Bike Recommendation €3-4k budget

arsebiscuits82 · 01-03-2021 4:49pm #1

Looking to buy a new bike in the 3-4k bracket. I'm not racing anymore and to be honest have been off the bike for a while but this year is the year to get back into it.

The house is built, 2 of the 3 kids are at school and I need an outlet for myself. I'm living in the South West but from the North West and I don't really know many people in my area and this will help me settle in a bit more as I don't know anyone bar my other halfs family in the area.

I'm hoping to join my local club as an extra kick up the arse to get going once these restrictions are lifted.

I've done a fair few triathlons/sportive's and some club racing in the past. The last bike I bought new was way back in 2004, a Trek 2000, and it has stood me well and still will be a grand machine for next winter.

Long term the plan is to get back to doing sportives and possibly more triathlons and local racing.

I've been looking around and the following tickle my fancy:

2021 Giant Propel Advanced Disc -
Comes with 105 and P-A2 wheels for €3100 or Ultegra and SLR2 Carbon wheels for €3999. Is it worth the extra for Ultegra and carbon wheels? I'd probably end up buying a set of carbons eventually.

2021 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 2 Disc
105 groupset and SLR-1 42mm Carbon wheels

2021 Wilier Cento 10 SL Disc
Ultegra groupset, RS100 wheels

2019 Trek Madone SL 6
Ultegra groupset, Bontrager wheelset

Bianchi Aria Aero Disc
Ultegra, Fulcrum 618 wheelset

Any gurus there that could provide any advice on the above or recommend something different. I don't mind spending the money even though I'm not racing, I know when I bought the Trek (€1700 at the time), I was never off it, and hoping this will do the same for me.

Thanks!

magicbastarder · 01-03-2021 4:53pm

was going to suggest titanium, but then saw you want it for sporting events.

CantGetNoSleep · 01-03-2021 5:29pm

I got a 2020 TCR Advanced Pro One Disc for 4089€ during the first lockdown (I live in France). Found the cheapest price online and contacted all of the Giant dealers within an hours' drive seeing if they would price match (cheapest was 4k but I took it from the shop anyway). This is the one with Ultegra Di2 - so comparable to the Pro Zero this year I think.

A lot of the bikes you list above look overpriced I think tbh. 105 is a perfectly fine groupset but I don't think you should be paying 3k for a bike with it. Same for wheels - the Giant alu wheels or the Shimano ones are definitely areas you would be looking to upgrade.

dahat · 01-03-2021 6:32pm

Bikes now are easily 300-500 dearer in the 3k plus bracket unfortunately.

Get the best frame & wheels for your money is my advice.

CantGetNoSleep · 01-03-2021 6:39pm

That I agree but I'd still shop around.

I'd also question if you need discs if it is going to be a good bike.

obi604 · 01-03-2021 6:39pm

a car

CramCycle · 01-03-2021 6:42pm

Rose X lite, Disc or rim rake options, helluva bike. The 4 or 6 version are the same frame as far as I can tell so you can go all in on the 6 or go for the 4 and upgrade what you want for

Tony04 · 01-03-2021 7:27pm

At that price any road bike youd buy, unless an endurance bike will be well capable of racing. Youd most likely be buying speed over your current Trek. If your asking if one bike is faster than another, i would say the difference is marginal and youd be best spending money on a good coach and that would make much more of a difference in terms of speed. Anyway tyres and wheels can add alot of speed, i.e a 2000 quid 105 bike with top of the range carbons and fast tyres would probably smash alot of 3-4k bikes in terms of performance.

If your asking in terms of value? The best specced bikes will be had online from canyon rose vitus etc.
Although some brands you can get in your LBS definitley compete in terms of value. Giant and merida are frame manufacturers so they make other brands frames aswell as their own hence they usually have the nicest framed bikes at a certain price point. Other brands might have a really nice frame but not appealing spec for example for around 3000€ you can get scott addict rc its only 105 disc but your getting pretty much the same frame as the pros. Remember its alot easier to upgrade parts over time than your frame.
My advice would be, especially if your new to an area and dont mind spending extra, go to your local shop and see what they have and start building a relationship. Pick one of their bikes that appeals to you best, and get a bike fit and maybe even a coach if you want to go racing.

