Back in the Saddle - Advice Please....?

crosstownk

I used to race about 20 years ago but with wife, work, mortgage, kids, etc., my fitness has slid. Recently I've been back on the bike with a view to completing a few sportives (100km-ish) in 2014.

Currently I've a Giant hybrid that I use regularly for commuting and with the kids on weekends but it's a bit cumbersome over longer distances (+30km) and like a parachute going downhill.

I'm thinking of a Giant Defy 5 / Sepcialized Allez type of bike. My budget is max €800 and I'll also need better clothing, shoes and SPD-SL pedals.

What do you knowledgeable folks recommend to keep this within budget?

Thanks in advance.

coastwatch

That sounds like a good plan. I think new bikes at that price are not going to feel a whole lot different than your hybrid (weight wise), but they'll look the part. I think you'd be better off with a better spec 2nd hand bike, maybe a higher spec of those models. If it has to be new and you know your size, the Canyon Roadlite is probably still the best deal around imo

ford2600

500-600 will get you a near new defy2 spec or similar.
For 800 you should be able to get a good 105 spec carbon 2nd hand if you look around.
If btw scheme then new it is.

DaithiMC

I bought this bike http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_789247_langId_-1_categoryId_212536 a year ago and at about €100 more than the current price. I know that Giant, Specialised, etc. are the market leaders in terms of brand but I don't think many bikes will come close to this in terms of value and I reckon part of the value is that some are turned off at the thought of buying from Halford's. Anyway, I think I was in a similar position to you last year and I have put up 5k km on this bike this year, including several sportives and besides the usual rolling issues of tyre changes and punctures I have not had any problems with it. In paticular I am very happy with the frame, quality of build and responsiveness. Con might be the Sora groupset but it has been reliable.

I am reasonably mechanical, will change most bits on a bike so I was not put off by variable in-shop expertise as I knew I could fix most things myself but have not had much to do except lubricate and clean.

crosstownk

I'm getting ever closer to my decision but that said, my mind is not made up yet.

I've come across a good deal on Wiggle on a 2013 Felt Z95 and am also waiting on a quote from my LBS on a 2014 Defy 5. I'm leaning towards the Felt despite the fact that I sooner deal with my LBS.

I like the spec an look of the Felt ahead of the Giant.

Any pointers or advice?

Cee-Jay-Cee

If there is no or little difference on the price between the two then go with the one you like the look of, best. If you go for the Defy but prefer the look of the felt then you may regret it. Looks are every bit as important as spec price etc when choosing a bike.

I think the Felt is a much nicer looking bike than the Defy and I would choose it if it were my decision.

crosstownk

CJC999 wrote: »

If there is no or little difference on the price between the two then go with the one you like the look of, best. If you go for the Defy but prefer the look of the felt then you may regret it. Looks are every bit as important as spec price etc when choosing a bike.

I think the Felt is a much nicer looking bike than the Defy and I would choose it if it were my decision.

Yes, I agree. But I'll take spec above looks any day and I'm still leaning towards the Felt.

AltAccount

You'll probably find this better value than the other two, and can pick up some new gear while you're up there:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-a-id_8239801.html

crosstownk

AltAccount wrote: »

You'll probably find this better value than the other two, and can pick up some new gear while you're up there:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-a-id_8239801.html

Good call. Thanks for making my decision more complicated

Outsidethebox

coastwatch wrote: »

That sounds like a good plan. I think new bikes at that price are not going to feel a whole lot different than your hybrid (weight wise), but they'll look the part. I think you'd be better off with a better spec 2nd hand bike, maybe a higher spec of those models. If it has to be new and you know your size, the Canyon Roadlite is probably still the best deal around imo

Hi coastwatch,

Happened to come across this post here.

Is this roadlite a decent purchase?

I mountain bike and have a giant and a trek but the old man has been onto me with a while to get into the road biking. He has always been into it aswell as the mountain biking but now being retired he is at both goodo.

The reason I ask is I said Id get a road bike on the cycle to work scheme and left him to pick it and this is the one I took delivery of this week.

I took it out of the box to have a look at it but because its a combined present between my parents and my wife (and myself!) I had to put it back in the box until christmas day.

Anyway, please tell me its a good machine and the old man just didn't have too many cans of guinness that night?

Cheers,
OTB

PS. Sorry to OP for going slightly off topic.

PPS. I got the dark grey and blue one. It is incredibly dark. Literally like an all black bike. Not that it matters it is just a bit unusual I thought.

coastwatch

Compared to the big name brands at the €1000 point, you get better components and kit, good frame and a lighter bike. The frame has a tall head tube so the riding position is more upright / relaxed, which makes it a good choice as a starter road bike or for people switching from Hybrids. I'm sure there are more than a few owners on here can confirm.
Good choice by the old man, here deserves a really good pair of socks this christmas