Best Bike

mickey1985

All im new to cycling and want to pick between one of the following bikes as part of my bike to work scheme so all under €1000 but confused as to which is the best choice. Can anyone advise on which is the best spec for the money. They are all Sora except for the Forme which is Tiagra and has Mavic wheels which the sales assistant said is worth more but I have heard very little about this make which worries me. The Lapierre Audacio 300 is a 27 speed although has sora. Any help appreciated.

1. 2016 Trek 1.2 €880 http://www.kearneycycles.com/products/trek-12-2016.html
2. 2016 Giant Defy 3 €915 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.3/20115/79369/
3. 2016 Cannondale caad8 €890 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-sora-2015-road-bike-ec071011
4. 2016 Forme pro 2.0 €950 http://formebikes.co.uk/road-bikes/longcliffe-2-0/
5. 2015 Lapierre Audacio 300 €900 https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80841

markusz

mickey1985 wrote: »

All im new to cycling and want to pick between one of the following bikes as part of my bike to work scheme so all under €1000 but confused as to which is the best choice. Can anyone advise on which is the best spec for the money. They are all Sora except for the Forme which is Tiagra and has Mavic wheels which the sales assistant said is worth more but I have heard very little about this make which worries me. The Lapierre Audacio 300 is a 27 speed although has sora. Any help appreciated.

1. 2016 Trek 1.2 €880 http://www.kearneycycles.com/products/trek-12-2016.html
2. 2016 Giant Defy 3 €915 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.3/20115/79369/
3. 2016 Cannondale caad8 €890 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caad8-sora-2015-road-bike-ec071011
4. 2016 Forme pro 2.0 €950 http://formebikes.co.uk/road-bikes/longcliffe-2-0/
5. 2015 Lapierre Audacio 300 €900 https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80841

im as well add this one before someone else does:
https://www.canyon.com/en/road/endurace/2016/endurace-al-6-0.html

best value... 105 11 speed and prob the lightest.

brocbrocach

Are you limited to certain shops under your scheme? They're all nice bikes but seem a bit pricey to me, but I'm no expert.
Most people would look at tiagra as being better than sora and then 105 is a step up again. You can get some bikes with 105 for under a grand although it seems harder at the moment. At that price i'd definitely want tiagra myself at least. Try looking at the Cube and Scott brands maybe as they're usually good spec for price - again depends if you're able to shop around.
Forme tend to have better spec than other bikes at the same pricepoint but I know some people wouldn't have much time for them. Not really sure why though.

Brian?

The Forme is the best value there. Do you have to buy from a bricks and mortar shop or can you buy online?

mickey1985

The Canyon looks like a great bike for the price but yes i am limited to a bricks and mortar shop on the bike to work scheme.As you say the Forme looks to have the best spec.I presume the Tiagra would be worth a bit more than the sora.The only thing is I know very little about them which is a slight worry

Darkglasses

Think the Forme is safely the best one there, there are a lot of benefits to getting the full 10 speed.

Fian

The forme looks like the best spec. Obviously you can get better if you expand your budget - bear in mind you can choose to go over the limit and still get the full benefit of the scheme.

What do you want to use the bikes for? Commuting? Weekend rides? Racing?

The Forme is an endurance geometry which is probably best unless you intend racing.

mickey1985

Just plan on using it for weekend rides not racing but would like the best I can get for €1000. Thinking a lower spec bike might do for what I need it for.

ted1

mickey1985 wrote: »

Just plan on using it for weekend rides not racing but would like the best I can get for €1000. Thinking a lower spec bike might do for what I need it for.

If your getting in on the BTW remember the savings.

the difference between a 800 bike and a 1000 euro bike is only 96 euro to you!

you should look at getting Tiagra or 105.

http://www.fitzcycles.ie/p/2488/cube-attain#reviews-tab-tab

might be a good option. + you get free servicing for life. http://www.fitzcycles.ie/t/Workshop

joey100

Some of them bikes have better brakes, some better gears, some better cranks. There's not a huge difference really, if your getting it as a way to get out and into cycling get the one you like the look of the best. More likely to use it then and if you want to you can upgrade the parts as they need to be replaced.

siochain

just to add more choice :pac:

Planet are good value, both 10 speed and 8.9kg

http://planetxireland.com/products-page/road/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-shimano-tiagra-road-bike/ €942.49

http://planetxireland.com/products-page/road/planet-x-rt-58-alloy-sram-apex-road-bike/ €869.99

Duckytech

Sorry OP for butting in but i have also asked for advice on a bike purchase in another thread.

Not sure if you have looked, but one of the bikes I was thinking of is the Boardman Team Carbon from Halfords. Full carbon frame and has a 105/tiagra mix.