Also as others have mention prices have increased so i wouldnt hesitate to negotiate a small discount

arsebiscuits82 · 01-03-2021 7:49pm

obi604 wrote: »

a car

Got rid of me car! Was paying for it and bik on work van so now have a few extra euros built up to treat myself!

arsebiscuits82 · 01-03-2021 7:50pm

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

That I agree but I'd still shop around.

I'd also question if you need discs if it is going to be a good bike.

Not fixed on disc brakes, just seems to be the way it's going. Quite happy with a rim brake bike, at least I'll be well able to maintain them, wouldn't have a clue on bleeding discs

arsebiscuits82 · 01-03-2021 7:56pm

Tony04 wrote: »

At that price any road bike youd buy, unless an endurance bike will be well capable of racing. Youd most likely be buying speed over your current Trek. If your asking if one bike is faster than another, i would say the difference is marginal and youd be best spending money on a good coach and that would make much more of a difference in terms of speed. Anyway tyres and wheels can add alot of speed, i.e a 2000 quid 105 bike with top of the range carbons and fast tyres would probably smash alot of 3-4k bikes in terms of performance.

If your asking in terms of value? The best specced bikes will be had online from canyon rose vitus etc.
Although some brands you can get in your LBS definitley compete in terms of value. Giant and merida are frame manufacturers so they make other brands frames aswell as their own hence they usually have the nicest framed bikes at a certain price point. Other brands might have a really nice frame but not appealing spec for example for around 3000€ you can get scott addict rc its only 105 disc but your getting pretty much the same frame as the pros. Remember its alot easier to upgrade parts over time than your frame.
My advice would be, especially if your new to an area and dont mind spending extra, go to your local shop and see what they have and start building a relationship. Pick one of their bikes that appeals to you best, and get a bike fit and maybe even a coach if you want to go racing.

Also as others have mention prices have increased so i wouldnt hesitate to negotiate a small discount

It's all about the looks too! Some frames out there aren't the prettiest!

I'm not fussed on groupset, I've always had ultegra and suppose would like to keep it, but a good bike with 105 can always be upgraded but I'd prefer to buy once and maintain it.

I've always wanted carbon wheels since I was a junior, could never afford them! If I can get them on the bike it's money saved in future until I take a notion in 2 years to buy zipps!

km991148 · 01-03-2021 7:58pm

CramCycle wrote: »

Rose X lite, Disc or rim rake options, helluva bike. The 4 or 6 version are the same frame as far as I can tell so you can go all in on the 6 or go for the 4 and upgrade what you want for

Can confirm, the 4 is a delight but I think the rang might be due a refresh soon. Still a lot of bike for the money and there is always 'next year's model' so no point waiting!

I thought the 6 was a different grade of carbon tho?

Tony04 · 01-03-2021 8:43pm

arsebiscuits82 wrote: »

It's all about the looks too! Some frames out there aren't the prettiest!

I'm not fussed on groupset, I've always had ultegra and suppose would like to keep it, but a good bike with 105 can always be upgraded but I'd prefer to buy once and maintain it.

I've always wanted carbon wheels since I was a junior, could never afford them! If I can get them on the bike it's money saved in future until I take a notion in 2 years to buy zipps!

Well i cant choose whats to your taste. But imo any clean bike with a gold chain zipp wheels and a slammed stem is pretty.
Ultegra has a much nicer finish than 105 but is functionally the same and 105 is cheaper to replace if needs be.
I find oem carbon wheels arent usually as nice as aftermarket stuff but yeh can sometimes be great value.

CramCycle · 01-03-2021 9:02pm

km991148 wrote: »

Can confirm, the 4 is a delight but I think the rang might be due a refresh soon. Still a lot of bike for the money and there is always 'next year's model' so no point waiting!

I thought the 6 was a different grade of carbon tho?

