Best road bike for €1,250 max.

Pope John 11

I am wondering if anyone could advise us on the best road bike for under €1,250

I have cycled this Wilier, in October last. It is still available, however not in the bike shops

Specification And Features of Wilier La Triestina Road Bike 2013

• Frame - 7000 Alu. Alloy, Triple Butted
• Fork - Carbon / Alu. Steerer
• Headset - FSA Orbit Integrated
• Rear Hub - Shimano WR501
• Front Hub - Shimano WR501
• Spokes - Shimano WR501
• Rims - Shimano WR501
• Tyres - CST 700x23
• Shift Levers - Shimano 105
• Front Derailleur - Shimano 105
• Rear Derailleur - Shimano 105
• Cassette - Shmano CS4600 11-25T
• Chain - Shmano CN4601
• Crankset - FSA Gossamer / Wilier, 50/34T
• Bottom Bracket - FSA
• Seatpost - FSA SL 280
• Saddle - Prologo Phorma / Wilier
• Bar - FSA Vero Compact
• Stem - FSA OS190
• Brakes - FSA Gossamer / Wilier
• Brake Levers - Shimano 105
• Pedals - None included

Cost €1250

How does this compare to the Giant Defy 1 for similar price or should I be looking at a different bike.

I am based in Dublin so would like to make our mind up as soon as possible

Gavlor

What about something like this:

http://www.cyclesuk.com/48652/products/moda-echo-mens-2013-road-bike-black-and-orange.aspx

A few irish shops stock moda afaik

Higher end alloy or lower end carbon is always a tough one!

com1

http://planetxireland.com/products-page/sl-pro-carbon-bikes/

happytramp

I'm a big fan of wilier bikes. Think they look great.

Pope John 11

Gavlor wrote: »

What about something like this:

http://www.cyclesuk.com/48652/products/moda-echo-mens-2013-road-bike-black-and-orange.aspx

A few irish shops stock moda afaik

Higher end alloy or lower end carbon is always a tough one!

Gavlor, do you know which shops stock this bike. I have had a look online but cannot find one.

Pope John 11

FrameALUXX SL-Grade AluminiumForkCarbon Composite, OverDrive aluminium steererHandlebarGiant Connect, 31.8StemGiant ConnectSeatpostGiant Connect Composite, 30.9SaddleGiant Performance Road, Men'sShiftersShimano 105Front DerailleurShimano 105Rear DerailleurShimano 105BrakesTektro TK-R540 Giant Specific, Dual PivotBrake LeversShimano 105CassetteShimano Tiagra 12x30, 10-spChainKMC X10CranksetShimano R565, 34/50Bottom BracketShimano, Press FitRimsP-Elite C WheelsetHubsP-Elite C WheelsetSpokesP-Elite C WheelsetTyresGiant P-R3, Flat Guard, Front and Rear Specific, 700x25Weight9.56kg / 21.08lbsFrameALUXX SL-Grade AluminiumForkCarbon Composite, OverDrive aluminium steererHandlebarGiant Connect, 31.8StemGiant ConnectSeatpostGiant Connect Composite, 30.9SaddleGiant Performance Road, Men'sShiftersShimano 105Front DerailleurShimano 105Rear DerailleurShimano 105BrakesTektro TK-R540 Giant Specific, Dual PivotBrake LeversShimano 105CassetteShimano Tiagra 12x30, 10-spChainKMC X10CranksetShimano R565, 34/50Bottom BracketShimano, Press FitRimsP-Elite C WheelsetHubsP-Elite C WheelsetSpokesP-Elite C WheelsetTyresGiant P-R3, Flat Guard, Front and Rear Specific, 700x25Weight9.56kg / 21.08lbshttp://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/giant-defy-1-14

This is the spec to the Giant Defy 1.

