Flat Bar Road Bike €600-€700 Recommendations?

Lemlin

Right folks,

I've looked into different types of bikes etc. over the past few weeks and have decided that I'd like to go with a flat bar racer/road cruiser/fitness bike (I've seen different companies tend to give them different names).

I think that type will fit my needs - bike is for short one hour or two hour 20 to 40km cycles which are basically to help my fitness and build strength in my legs for running. Bike will be used on roads.

My budget is €600 to €700 and I'm looking at the following bikes:

Kellys Physio 10 - €659
http://colgansports.com/kelly-s-physio-10.html

Specialized Sirrus Sport - 659
http://www.mycycle.ie/specialized-sirrus-sport-2013-p/sp2012.htm

Giant Rapid 4 - €599
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=60175

Trek 7.3 - €715
http://www.wheelworx.ie/bikes/hybrid/mens-hybrid/Trek-7.3-Mens-2013-Red

Before people say it I have an Allez Sport with curved handlebars but want to change to a straight bar bike.

Which of the above would be the best or are there any others of this type people would recommend?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Lumen

Would you not just stick straight bars on your Allez, or would that be too stretched out?

Seaneh

At about that price range I have a Lapierre RCR 100 a few years ago, think that model is called the Shaper now, I liked it, but c'mere, I know you're not happy with the feel of your Allez, buy would you consider tweeking the setup on the bike before committing to a brand new bike?

There are little things that can make a massive difference. Maybe one of the experienced roadies in your area would be willing to spend 20 minutes with you and adjusting saddle height, handle bar height etc and see if it makes any difference?

Or even little things like changing the bars altogether, a lot cheaper than buying a new bike.

Try something like the OnOne Midge bars, they are dropped but are very flared so are more "stable" feeling, I even know of a few lads who's put them on XC bikes and love them.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HBOOMI/on_one_midge_handlebar

But if you're fully committed to it maybe second hand is the way to go?

All of the models you've mentioned, along with the Shaper and a few others are very good and much of a muchness spec wise.

Lemlin

The Allez is now gone lads. I sold it. It was a good bike but just not for me.

I'd prefer to go new than second hand.

Seaneh

Well, going new means you're limited in what you'll get for your money. But all the bikes you listed are fine to be honest.

This Boardman is about the same as well.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_875969_langId_-1_categoryId_212377



But if you go second hand, you will get a better groupset, better wheels and a carbon fork for about the same price, easily.

Seaneh

The boardman also has mounts on the forks and frame for disc breaks if you ever decide you want them... if you got into CX racing they might be handy.

Lemlin

Seaneh wrote: »

Well, going new means you're limited in what you'll get for your money. But all the bikes you listed are fine to be honest.

This Boardman is about the same as well.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_875969_langId_-1_categoryId_212377



But if you go second hand, you will get a better groupset, better wheels and a carbon fork for about the same price, easily.

Thing is I don't trust the staff in a large chain like Halfords to have much knowledge.

The few times I've gone into my local shop in Cavan they haven't had a clue. I've heard there's one good knowledgeable fella works there but I haven't found him to date.

I worked in a large UK chain before while in college and the majority of the staff, like myself at the time, were just there to make the numbers and get a few pound.

Seaneh

Lemlin wrote: »

Thing is I don't trust the staff in a large chain like Halfords to have much knowledge.

The few times I've gone into my local shop in Cavan they haven't had a clue. I've heard there's one good knowledgeable fella works there but I haven't found him to date.

I worked in a large UK chain before while in college and the majority of the staff, like myself at the time, were just there to make the numbers and get a few pound.

The lads on here speak highly of the staff in the bike dept of one of the halfords in Dublin, so maybe if you can find out which store that is you could buy it from there, that way you know it's built properly and then if you have any issued in future you can still bring it to your local store for warranty stuff? And if you or a friend are Axa insurance clients you could use the 10% discount for AXA clients in halfords and save even more money.

G rock

Lemlin wrote: »

Thing is I don't trust the staff in a large chain like Halfords to have much knowledge.

The few times I've gone into my local shop in Cavan they haven't had a clue. I've heard there's one good knowledgeable fella works there but I haven't found him to date.

I worked in a large UK chain before while in college and the majority of the staff, like myself at the time, were just there to make the numbers and get a few pound.

Take a trip to cyclize in Virginia. Nice fellas and know their stuff. Not very far away from you

Lemlin

G rock wrote: »

Take a trip to cyclize in Virginia. Nice fellas and know their stuff. Not very far away from you

Their Virginia store is very geared towards Specialized so I've no doubt they'd advise me to go with it.

I know another store will advise Kellys because they seemed geared to it. Even gave me a Kellys catalogue when I went in and told me to read it, pick my bike and come back! Even though they had five or six other brands!

That's why I wanted to get some fully impartial advice on here.

Invincible

Lemlin wrote: »

Right folks,

I've looked into different types of bikes etc. over the past few weeks and have decided that I'd like to go with a flat bar racer/road cruiser/fitness bike (I've seen different companies tend to give them different names).

I think that type will fit my needs - bike is for short one hour or two hour 20 to 40km cycles which are basically to help my fitness and build strength in my legs for running. Bike will be used on roads.

My budget is €600 to €700 and I'm looking at the following bikes:

Kellys Physio 10 - €659
http://colgansports.com/kelly-s-physio-10.html

Specialized Sirrus Sport - 659
http://www.mycycle.ie/specialized-sirrus-sport-2013-p/sp2012.htm

Giant Rapid 4 - €599
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=60175

Trek 7.3 - €715
http://www.wheelworx.ie/bikes/hybrid/mens-hybrid/Trek-7.3-Mens-2013-Red

Before people say it I have an Allez Sport with curved handlebars but want to change to a straight bar bike.

Which of the above would be the best or are there any others of this type people would recommend?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

You should get 10% off when buying straight, so you can add the Rapid 3 to your list. I know of 2 shops in Dublin that give that off the R.R.P when buying without voucher schemes.

Lemlin

Invincible wrote: »

You should get 10% off when buying straight, so you can add the Rapid 3 to your list. I know of 2 shops in Dublin that give that off the R.R.P when buying without voucher schemes.

Is it worth the extra €150 for the Rapid 4?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=60181

Invincible

Lemlin wrote: »

Is it worth the extra €150 for the Rapid 4?

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=60181

Considering your discount, the difference should be €135, for that the 3 has a composite fork and a higher spec rear derailleur and in the 2013 version is a nicer colour, not sure if the 2014 is in stock yet, I know the Defy is as got one 5 weeks ago.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bike-compare/

at1withmyself

For me from your list above the Giant wins hands down, as Invinvible says the 3 has better spec but either way the next bike up will always be better and 'only' a few pound dearer. If you can afford then fire ahead and buy but the Rapid 4 is still a lovely bike,

Sign up online for the CSS loyalty scheme for a discount on the bike and components should you need any:

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/loyaltyapplicationform.asp

Lemlin

The Rapid 4 for 2014 looks nice:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-in/bikes/model/rapid.4.triple/15213/67070/

Lemlin

Seaneh wrote: »

Well, going new means you're limited in what you'll get for your money. But all the bikes you listed are fine to be honest.

This Boardman is about the same as well.

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_875969_langId_-1_categoryId_212377



But if you go second hand, you will get a better groupset, better wheels and a carbon fork for about the same price, easily.

Halfords seem to have three Hybrids around the 600 bracket. Theey have a Comp, Performance and Race Hybrid. Are there any big differences between the three?