It is, and it comes with nicer wheels but I don't think that I or many others would even notice, its about 100g weight penalty. The wheels with the six are epic though.

fat bloke · 01-03-2021 9:06pm

They're all nice bikes. I don't know if the coffee shops need lads tripping over yet another Giant so the Bianchi would be nice in that respect! Having said that Giant make fine bikes too.
Personally I couldn't bring myself to pay that kind of money for lowly 105 but that seems to be the way things are going so.... whaddyagonnadoo?
But in answer to your question is it worth the extra for carbon wheels and ultegra - A resounding YES would be my opinion. If you change your mind a week after buying and go about pupgrading groupset and wheels it'll cost you a heck of a lot more then to do it, so you may as well go all in from the start.
That kind of money also gets you a Cervelo S3 disc and there are several shops in Ireland that would have stock for you to throw your leg over - base2race in Dublin and Harry's bikes and.... what's the name of that big showroom in Cavan, they have a big facebook presence... Clarkes of Cavan.

What else is there... - base2race sell Orro bikes and they're beautiful machines in the flesh. Well priced too - ultegra, disc aero or endurance for well within your budget.

https://shop.base2race.ie/collections/orro/products/venturi-stc-ultegra-8020?variant=37673810755779

As lads have said - your bang for buck starting point / yardstick has to be Canyon and measure everything from there.

iwillhtfu · 01-03-2021 9:26pm

Out of those you've listed I'd have the TCR advanced it's a hell of a frame, the groupset wouldn't really bother me to be honest but I guess when you're spending that kind of money you'd expect Ultegra level. The bianchi is very nice also and as Fat bloke mentioned something a bit different. You could squeeze in the cervelo R3 also which I'd probably choose myself.

It would be nice to get Di2 or similar and if you're going for carbon wheels I'd get disc brakes, not so much for the braking ability but the not destroying your rims with rims brakes.

In any case a nice position to be in, enjoy.

arsebiscuits82 · 01-03-2021 10:02pm

fat bloke wrote: »

They're all nice bikes. I don't know if the coffee shops need lads tripping over yet another Giant so the Bianchi would be nice in that respect! .

I wouldn't be one for the coffee stops, I was in a tri club a few years back and they always stopped for coffee, I just couldn't get used to it especially if only doing around 80km on the spin. I'd rather be home 30 minutes earlier and not have to warn back up again, especially in winter. Maybe I'll mellow when I get a bit older!

km991148 · 01-03-2021 10:02pm

CramCycle wrote: »

It is, and it comes with nicer wheels but I don't think that I or many others would even notice, its about 100g weight penalty. The wheels with the six are epic though.

RE The wheels - it seems to change. The did do an OEM DT Swiss (P1750 on the four) but now they seem to use their own "Rose branded" wheels.

CramCycle · 01-03-2021 10:17pm

km991148 wrote: »

RE The wheels - it seems to change. The did do an OEM DT Swiss (P1750 on the four) but now they seem to use their own "Rose branded" wheels.

I have the Rose 50/50 wheels, roll beautifully and are glorious to look at.

As for the debate above about which from the list given, I would rather buy any other frame than have another Giant or Trek on the road, be different. They are fine bikes but just be different.

joey100 · 01-03-2021 10:43pm

CramCycle wrote: »

As for the debate above about which from the list given, I would rather buy any other frame than have another Giant or Trek on the road, be different. They are fine bikes but just be different.

I thought the same. Then I got a go of a tcr. Loved it. Sold a bianchi oltre xr4, canyon ultimate and Scott foil and now have 2 tcrs. One with rim brake for racing and one with disc brakes for everything else. Love them.

To the OP, they are all good bikes. Buy which ever you like the look of the best and there's more chance you will get out and use it.

dahat · 01-03-2021 10:58pm

I’ve got a Merida Reacto 6000 due soon that was originally around €3,200 but suspect that will now top €3600 or a little more .It isn’t the value it was as it will need a racing wheel set from the off but it’s from the LBS & I’ve agreed a deal on a decent set of wheels as well.