Which has the better specced bike?

cython

This one popped up in the bargain alerts thread the other day, and looks like a decent deal IMHO, though I have to concede that I know nothing of the brand and it's a new enough marque so little reputation to go on: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r10-rival-2013/

If the frame is any way decent though, the combination of the wheels and Rival look like making it a decent buy, if you're open to SRAM of course.

furiousox

The Bike Hub in Howth stock Wilier, have you spoken to them?
And remember....;)
Giants = Toyota
Wilier = Alfa Romeo

Pope John 11

furiousox wrote: »

The Bike Hub in Howth stock Wilier, have you spoken to them?
And remember....;)
Giants = Toyota
Wilier = Alfa Romeo

I have been out there last year when they had the La Triestina wilier in stock. It is not on the wilier release list for this year, the montegrappe elite I think has replaced it.

Based on waht you are saying above the Giants are better built, will last longer and of lower spec. is this the case?

What would you recommend as an entry level bike, but a bike for the next 5 years or so.

furiousox

Depends on your objectives.
Will you be riding for training/leisure or do you intend to race?
The Giant would be a good all rounder, the Wilier might be a bit more aggressive.
Don't rush into a decision, take your time and do plenty of research.
Worth visiting all the LBS and seeing what's available.
CSS, Cycleways, Wheelworx etc.
I tested a Scott CR1 last year (among others) and felt then that it was the right bike for me.
I ended up buying a Felt Z5 which ticked all the boxes I was looking for.
Now the Felt is sold and I have my CR1 and I know I have the right bike (for me)
Seems to me you've already got your heart set on a Wilier?
Might be over budget, but the GT looks good.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-wilier-bikes-gran-turismo-12-us-ultegra-build-46203/

Follow your instinct, you'll know when you've found the right one.

Scrappy600

furiousox wrote: »

Depends on your objectives.
Will you be riding for training/leisure or do you intend to race?
The Giant would be a good all rounder, the Wilier might be a bit more aggressive.
Don't rush into a decision, take your time and do plenty of research.
Worth visiting all the LBS and seeing what's available.
CSS, Cycleways, Wheelworx etc.
I tested a Scott CR1 last year (among others) and felt then that it was the right bike for me.
I ended up buying a Felt Z5 which ticked all the boxes I was looking for.
Now the Felt is sold and I have my CR1 and I know I have the right bike (for me)
Seems to me you've already got your heart set on a Wilier?
Might be over budget, but the GT looks good.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-wilier-bikes-gran-turismo-12-us-ultegra-build-46203/

Follow your instinct, you'll know when you've found the right one.

I looked at the cr-1 in wheelworx a while back, 1300 quid for 9 speed sora is in no way good value or worth it on a lower end carbon frame. Way over priced, op should consider what group set they're getting as well as whether or not to get carbon or aluminium.

Gavlor

Pope John 11 wrote: »

Gavlor, do you know which shops stock this bike. I have had a look online but cannot find one.

Waterford cycle centre and walls in kk afaik in the south east.

Might take a bit of ringing around

Cyclewizard

furiousox wrote: »

The Bike Hub in Howth stock Wilier, have you spoken to them?
And remember....;)
Giants = Toyota
Wilier = Alfa Romeo

I'd say the Wilier's are far nicer than alfa romeo's!

Italian bikes anrn't comparable with their car manufacturing or no one would buy them!

conkennedy

furiousox wrote: »

The Bike Hub in Howth stock Wilier, have you spoken to them?
And remember....;)
Giants = Toyota
Wilier = Alfa Romeo

Don't Alfa's rust to bits?

Peter T

Id check out Merida bikes too. Iv one myself use it for leisure riding and find it great.

furiousox

Scrappy600 wrote: »

I looked at the cr-1 in wheelworx a while back, 1300 quid for 9 speed sora is in no way good value or worth it on a lower end carbon frame. Way over priced, op should consider what group set they're getting as well as whether or not to get carbon or aluminium.

I wasn't putting the CR1 forward as good value for money for the OP, I just mentioned it as it was my experience of using your gut instinct when buying a bike.
I agree 1300 isn't great value for a Sora equipped bike (I bought one with ultegra/105) but I wouldn't consider the CR1 a 'lower end carbon frame' either.

TheBlaaMan

conkennedy wrote: »

Don't Alfa's rust to bits?

