Couple of options for BTW scheme - opinions required please

heartofwhite

Hi all,

So going to use the BTW scheme next week and have picked out a couple of options. My budget is €1400 total and I need to buy from a bricks and mortar shop rather than online. I would appreciate any input into the following in terms of ranking or things to watch out for with weight etc:

Cube Attain SL 2016 -

http://www.fitzcycles.ie/p/2489/cube-attain

Giant Defy 1 Disc 2016 -

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ie/bikes/model/defy.1.disc/25076/90688/

Cannondale CAAD8 105 5 2016 -

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=88311

Cannondale Synapse Alloy Disc 105 5 2016 -

https://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=88142

Lapierre Audacio 500 2016 -

http://www.harrysbikes.com/26605/products/2016-lapierre-audacio-500-road-bike-black-orange.aspx

I do mainly sportives each year of around 100km and then about 80km on a Sunday so comfort is the main priority I guess but I would like a light bike with good components. The disc factor is not really a priority but in terms of future proofing perhaps I should think about it more.

Any assistance appreciated.

bazermc

heartofwhite wrote: »

I do mainly sportives each year of around 100km and then about 80km on a Sunday so comfort is the main priority I guess but I would like a light bike with good components. The disc factor is not really a priority but in terms of future proofing perhaps I should think about it more.

Any assistance appreciated.

Dont forget your commute to work :rolleyes::rolleyes:

heartofwhite

bazermc wrote: »

Dont forget your commute to work :rolleyes::rolleyes:

I did not mention my commute to work because it is only nine kilometers and while the bike will be used for this it will also be for sportives. Thanks for your input.

iwillhtfu

bazermc wrote: »

Dont forget your commute to work :rolleyes::rolleyes:

The requirement is that it is used as part of your commute. OP could cycle to his car if he wishes.

OP I like the look of the synapse but from previous posts entry level disc brakes aren't great although personally I don't see the need for hydraulic brakes on skinny road tyres on a mtb I see the need but not on a road bike.

dahat

One the Cube, i was hoping for one similar bur the lead time was crazy long like April mayne so check that out. They do however offer excellent bang for buck.

See some of the others aren't readily available either but the Giant would be.

Depends on how soon you want a bike really.

heartofwhite

iwillhtfu wrote: »

The requirement is that it is used as part of your commute. OP could cycle to his car if he wishes.

OP I like the look of the synapse but from previous posts entry level disc brakes aren't great although personally I don't see the need for hydraulic brakes on skinny road tyres on a mtb I see the need but not on a road bike.

Thanks for your opinion, I am kind of wary about being blinded by the option of disc, I wont be racing so as long as I can stop when required, it is not a huge selling point. I am keen on the Cube because I have heard good things about them but still not sure.

heartofwhite

dahat wrote: »

One the Cube, i was hoping for one similar bur the lead time was crazy long like April mayne so check that out. They do however offer excellent bang for buck.

See some of the others aren't readily available either but the Giant would be.

Depends on how soon you want a bike really.

I never thought about the lead time so I will ring tomorrow and check. Ideally I want to get the bike by mid Feb so I can get going on a few spins. At the same time I don't want to just make do either.

I do like the Cube alright and it seems to have everything I need and for less than the Giant. Hard to know really.

dahat

heartofwhite wrote: »

I never thought about the lead time so I will ring tomorrow and check. Ideally I want to get the bike by mid Feb so I can get going on a few spins. At the same time I don't want to just make do either.

I do like the Cube alright and it seems to have everything I need and for less than the Giant. Hard to know really.

Better to check out lead times before you set yourself on a bike alright.

Carawaystick

Disks are heavy. If weight is what is on your mind.

heartofwhite

Carawaystick wrote: »

Disks are heavy. If weight is what is on your mind.

I popped into a shop this morning to look at the Cube and the guy said the same - the disc adds weight and the 105 groupset is more than enough without the need for disc.

pedro_colnago

I'm building up a caad8 with Ultegra and superstar components pave 28 wheels, haven't ridden it yet but with the tiagra group set that it came with and the pave 28 wheels it's still very very light, I have the cannondale synapse disc wheel tiagra too and it's a lot heavier than the caad8, both are great machines and can't wait to take out the caad8, with the 105 and the fsa gossamer chainset u can't go wrong at all. Id race crits on it no worries and I reckon twud be a great bike for sportives too. Best of luck choosing your bike.

heartofwhite

pedro_colnago wrote: »

I'm building up a caad8 with Ultegra and superstar components pave 28 wheels, haven't ridden it yet but with the tiagra group set that it came with and the pave 28 wheels it's still very very light, I have the cannondale synapse disc wheel tiagra too and it's a lot heavier than the caad8, both are great machines and can't wait to take out the caad8, with the 105 and the fsa gossamer chainset u can't go wrong at all. Id race crits on it no worries and I reckon twud be a great bike for sportives too. Best of luck choosing your bike.

Cheers Pedro for the input. I am going to go with the Cube - it is more than enough of a machine for me at this stage. The lead time is about a month give or take so not too bad. I have heard great things about the 105 groupset and the wheels are not half bad either. I lifted the Cube this morning and it is not super light but then again I am only 11 stone so not a heavyweight either!

pedro_colnago

heartofwhite wrote: »

Cheers Pedro for the input. I am going to go with the Cube - it is more than enough of a machine for me at this stage. The lead time is about a month give or take so not too bad. I have heard great things about the 105 groupset and the wheels are not half bad either. I lifted the Cube this morning and it is not super light but then again I am only 11 stone so not a heavyweight either!

Cube are great frames and 105 5800 is a great groupset, you can't go wrong with that! Enjoy!!

mickey1985

Heartofwhite did you buy the Cube Attain Sl 2016?

Cb12345

Hi I'm a long time lurker, with very little knowledge about bikes etc. I got one of these last week 53cm and am absolutely delighted with it. Did 40k on both Saturday and Sunday. Backside a bit sore but feel great. Any questions ask away, bearing in mind I might not know

heartofwhite

mickey1985 wrote: »

Heartofwhite did you buy the Cube Attain Sl 2016?

Hey, yes I did indeed buy the Cube - fantastic bike for the price and makes hills a lot easier. Geometry is relaxed which is great and the full 105 groupset is perfect. All in all, can't go wrong for the money. Don't see a reason to change this bike at all to be honest!