All in I’m out €4500 hopefully for aero frame, disc, mech Ultegra & 2 wheel sets. Expensive new bike!!!

km991148 · 01-03-2021 11:01pm

I'm with Cram and like to be different (difficult?? :pac:)

I also sat on a TCR advanced last year too, is a great bike as well, and as others said they all pretty much are - you can't go wrong, pick what you like the look of and get some pics up even you do!

eeeee · 02-03-2021 9:39am

I think the Willier is the sexiest bike there, that's the basis I'd be working off

Discs rock.
Would there be a DeRosa to meet your requirements? They're glorious.

koutoubia · 02-03-2021 11:20am

There is a lad I know selling an absloute low mileage cracker of a bike (minus wheels) for 4k. I know the price that he will let it go for and will leave you a few quid for wheels OR he may do a deal with wheels.
Drop me a pm and I will link it if you are interested.
BTW Its not me and if it wasnt a disc brake set up it would be in my ownership now as I have too many wheels on rim brake.

Also something to consider on new bikes there is a long waiting time due to the shortage of equipment globally.

fat bloke · 02-03-2021 11:30am

koutoubia wrote: »

There is a lad I know selling an absloute low mileage cracker of a bike (minus wheels) for 4k. I know the price that he will let it go for and will leave you a few quid for wheels OR he may do a deal with wheels.
Drop me a pm and I will link it if you are interested.
BTW Its not me and if it wasnt a disc brake set up it would be in my ownership now as I have too many wheels on rim brake.

Also something to consider on new bikes there is a long waiting time due to the shortage of equipment globally.

Jeez, there are not many bikes that will make 4 grand on the second hand without a wheelset! What is it?

Do we know what size the OP is looking for?

koutoubia · 02-03-2021 11:38am

Pinarello F10 with Di2 with powermeter.
I know the owner and can vouch for the low miles.
Was half tinking of selling one my Noahs to pick it up but teh disc wheel thing is just a little bit of a deal breaker for me.

fat bloke · 02-03-2021 11:50am

koutoubia wrote: »

Pinarello F10 with Di2 with powermeter.
I know the owner and can vouch for the low miles.
Was half tinking of selling one my Noahs to pick it up but teh disc wheel thing is just a little bit of a deal breaker for me.

Nice indeed. I didn't realise there WAS a disc option on the F10.

arsebiscuits82 · 02-03-2021 12:12pm

koutoubia wrote: »

There is a lad I know selling an absloute low mileage cracker of a bike (minus wheels) for 4k. I know the price that he will let it go for and will leave you a few quid for wheels OR he may do a deal with wheels.
Drop me a pm and I will link it if you are interested.
BTW Its not me and if it wasnt a disc brake set up it would be in my ownership now as I have too many wheels on rim brake.

Also something to consider on new bikes there is a long waiting time due to the shortage of equipment globally.

Thanks, I should have said I'll be part funding using the bike to work so a private sale is not for me. I actually nearly bought a Pinarello from Halfords a few years ago, but didn't like the sales experience and they didn't have one in my size in the end up.

koutoubia · 02-03-2021 12:14pm

What size are you looking for?

secman · 02-03-2021 12:55pm

A pinarello in Halfords !! ?
Wouldn't have thought they would stock a high end Italian brand ?

fat bloke · 02-03-2021 1:00pm

secman wrote: »

A pinarello in Halfords !! ?
Wouldn't have thought they would stock a high end Italian brand ?

They did sell them briefly. Not the full range or anything. Was a funny marriage of brands alright though.

arsebiscuits82 · 02-03-2021 1:00pm

secman wrote: »

A pinarello in Halfords !! ?
Wouldn't have thought they would stock a high end Italian brand ?

They had them for a while back in 2018/9, at the height of Team Sky so maybe they were sponsoring them somewhere in the background, I never asked them to be honest

wrstan · 02-03-2021 6:26pm

fat bloke wrote: »

What else is there... - base2race sell Orro bikes and they're beautiful machines in the flesh. Well priced too - ultegra, disc aero or endurance for well within your budget.

https://shop.base2race.ie/collections/orro/products/venturi-stc-ultegra-8020?variant=37673810755779

As lads have said - your bang for buck starting point / yardstick has to be Canyon and measure everything from there.

I can vouch for the Orro Venturi - fab bike.

Also a friend has just picked up the Bianchi Aria in matt black with the aqua marine decals, not sure what its like to ride but it is a stunner.

who_ru · 03-03-2021 11:47am

wrstan wrote: »

I can vouch for the Orro Venturi - fab bike.

