New bike

barrymac20

So I'm entering the world of cycling. Really excited to get involved. However I can't afford to go too mad when it comes to buying a bike. The bike to work scheme is going to be my light, so I have a grand to play with. I'm hoping to get as good a spec bike as I can plus some necessary gear for a grand.

I'd love to get some advise from you guys. Some telling Me to get as good a frame as possible and upgrade parts over the next few years. some saying the opposite, average frame with high spec parts. I guess I'm thinking somewhere in the middle. so in terms of frames, groupsets, makes, where to buy etc. I'd be delighted if some of you could help. Hopefully I'll be able to help someone in the future.

iwillhtfu

Is your bike 2 work through a voucher scheme/select stores?

barrymac20

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Is your bike 2 work through a voucher scheme/select stores?

No I'm open to use any Store. Any website too I think

barrymac20

barrymac20 wrote: »

No I'm open to use any Store. Any website too I think

I suppose the thing I'd like to know most is when I go into a shop what are the most important questions I should be asking. Is it all about the frame? Is it all about the groupset? The tyres, and so on....

iwillhtfu

Some will say frame others will say group set. Most bikes are sold with budget tyres so nothing to be gained there.

Your best bet is to go into a few different stores and try a number of different bikes.

At the end of the day it comes down to personal taste and comfort. Colour scheme / geometry.

I know someone that bought an out and out race bike because it was a good deal. The thing is he wouldn't be the most flexible of people so the head down arse up position isn't really agreeing with him.

There's bargains to be had on a number of online sites (canyon,wiggle,ribble,plant x) and most stockists will be selling off their 2014 stock at reduced prices so now is a good time to buy.

Your best bet is to try as many as possible and talk it through with the lads in store.

I'd spend all the €1000 on the bike and pick up other bits as you go.

Are you planning in cycling at dusk/night will you need lights etc. Locks can be expensive for good ones. Will you need one?

Are you going to go down the clipless route? If do you'll need pedals and shoes/cleats budget around €100 for these less if going second hand.

barrymac20

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Some will say frame others will say group set. Most bikes are sold with budget tyres so nothing to be gained there.

Your best bet is to go into a few different stores and try a number of different bikes.

At the end of the day it comes down to personal taste and comfort. Colour scheme / geometry.

I know someone that bought an out and out race bike because it was a good deal. The thing is he wouldn't be the most flexible of people so the head down arse up position isn't really agreeing with him.

There's bargains to be had on a number of online sites (canyon,wiggle,ribble,plant x) and most stockists will be selling off their 2014 stock at reduced prices so now is a good time to buy.

Your best bet is to try as many as possible and talk it through with the lads in store.

I'd spend all the €1000 on the bike and pick up other bits as you go.

Are you planning in cycling at dusk/night will you need lights etc. Locks can be expensive for good ones. Will you need one?

Are you going to go down the clipless route? If do you'll need pedals and shoes/cleats budget around €100 for these less if going second hand.

Thanks for the detailed reply.

iwillhtfu

No worries. A couple of samples of online v bricks n mortar. I appreciate they're all online I guess I mean lbs v abroad

LBS

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=81420

http://www.giant-dublin.ie/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.1/20115/79367/

Online

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FBPXSLP105/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-105-road-bike

http://www.canyon.com/en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3577

No doubt others will put a few options and opinions. You do get great value online but I guess you take the gamble on sizing. Personally I'd go for an online purchase but do your research.

rtmie

Another LBS option would be Cube Peloton Race 2015 €999

Other online would be :
Felt Z6 in wiggle for €1024

Felt F6 also similar price both incl shipping

and what the postman will hopefully be delivering to my door tomorrow or Tues €999 plus €32 shipping

rizzodun

One thing I will say is if you can, try before you buy, and get the bike properly set up to you. Nothing will turn you off cycling quicker than a bike that makes you sore.

iwillhtfu

That cube and rose offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Either would be a good choice op.

nice choice rtmie.

barrymac20

iwillhtfu wrote: »

That cube and rose offer a lot of bang for your buck.

Either would be a good choice op.

nice choice rtmie.

Thanks guys for the advise. I'll look into all of the above. One further question. Can you get bike to work on any online stores?

Graybar

You should get a fitting done before you buy.

barrymac20

rtmie wrote: »

Another LBS option would be Cube Peloton Race 2015 €999

Other online would be :
Felt Z6 in wiggle for €1024

Felt F6 also similar price both incl shipping

and what the postman will hopefully be delivering to my door tomorrow or Tues €999 plus €32 shipping

There has to be some catch witi that cube. Some price for what you get.

