Comparing Bikes / Your Advice on any other bike

cloneslad

Hi

I am going to buy a new road bike, I take part in quite a few long distance road running events, as well as some mountain / off road running events. I’m looking to start cycling now too, with the aim of doing some triathlons to try cut down on the amount I run, and to change up my exercise.

Anyway, I have been looking at a few bikes online:
Cannondale CAAD8 7 Sora 2013 Compact Road Bike - €810.74
Cannondale CAAD8 2300 2013 Compact Road Bike - €694.91

The price difference between them doesn’t bother me, I’ll gladly pay an extra €115 to have a better bike, if the first one is better.


Any advice on which bike would suit me better? I'm also open to suggestions for other bikes too. I probably won’t spend much more than €900 - €1,000 on the bike itself, because i’ll need to kit myself out with accessories (shorts, cages, pedals, helmet etc).

Also, what type of pedals / shoes would you recommend for me too? Bearing in mind I’ve only ever ridden a €50 bike to and from work and have no prior experience with clip shoes.



If it helps I'm 5ft 9 and weigh about 68kg, and I like long walks on the beach, poetry by yeats and stamp collecting.

Buzwaldo

Probably worth the extra for the better gears. Clip less pedals are better and only take a small bit of getting used to. Not qualified to suggest other brands.

cloneslad

Hi Buzwaldo

Thanks for your reply. I've been looking around online and trying to find out as much information on different bikes as I can, so it's nice to get some input from others.

Lumen

They're both good bikes, but in your budget (900-1000) you're in the range of 105 or SRAM Apex.

http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bikes-c5/road-bikes-c18/scott-speedster-20-compact-drive-20-speed-road-bike-2013-p207832

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/series/roadlite-al.html

Of those the Canyon has better wheels and tyres.

cloneslad

Hi Lumen

Thanks for that, they both look like great bikes too, and are giving me something to think about.

Do you know if either of them would be available in shops in the Dublin area? I was going to buy online, but I don't mind paying a small bit more to go to a shop in Ireland, especially if they have a good after-sales service.

Lumen

cloneslad wrote: »

Hi Lume

Thanks for that, they both look like great bikes too, and are giving me something to think about.

Do you know if either of them would be available in shops in the Dublin area? I was going to buy online, but I don't mind paying a small bit more to go to a shop in Ireland, especially if they have a good after-sales service.

Canyon no, Scott yes.

For instance, that £799 Scott Speedster 20 is available from Wheelworx for €1300.

http://www.wheelworx.ie/scott?product_id=4536

Bargain. :rolleyes:

cloneslad

I'm all for supporting Irish businesses, but I prefer not being robbed while I'm at it.

jimmycrackcorm

cloneslad wrote: »

I'm all for supporting Irish businesses, but I prefer not being robbed while I'm at it.

Wheelworx will give a free lifetime servicing and parts warranty which would be worth the extra (provided it's convenient for you)

cloneslad

jimmycrackcorm wrote: »

Wheelworx will give a free lifetime servicing and parts warranty which would be worth the extra (provided it's convenient for you)

That's a good service to offer, and it would help sway me a bit.