I was thinking that because it has a carbon frame it would be a worthwhile investment as I could upgrade the components as I see fit.

triggermortis

I'd say the best bike mentioned so far is the Cube that ted1 linked. After that, either the Forme or the Planet X. I've not heard much about Forme and I know some people have had problems dealing with Planet X (search this forum). If you want bike reviews online, bikeradar is a decent site that reviews just about everything cycling related

Darkglasses

mickey1985 wrote: »

Sorry to dig up an old thread but was thinking of buying this bike and was looking for any taughts from cyclists that have it.Seems like the only Tiagra bike I can get in a bricks and mortar shop for under €1000
http://formebikes.co.uk/road-bikes/longcliffe-2-0/

Merged with your more recent thread

stryker mcqueen

Hi Folks,

My bike was stolen on Tuesday and im looking for something in a hurry , but an investment all the same, can someone provide an opinion on this make/spec etc ?
https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=71041

My stolen bike was a Giant Rapid 4 Hybrid & i had upgraded the wheels to Mavic's , looking to upgrade to a road bike now,

Thanks!

harringtonp

mickey1985 wrote: »

The Canyon looks like a great bike for the price but yes i am limited to a bricks and mortar shop on the bike to work scheme.As you say the Forme looks to have the best spec.I presume the Tiagra would be worth a bit more than the sora.The only thing is I know very little about them which is a slight worry

I wonder could you get a shop to order the canyon for you, throw on 50 for themselves and receipt you for it.

Even with the extra 50 it would be way better value than the others and its also something that would do you long term. Even if you got big into cycling and were to splash out a few k down the line, this canyon would be a very good quality training/winter/backup bike and still enjoyable to ride.

cunavalos

Originally Posted by mickey1985
Sorry to dig up an old thread but was thinking of buying this bike and was looking for any taughts from cyclists that have it.Seems like the only Tiagra bike I can get in a bricks and mortar shop for under €1000
http://formebikes.co.uk/road-bikes/longcliffe-2-0/

There are a few other options out there in a B&M shop
Merida Reacto with Tiagra can be got in 360 cycles clontarf for a fair bit below €1000 (only size 54)

http://www.360cycles.ie/aero-road-bikes/294-merida-reacto-300.html



Dublin2Bikes (Erne Street) are also selling a couple of medium sized Focus bikes with either Tiagra or 105 for under €1000
Focus Culebro 3.0 SL (Tiagra) for €850

and the focus Culebro 2.0 (105) for €900

mickey1985

I have narrowed my search between these two bikes both 950 on a bike to work.Any help on which of the two appreciated. http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2015/road-1/performance-culebro/culebro-sl-30.html http://www.theedge-sports.com/product/79671/Lapierre-Audacio-400-CP-2014/

Buzwaldo

I rented a culebro on holidays two years ago and was more than happy with it on a few long hilly cycles, so am happy to reccomend it.
Having said that, the lapierre has a 50/34 crankset vs a 52/36 on the focus, so will be a bit easier on the climbs, esp if you're starting out, and I'm sure it's a good bike as well.
Either would be good - buy the one you like the look of most, or which shop seems most helpful.
(I guess I'm not that much help really, other than to vouch for the culebro😄)

Pink Fairy

I recently bought the Merida ride 400 for €899 full 105 groupset and fulcrum racing wheels , bargains to be had if you look around

mickey1985

Pink Fairy wrote: »

I recently bought the Merida ride 400 for €899 full 105 groupset and fulcrum racing wheels , bargains to be had if you look around

Was that on a bike to work pink fairy?Also what store was that in seems like you got a great deal.The store selling the lapierre said the bike would be 950 with a bike to work even doh I can buy online for 899

Pink Fairy

mickey1985 wrote: »

Was that on a bike to work pink fairy?Also what store was that in seems like you got a great deal.The store selling the lapierre said the bike would be 950 with a bike to work even doh I can buy online for 899

Yeah, 899 retail, on the bike to work scheme and from a lbs in my area

mickey1985

Pink Fairy wrote: »

Yeah, 899 retail, on the bike to work scheme and from a lbs in my area

Which bike store was that.Getting a bike with 105 for under 1000 is difficult.

mickey1985

Guys narrowed bike choice to two:Focus Culebro 3 2015 for €950 or Giant Defy 2 2015 for €900. I slightly prefer the look of the focus but interested what people think with give a better bang for my buck.
http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2015/road-1/performance-culebro/culebro-sl-30.html

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.2/19187/77295/

xebec

mickey1985 wrote: »

Guys narrowed bike choice to two:Focus Culebro 3 2015 for €950 or Giant Defy 2 2015 for €900. I slightly prefer the look of the focus but interested what people think with give a better bang for my buck.
http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2015/road-1/performance-culebro/culebro-sl-30.html

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.2/19187/77295/

Go with the one you like the look of, the difference between the two isn't significant. I would choose the Focus as well...

mickey1985

Still torn between these two bikes. Are specs better in either one of them? Both costing €950.

http://www.focus-bikes.com/gb/en/bikes/2015/road-1/performance-culebro/culebro-sl-30.html

http://www.theedge-sports.com/product/79671/Lapierre-Audacio-400-CP-2014/

mickey1985

Which of these two is better? Still haven't picked a bike! Decided might be worth the extra €200 for Shimano 105
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/road-fitness/tour/2015/ride-400-2698.html €1200

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.1/19187/77294/ €1099

Taxuser1

It really doesn't matter what you choose. The simple truth is that now, as a cyclist, the world you knew before you asked the opening question, will never be the same again. No matter what you pick, you will never ever again be happy with what you have.