The bikes I've seen and liked within my price range are the giant defy 1 and 2, the trek 1.5, and the felt something 85. Can't remember if it was the f or z. Goin to look again tomorrow. what's the main difference between the two? Thanks again for all your help

BoardsMember

barrymac20 wrote: »

Thanks guys for the advise. I'll look into all of the above. One further question. Can you get bike to work on any online stores?

It's up to your employer but yes is the answer in theory

rtmie

barrymac20 wrote: »

There has to be some catch witi that cube. Some price for what you get.

The bikes I've seen and liked within my price range are the giant defy 1 and 2, the trek 1.5, and the felt something 85. Can't remember if it was the f or z. Goin to look again tomorrow. what's the main difference between the two? Thanks again for all your help

Don't believe there is a catch with the Cube. Bear in mind that Cube are a German company so are probably more affected than others by the German online sellers like Canyon, Rose etc, all of whom hit this spec at the €999 price point. My guess would be that they are taking a bit of a margin hit to compete and also removing the haggle room from the RRP. Can't see an LBS giving you anything off this if you haggle.

Diff between Felt F and Z is geometry, F is more nose down racer, Z has more upright position and longer wheel base so more stable and comfortable. Z would be similar style to Giant Defy. See Felt marketing blurb..

I'd guess cube might be somewhere between Felt Z and F styles, someone more expert may confirm this (Me != expert, just someone who has just bought first road bike after months dredging through options!! )

Doc07

If you can get the cube for 999€ go for it. I have the 2014 which is 10speed 105. You're getting 11 speed for 250€ less than I paid.

barrymac20

rtmie wrote: »

Don't believe there is a catch with the Cube. Bear in mind that Cube are a German company so are probably more affected than others by the German online sellers like Canyon, Rose etc, all of whom hit this spec at the €999 price point. My guess would be that they are taking a bit of a margin hit to compete and also removing the haggle room from the RRP. Can't see an LBS giving you anything off this if you haggle.

Diff between Felt F and Z is geometry, F is more nose down racer, Z has more upright position and longer wheel base so more stable and comfortable. Z would be similar style to Giant Defy. See Felt marketing blurb..

I'd guess cube might be somewhere between Felt Z and F styles, someone more expert may confirm this (Me != expert, just someone who has just bought first road bike after months dredging through options!! )

I guess I be better with the z as I want to do longer cycles as well as some triathlons. I reckon I'll do more of the former so the z would probably suit better. I was in Eurocycle earlier and they're selling the 2014 version of the z with ten cog 105s for 1150. The 2015 version is 1000 with ten cog tiagra. He didn't give a very good explanation why the price difference. Is it purely to do with the group set?
they also had a nice Scott for a grand, with tiagra.

iwillhtfu

barrymac20 wrote: »

I was in Eurocycle earlier and they're selling the 2014 version of the z with ten cog 105s for 1150. The 2015 version is 1000 with ten cog tiagra. He didn't give a very good explanation why the price difference. Is it purely to do with the group set?
they also had a nice Scott for a grand, with tiagra.

Get the cube it's by far the better spec'd bike and cheapest aswell from the sounds of things

rtmie

barrymac20 wrote: »

I guess I be better with the z as I want to do longer cycles as well as some triathlons. I reckon I'll do more of the former so the z would probably suit better. I was in Eurocycle earlier and they're selling the 2014 version of the z with ten cog 105s for 1150. The 2015 version is 1000 with ten cog tiagra. He didn't give a very good explanation why the price difference. Is it purely to do with the group set?
they also had a nice Scott for a grand, with tiagra.

Interesting pricing - if you are set on Felt Z85 you should check if your BTW will cover Wiggle in the UK for mail order, I think some do as they have the 2014,105 based z85 for €817 incl delivery.

I'd say if you want to go the LBS route at least take a look at the Cube, you'll find a good few bike shops stock them

barrymac20

Yeah none of my local shops have the cube. Have to travel a bit to get to on.
I dont mind travelling once to get the bike but I'm thinking if i need to go back for tweaks or problems. I'm leaning towards the local LBS if you know what I mean.
I seen the Z85 2014 model on the wiggle site. Is the 10 speed 105 much better than the 10 speed tiagra?

rtmie

barrymac20 wrote:

Yeah none of my local shops have the cube. Have to travel a bit to get to on. I dont mind travelling once to get the bike but I'm thinking if i need to go back for tweaks or problems. I'm leaning towards the local LBS if you know what I mean. I seen the Z85 2014 model on the wiggle site. Is the 10 speed 105 much better than the 10 speed tiagra?

