest).

Grudaire

I'll post up which one exactly when he sends me on an email

Grudaire

Thanks for all your help guys, looks like I'll go for a Giant Defy 4 XL