Welcome friend.

Unknown Soldier

mickey1985 wrote: »

Which of these two is better? Still haven't picked a bike! Decided might be worth the extra €200 for Shimano 105
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/road-fitness/tour/2015/ride-400-2698.html €1200

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.1/19187/77294/ €1099

It appears to be for an extra 101 euro?

I'd go for the Merida, personally.

It has an 11-32 on the back (with GS Derailleur) and seems to be the latest 105 (5800) Not sure if the Giant is 5800?

You need to work on your whole "narrowing the search" thing tbh

it will only get worse...

triggermortis

mickey1985 wrote: »

Which of these two is better? Still haven't picked a bike! Decided might be worth the extra €200 for Shimano 105
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/road-fitness/tour/2015/ride-400-2698.html €1200

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/defy.1/19187/77294/ €1099

Both those are fairly even. The Merida has a 32 lowest gear so hills would be that bit easier, but the Giant has a 30 so there's not too much difference there. I'd go with whichever you prefer the look of or if that's still even, the shop that will give you the better deal or throw in more extras

mickey1985

Thanks for your help guys.I know I need to narrow my search I think I will go for either the Giant, Merida or the new cube. The new Cube is €1200 and looks like it has better wheels than the others. I hear the frames aren't as good on them as the others doh.

http://www.cube.eu/en/products/road-race/attain/cube-attain-sl-blacknflashred-2016/

joey100

Honestly they are all good bikes, one bike might have better wheels, one might have better gears and one might be all round, so go for the one you like the look of the best. Don't get too hung up on what parts are on it, these can all be upgraded when they wear out and need to be changed. Which one do you like the best out of the three? Cube, Merida or Giant?

monkeysnapper

The last 3 bikes I've had have all been giant defy , the last 2 I bought second hand.

I need to upgrade badly as I'm out doing all the charity runs and riding a 5 year bike that's done thousands of miles , still using toe straps , my helmet is over 6 years old .

I decided today its time to spend money. I have up to 15 hundred to burn . looked at a few, merida ride 400 . I don't have cycle to work scheme. Was quoted 1300 for bike,helmet, cycle shoes .

I'm sorry for a guy that's always cycling I don't take any notice or interest in what everybody els is riding or wearing but now I need a new bike and need new gear .

Can somebody give me a couple of good bikes for around 1300/1500 .

Star hurl

An option would to buy a second hand bike at that price range you would be getting a good carbon bike with at lest 105 ! Go to a good bike shop in my club some lads change their bike every year !!

Darkglasses

I got a new bike with a carbon frame and 105 for fifteen hundred a few years ago, don't necessarily have to go second hand even. Have a look at Canyon bikes' website

monkeysnapper

Star hurl wrote: »

An option would to buy a second hand bike at that price range you would be getting a good carbon bike with at lest 105 ! Go to a good bike shop in my club some lads change their bike every year !!

My last 2 bikes were second hand and turned out to be massive bargains , I paid 400 for my last giant defy .

Ive just turned 40 and I need to treat myself . I'm not afraid to buy second hand plus I have a good friend who'd is club level and has a 3k bike so I assume he knows enough if I bring him along .

Can anybody recommend cube cycles ,

Other than this I'm thinking

Merida
Lapierre
Cube

I just need to narrow the search . I'm thinking of staying away from giant this time although I can't complain about my last 3 giants .

terrydel

mickey1985 wrote: »

The Canyon looks like a great bike for the price but yes i am limited to a bricks and mortar shop on the bike to work scheme.As you say the Forme looks to have the best spec.I presume the Tiagra would be worth a bit more than the sora.The only thing is I know very little about them which is a slight worry

My brother got his canyon on the b2w scheme so its deffo possible.
Its the best bike by a mile there!

1Anon

I also got my Canyon on the BTW. Definitely possible if your employer will deal with them. They're registered for VAT in Ireland and well set up for the Irish BTW scheme. I bought the Endurace Al 7. Full Ultegra for €1299 and a superb bike.

https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road/endurace/2016/endurace-al-7-0.html

Mind you, if you can stretch the budget a bit the CF version with 105 might be the one to go for.

https://www.canyon.com/en-ie/road/endurace/2016/endurace-cf-7-0.html