If you posted this thirty years ago, you might have had a point. Not now.

Italian all the way ..... :P

Anyone can justify buying a Nippo-bland car on any number of levels. Same with the 'big' bike manufacturers. Do something different, stand out in a crowd.....get the Wilier.

Lumen

Wilier, by their own admission, would not be the greatest engineers in the world.

You don't buy an Italian-branded bike for state of the art engineering, you buy it cos it makes a party in your pants.

Pope John 11

I have uploaded a bike spec. for comparions. Any further thoughts appreciated.

Own current thoughts:

La Triestina - Its a 2013 bike, cassette 11-25, is this an issue for a entry level - Loved the feel of it, 23mm tyres, rode it Sept last, and would love to ride it again if it was in stock! Does anyone have a weight for this bike

Giant Defy 1 Cant really fault it, similar spec to La Triestina and price similar to all others, heavier bike at 9.56kgs, 25mm tyres, rode this bike today

Cube Peloton Race Compact Cant really fault it, similar spec to La Triestina and price similar to all others, light bike at 8.7kgs, rode this bike today, could not tell the difference with the Giant Defy 1. It looks as if it is better specced than the Giant. Pushing towards this over the Giant.

Scott Speedster 20 I had planned to ride this today, not in stock though. Again heavier bike at 9.4kgs. It seems less specced than the Cube, therefore pushing towards the Cube.

Planet X SL Pro Carbon Shimano Ultegra A poster above threw this bike into the mix. Would love to ride this as it seems to be very highly specced in comparison to the other 4 bikes. Any thoughts on this one. Where can one get hold of this bike in Dublin for a test ride!

All thoughts are welcome, we are looking to hold onto this bike for the next 5 years, hence the detailed investigation before purchasing!!!

Brian?

The Planet X stands out by a mile as the best spec'd bike.

Pope John 11

Brian? wrote: »

The Planet X stands out by a mile as the best spec'd bike.

I see that alright, but would anyone pick one of the other bikes over the Planet X.

OnLooker

Its an interesting discussion because I'm looking at the same price range but may stretch to the Scott Speedster S10 due to the Ultegra groupset.

The Giant Defy 1 was voted best bike of the year for this Budget by Cycling Plus in 2013 which is interesting.

Another one to throw into the mix could be the Cannondale CAAD8.

It really is all about your comfort on the bike. The S10 is probably a different bike to the Defy as the Speedster would be a bit more racey and not aimed at comfort as much as the Defy.

Brian?

Pope John 11 wrote: »

I see that alright, but would anyone pick one of the other bikes over the Planet X.

Plenty of people do, I don't actually understand why.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-planet-x-sl-pro-carbon-10-36958/

mirv

Actually, the Eastway 1.0 Rival beats the Planet X Pro Carbon Ultegra in terms of spec/price ratio as well as price, by a good mile. Its stock weight is 7.0kg and comes with Mavic Cosmic Elites. The Planet X bike is over 1kg heavier, which you'd have to spend a good €300-400 to make up.

Although the choice of SRAM vs Shimano is an ecumenical matter.

Brian?

mirv wrote: »

Actually, the Eastway 1.0 Rival beats the Planet X Pro Carbon Ultegra in terms of spec/price ratio as well as price, by a good mile. Its stock weight is 7.0kg and comes with Mavic Cosmic Elites. The Planet X bike is over 1kg heavier, which you'd have to spend a good €300-400 to make up.

Although the choice of SRAM vs Shimano is an ecumenical matter.

SRAM Rival is a step below Ultegra though , it's more in the 105 area. I think.

mirv

Barely though, Rival has carbon levers as well and the shifter internals are the same throughout SRAMs range so it's up there with Force/Red save for titanium bits, so its more Ultegra than 105.

The 1kg difference in weight is really something though, you really would have to spend a decent amount to get the Planet X that much lighter.

Pope John 11

Brian? wrote: »

SRAM Rival is a step below Ultegra though , it's more in the 105 area. I think.

I have attached the typical component levels which I found online

Brian?

