Novice/Starter:Throw an eye on this please?

Agueroooo

Hi,

I am trying to get into the sport and have an opportunity purchase the following starter bike..

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68681

I would love your input and advice.

thanks

seven stars

I'm sure it'd be fine as a beginner bike. Cannondale is a good brand, but the components on that bike are fairly low-end. You could definitely get a much better spec'd bike on the 2nd hand market for way less than 779.

If you have to buy it new (like if you're using the b2w), I'd be inclined to try and get a bit more cash together. You should get something a good bit better if you spend the full b2w allowance (or slightly more).

happytramp

The Shifters and Gears are Shimano 'Claris' which are their entry level components. (that doesn't mean they're bad, they're not) and would be more typical on bikes in the €600 range.

The next level up is 'Sora' which you would expect bikes in the €700-800 range.

The reason the Cannondale seems expensive is because the frame is very good. So it's a very good frame with slightly lower ends components.

GTDolanator

giant defy 5 is 625 with the same gear setup

ZiabR

I have a Trek 1.2 (2013) 56cm for sale for €600. Used twice, with less than 70km on it.

You will get better bargains second hand.

irishmotorist

Agueroooo wrote: »

Hi,

I am trying to get into the sport and have an opportunity purchase the following starter bike..

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68681

I would love your input and advice.

thanks

What are you planning on doing? Is it for getting to work or are you thinking of hitting the Wicklow Mountains and beyond? Getting into some sportives?

Ryath

GTDolanator wrote: »

giant defy 5 is 625 with the same gear setup

The defy 5 has an aluminium fork. The defy 4 with a carbon fork is the equivelent for €749 I'd pay the bit extra for the cannondale.

I got a Cannondale Synapse earlier in the year for €700 with claris. It worked well just feels a little tinny, I had a 105 groupset to put on it though and wanted the black frame. It actually worked out cheaper than buying the synapse with tiagra. It knocked nearly a kilo of the weight as well.

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=68751

I really like it it's very comfortable for an aluminium frame I chose it as one of the few bikes in it's price range that has clearance for full mudgaurds. The caad8 would have racier geometry but actually still has hidden mudgaurd eyelets. You'd only fit 23mm tyres with them I'd say though. They are a lovely bike the frames are very good quality the finishing on mine is excellent. Lads have been surprised it's not carbon when they've asked about it.

Agueroooo

irishmotorist wrote: »

What are you planning on doing? Is it for getting to work or are you thinking of hitting the Wicklow Mountains and beyond? Getting into some sportives?

You're right I didn't make it clear.

exactly as you say;Wicklow Mountains and beyond.



thanks so far lads for the advice

irishmotorist

Personally, I'd go for one with a better groupset - gears etc. You will get better quality gear shifting if you go up a step or two - something that I appreciate when on hills.

Here's another from CCS that has Sora - https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=69466

If you don't mind buying online, here's a quick example of a not-too-bad bike from Wiggle with Shimano 105 - http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ridley-fenix-7005-105-special-edition-2013/

boomdocker

Almost 800 quid for an 8 spd?? Far too dear.

Here's effectively the same bike....but the guts of 300 quid cheaper!!

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-razor-road-bike-2014/rp-prod107022

Personally, I would say if you're a beginner, don;t go for an 8 spd. You will struggle with the gearing. Go for a 9/10 speed with a 12-28 cassette, especially if you intend to tackle the Wicklow hills.

Something like this seems good value: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/vitus-bikes-zenium-road-bike-2014/rp-prod107031

ZiabR

I would agree here, go for a 9 speed if you are only beginning. What height are you OP?

Agueroooo

logik wrote: »

I would agree here, go for a 9 speed if you are only beginning. What height are you OP?

6ft 1