Generally 105 regarded as better than tiagra. Also possible that there is a new version of tiagra for 2015 that is close to 2014 version of 105. LBS should be able to tell you.

barrymac20

iwillhtfu wrote: »

Get the cube it's by far the better spec'd bike and cheapest aswell from the sounds of things

The cube isn't on my radar at the minute as none of my local shops have it. Not totally ruling it out though

Ryath

rtmie wrote: »

Generally 105 regarded as better than tiagra. Also possible that there is a new version of tiagra for 2015 that is close to 2014 version of 105. LBS should be able to tell you.

105 is a lot nicer than tiagra and having the gear cable routed under the bar tape looks much neater. Don't like the look of the tiagra crankset either. Shifting on the front with the under tape routed 10 speed 105 was probably not as good but the version with the out front gear cable they have sorted this with the new 11 speed. The next generation of tiagra probably won't be out till 2016 it will be close to the old 105 but the new 11 speed 105 is still a big step up at has lot of features from ultegra and even durace. Cables are better and the brakes are supposed to be much better than the old ones.

barrymac20 wrote: »

The cube isn't on my radar at the minute as none of my local shops have it. Not totally ruling it out though

The cube would be my preference you are getting a full 105 equipped bike with mavic akisium wheels for the price most manufactures are offering tiagra and more basic shimano or own brand wheels. The giant defy 1 is close in spec and you should be able to get a discount of the €1099 rrp to bring it close to the price of the cube. It has an fsa crank not a biggy but the shimano crank would give better shifting on the front. The wheels are giant's own brand but are made by dt swiss so are fairly close in spec to aksiums. The brakes are tektro as I think the defy needs deeper drop brakes. One plus I think the frame may be slightly better. I'm going to try and get a spin on both back to back soon to see which I prefer as my wife going to use her btw and is in the market for one.

rtmie

I think the cube has fulcrum racing 7 wheels, not aksiums.

Ryath

rtmie wrote: »

I think the cube has fulcrum racing 7 wheels, not aksiums.

Actually was just going to edit to say that! Peloton sl has them and gets ultegra front and rear mechs @ €1149

rtmie

Ryath wrote:

Actually was just going to edit to say that! Peloton sl has them and gets ultegra front and rear mechs @ €1149

Wow, that's some deal.

Ryath

rtmie wrote: »

Wow, that's some deal.

Wouldn't think it's that great aksiums are only slightly better than the 7's about 100g lighter. You can buy the derailleurs for less than €80 new. It's getting very close in price to the full carbon cube agree gtc pro @€;1299

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Does anybody know if that cube is available in any of the shops in Dublin for €999?

rtmie

Any cube stockist should have it at that price. Cyclebike off Capel St and Fitz Cycles in Kilmacud have it advertised on their websites. Think Pennyfarthing stock them too.

evancunny95

Look closely at the finish on the Cube frame and compare the joints/welding of the frame to a Cannondale or Giant,then you'll realise why its so cheap.

iwillhtfu

evancunny95 wrote: »

Look closely at the finish on the Cube frame and compare the joints/welding of the frame to a Cannondale or Giant,then you'll realise why its so cheap.

Ehhh!!! Yeah that's BS in my opinion.

Some folks love their brands

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

evancunny95 wrote: »

Look closely at the finish on the Cube frame and compare the joints/welding of the frame to a Cannondale or Giant,then you'll realise why its so cheap.

Does the neatness of the weld really matter?

franglan

One of your options was the Trek 1.5 - this is what it looks like in real life--->

barrymac20

Ryath wrote: »

105 is a lot nicer than tiagra and having the gear cable routed under the bar tape looks much neater. Don't like the look of the tiagra crankset either. Shifting on the front with the under tape routed 10 speed 105 was probably not as good but the version with the out front gear cable they have sorted this with the new 11 speed. The next generation of tiagra probably won't be out till 2016 it will be close to the old 105 but the new 11 speed 105 is still a big step up at has lot of features from ultegra and even durace. Cables are better and the brakes are supposed to be much better than the old ones.



The cube would be my preference you are getting a full 105 equipped bike with mavic akisium wheels for the price most manufactures are offering tiagra and more basic shimano or own brand wheels. The giant defy 1 is close in spec and you should be able to get a discount of the €1099 rrp to bring it close to the price of the cube. It has an fsa crank not a biggy but the shimano crank would give better shifting on the front. The wheels are giant's own brand but are made by dt swiss so are fairly close in spec to aksiums. The brakes are tektro as I think the defy needs deeper drop brakes. One plus I think the frame may be slightly better. I'm going to try and get a spin on both back to back soon to see which I prefer as my wife going to use her btw and is in the market for one.

Did you manage to get a back to back spin?