Pope John 11 wrote: »

I have attached the typical component levels which I found online

That list is wrong. It's missing SRAM Red, which is the pro level SRAM groupset, not Force.

There is no mention of 11-speed or electronic groupsets either.

Brian?

mirv wrote: »

Barely though, Rival has carbon levers as well and the shifter internals are the same throughout SRAMs range so it's up there with Force/Red save for titanium bits, so its more Ultegra than 105.

Fair enough, I don't know a huge amount about SRAM to be honest.

The 1kg difference in weight is really something though, you really would have to spend a decent amount to get the Planet X that much lighter.

1kg in weight is huge alright.

Pope John 11

mirv wrote: »

Actually, the Eastway 1.0 Rival beats the Planet X Pro Carbon Ultegra in terms of spec/price ratio as well as price, by a good mile. Its stock weight is 7.0kg and comes with Mavic Cosmic Elites. The Planet X bike is over 1kg heavier, which you'd have to spend a good €300-400 to make up.

Although the choice of SRAM vs Shimano is an ecumenical matter.

Has anyone a spec on this bike, the Eastway 1.0 Rival, from what I see online it seems to cost more than €1,250 mark

Cyclewizard

conkennedy wrote: »

Don't Alfa's rust to bits?

My mate had one. they have improved recently apparently but build quality isnt great. they certainly dont deserve to be compared to those lovely wiliers

Pope John 11

The Canyon Roadlite AL 7.0 seems like a good buy at €1,299 however I assume this can be only bought online and not in a LBS.

ironkiwi

Pope John 11 wrote: »

The Canyon Roadlite AL 7.0 seems like a good buy at €1,299 however I assume this can be only bought online and not in a LBS.

I pulled the trigger on this last week, hopefully will be delivered next week, I think this is excellent value, with Ultegra groupset aswell, can't go wrong

Pope John 11

ironkiwi wrote: »

I pulled the trigger on this last week, hopefully will be delivered next week, I think this is excellent value, with Ultegra groupset aswell, can't go wrong

Are you going through the bike to work scheme

ironkiwi

Pope John 11 wrote: »

Are you going through the bike to work scheme

Sorry should have mentioned that I'm not going through the BTW scheme, check if you can though but I'm not sure as this was an online sale. Don't know of any LBS selling Canyons.

mirv

Pope John 11 wrote: »

Has anyone a spec on this bike, the Eastway 1.0 Rival, from what I see online it seems to cost more than €1,250 mark

It's linked earlier in this thread.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/eastway-r10-rival-2013/

Pearlstone

This is worth a look
http://www.turasbikes.com/volata-fs/

And they do bike to work

Pope John 11

ironkiwi wrote: »

Sorry should have mentioned that I'm not going through the BTW scheme, check if you can though but I'm not sure as this was an online sale. Don't know of any LBS selling Canyons.

Its a pity because they are really nice bikes in terms of both the look and spec

ironkiwi

Pope John 11 wrote: »

Its a pity because they are really nice bikes in terms of both the look and spec

Just found this on an email from Canyon about my order, worth looking into I guess

Purchasing a Canyon Bike using the Bike to Workscheme.
At present this is possible for customers in Ireland, but not in the rest ofthe UK

Pope John 11

ironkiwi wrote: »

Just found this on an email from Canyon about my order, worth looking into I guess

Purchasing a Canyon Bike using the Bike to Workscheme.
At present this is possible for customers in Ireland, but not in the rest ofthe UK

I think you are right, so this is what I am thinking now, a Canyon Roadlite AL 7.0, ultregra spec and mavic akisum wheels, has anyone ordered this and how long did it take to deliver. I like the look of the bike too. https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3193

ironkiwi

Pope John 11 wrote: »

I think you are right, so this is what I am thinking now, a Canyon Roadlite AL 7.0, ultregra spec and mavic akisum wheels, has anyone ordered this and how long did it take to deliver. I like the look of the bike too. https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3193

Great value for money in my opinion, thats why I pulled the trigger on this, I ordered it last week, emailed them today to see when its being shipped and they said tomorrow.

