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Carbon bike choice??

  • 16-12-2013 08:30PM
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭


    Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,004 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    quidel wrote: »
    Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.

    As far as I know Trek prices have come down for 2014 whereas Specialized prices have increased therefore I would go for whatever bike offers the best value for a similar spec. Which 3 series madone is it. Post the spec for both and the prices for 2014 for a better synopsis.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 22,976 Mod ✭✭✭✭Brian?


    Any reason for narrowing it down to those 2?

    they/them/theirs


    The more you can increase fear of drugs and crime, welfare mothers, immigrants and aliens, the more you control all of the people.

    Noam Chomsky



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,574 ✭✭✭ZiabR


    Do you have the specs of both bikes handy? That would really make the decision easier. Also, what prices are you talking about?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭quidel


    No reason for narrowing it down to those two, just happened to be the two I was shown if I was to go as far a buying a carbon bike.

    Details I can remember-

    Trek Madone 3.1 (~€1700) - Frame 300 series OCLV Carbon; Fork: Trek Carbon Road; Wheels Bontrager Approved Alloy; Groupset Shimano 105/Tiagra Mix

    Specialized Tarmac Elite (~€2000) Frame Specialized FACT 8rCarbon; Fork Specialized FACT Carbon; Shifters Shimano 105 STi; Cassette Shimano Tiagra 10 Speed; Crankset FSA Gossamer Pro 52-36; Tyres Specialized Turbo Elite


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,008 ✭✭✭not yet


    Check out Defy 2 composite, full carbon, full 105 group set @ 1599


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,004 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    What are your intentions OP? Is it racing or sportives/lesisure. These 2 bikes would be race orientated and may not fit your requirements. If its for racing or fast rides then why not consider other options such as a Cannondale Super 6, Felt F series or a Giant TCR advanced


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 799 ✭✭✭mistermatthew


    quidel wrote: »
    Specialized Tarmac Elite Road bike or Trek Madone Three Series. Looked at both recently. Spec seems similar enough but the Specialized is a nice bit pricier. Any thoughts?? Hope to pick up a bike in the new year for long weekend cycles with a view to a few triathlons later in the year.

    After specialized behaviour these past few days I'd give them a miss,
    There are some beautiful other brands at that price range, perhaps a smaler less corporate entity deservses your money.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,105 ✭✭✭2 Wheels Good


    Wilier Izoard XP, can be got around the €1700 mark and is something a bit different.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 534 ✭✭✭denbatt


    Rose or canyon do bikes with full ultegra and better wheelsets for similer money.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,234 ✭✭✭✭Cee-Jay-Cee


    2013 Felt F5 is €1262 on Wiggle at the moment, 105 groupset with FSA compact crankset. Not a lot of money for a lot of bike. Felt F5


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 76 ✭✭quidel


    Mostly for leisure, out with the local cycling club, etc. but with a view to triathlons later in the year.

    Thanks for all the replies to date, very informative and plenty of alternatives go check out. Appreciated.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 964 ✭✭✭detones


    quidel wrote: »
    . but with a view to triathlons later in the year.

    Off to triathletes forum with ya so ;-)

    For 2000 I'd be looking for better components. Should get a decent bike with Ultegra or equivalent for that. Countless threads in here about it. Sure the Planet X pro carbon online can be had with Ultegra for £1000 sterling.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,004 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    What about a Cannondale Caad 10 which always gets great reviews and is the the best aluminium bike on the market rather then an entry level carbon bike.
    Costs around €1700
    http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/road/elite-road/caad10


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