Pope John 11

ironkiwi wrote: »

Great value for money in my opinion, thats why I pulled the trigger on this, I ordered it last week, emailed them today to see when its being shipped and they said tomorrow.

ironkiwi, you might let me know your shipping time. I am approx. 5ft 11" height, but I cant seem to get the frame icon to work on their website. From checking out bikes I seem to be a 56. Is this a large frame or a medium in Canyon terms.

I see on this thread, also people seem to have issues regarding the heights. Anyone here care to elaborate.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=83089752

I like the bike and the group set, but it will depend on delivery etc.

ironkiwi

Pope John 11 wrote: »

ironkiwi, you might let me know your shipping time. I am approx. 5ft 11" height, but I cant seem to get the frame icon to work on their website. From checking out bikes I seem to be a 56. Is this a large frame or a medium in Canyon terms.

I see on this thread, also people seem to have issues regarding the heights. Anyone here care to elaborate.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=83089752

I like the bike and the group set, but it will depend on delivery etc.

Ya no problem, I'll let you know.

56cm frame is a Medium on Canyon bikes, people have problems using there online calculator for frame size where it takes your dimensions. It apparently gives people odd results. I was always a 54cm frame and I'm 5'9 so I went with the 54cm again.

Pope John 11

ironkiwi wrote: »

Ya no problem, I'll let you know.

56cm frame is a Medium on Canyon bikes, people have problems using there online calculator for frame size where it takes your dimensions. It apparently gives people odd results. I was always a 54cm frame and I'm 5'9 so I went with the 54cm again.

Thanks for that. I will take measurements tomorrow based on this website and see what comes out.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp#measures

Pope John 11

On the other hand if the Canyon does not come off, I might purchase from this store. They provide free servicing for certain bikes for life.

http://fitzcycles.ie/p/1688/felt-f

mcgratheoin

Pope John 11 wrote: »

ironkiwi, you might let me know your shipping time. I am approx. 5ft 11" height, but I cant seem to get the frame icon to work on their website. From checking out bikes I seem to be a 56. Is this a large frame or a medium in Canyon terms.

Seems roughly right - I get recommended either a M(56) or L(58) depending on how i tweak my inputs, by which I gather I'm close to the border between sizes (6ft tall). Is it a first bike or an upgrade - I took a tape measure (and a level) to my current bike and measured the

• effective top tube (horizontal distance from centre of headset to centre of seatpost)
• stack (vertical distance from centre of BB to headset)
• reach (horizontal distance from centre of BB to centre of headset)

this should give you an idea when you look at the Canyon sizing chart as to which frame suits you more.

Pope John 11

mcgratheoin wrote: »

Seems roughly right - I get recommended either a M(56) or L(58) depending on how i tweak my inputs, by which I gather I'm close to the border between sizes (6ft tall). Is it a first bike or an upgrade - I took a tape measure (and a level) to my current bike and measured the

• effective top tube (horizontal distance from centre of headset to centre of seatpost)
• stack (vertical distance from centre of BB to headset)
• reach (horizontal distance from centre of BB to centre of headset)

this should give you an idea when you look at the Canyon sizing chart as to which frame suits you more.

Thanks for that, we will keep that in mind.

Pope John 11

I have listed the following four bikes in my order of preference.

Of these four, which would you go for and why you would pick one over the other three. List if you can in order of preferance using the numbers 1,2,3,4.

1 - Canyon Roadlite AL 7.0
https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3193

or

2 - Cube Peloton Race
http://www.cube.eu/en/bikes/road-race/peloton/peloton-race-black-red/

or

3 - Planet X Pro Carbon
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT2/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-road-bike#customise

or

4 - Scott Speedster 10
http://eurocycles.com/ie/product/scott-bike/speedster-10

Brian?

As I've said already, the Planet X has by far the best spec for the money. It's not even close with the other bikes IMO.

bazzamac

I purchased a canyon last year.was unsure about the sizing so I rang their UKnumber. They went thru all the details and recommended a frame which was spot on for size.

joeperry

Is the planet x a few years old of a design?