Also a friend has just picked up the Bianchi Aria in matt black with the aqua marine decals, not sure what its like to ride but it is a stunner.

i've seen reviews that claim the venturi is a less aggressive race geometry than regular race set ups. can anybody vouch for this?

fat bloke · 03-03-2021 12:38pm

who_ru wrote: »

i've seen reviews that claim the venturi is a less aggressive race geometry than regular race set ups. can anybody vouch for this?

Couldn't tell you tbh, though it is their aero bike which usually means long and low.

Their STC is more relaxed for sure. Absolutely stunning bikes for the money:

https://shop.base2race.ie/collections/orro/products/orro-gold-stc-disc-ultegra

The paintwork on them is a sight to behold in the metal/flesh/carbon. Deep and lustrous and indulgent. Because you're worth it.

MojoMaker · 03-03-2021 1:00pm

Would love to see the Venturi decked out in the Black and Gold livery of the STC. That is a stunning frame in the flesh.

The deep red is also very eye-catching, much moreso than what can be assessed by pictures alone.

byrnem31 · 03-03-2021 1:48pm

fat bloke wrote: »

Couldn't tell you tbh, though it is their aero bike which usually means long and low.

Their STC is more relaxed for sure. Absolutely stunning bikes for the money:

https://shop.base2race.ie/collections/orro/products/orro-gold-stc-disc-ultegra

The paintwork on them is a sight to behold in the metal/flesh/carbon. Deep and lustrous and indulgent. Because you're worth it.

That's a lovely looking bike. Does anyone know the frame warranty on their bikes? Couldn't find any mention of it on their site.

fat bloke · 03-03-2021 5:14pm

https://youtu.be/vzDrI9WBF-Y

Road cc's nine of the year 2020 was the Venturi.

Charlie69 · 03-03-2021 8:02pm

koutoubia wrote: »

There is a lad I know selling an absloute low mileage cracker of a bike (minus wheels) for 4k. I know the price that he will let it go for and will leave you a few quid for wheels OR he may do a deal with wheels.
Drop me a pm and I will link it if you are interested.
BTW Its not me and if it wasnt a disc brake set up it would be in my ownership now as I have too many wheels on rim brake.

Also something to consider on new bikes there is a long waiting time due to the shortage of equipment globally.

What size is the F10?... savage machine.

koutoubia · 03-03-2021 8:05pm

Its on Adverts.
Search Pinarello and its located on Swords.

MojoMaker · 03-03-2021 9:14pm

MojoMaker wrote: »

Would love to see the Venturi decked out in the Black and Gold livery of the STC. That is a stunning frame in the flesh.

The deep red is also very eye-catching, much moreso than what can be assessed by pictures alone.

Edit: Seems that B2R only stocks the blue and white Venturi, but there is actually a tasty black and gold Venturi model higher up in the range - yay. That paint is stunning in the flesh.

wrstan · 04-03-2021 10:14am

According to the Orro website the 2021 Venturi comes in a few different specs with 3 finish options:
black/gold gloss
black matt with incandescant decals
red/silver gloss

I'd be surprised if B2R couldn't source all options, of course a lot depends on the Orro order book, assembly schedule and supply chain regarding when they might be available.

coggy79 · 09-03-2021 5:54pm

Jumping on this thread to get some opinions.

I'm in the market for a 2nd bike (currently have a Felt Z6 55cm) and am considering getting a Bianchi. I'm not a racer and just like to spend a few hours on the bike be it on Sportives or Sunday spins. The 2 bikes I'm considering are the Bianchi Oltre XR3 CV Ultegra disc or the Bianchi Infinito XE Ultegra disc-5H UD carbon-Graphite glossy- (https://www.bianchi.com/bike/oltre-xr3-ultegra-11sp/) (https://www.bianchi.com/bike/infinito-xe-ultegra-11sp/)
Prefer the Black, think the Celeste is too flashy.

Any advice/opinions on the above is appreciated?

fat bloke · 09-03-2021 6:21pm

It's more opinion than advice but I'd get the Celeste one! There are too many black bikes around already and Celeste is one of those unique Bianchi X-factor things. Of course if you don't like then you don't like, end of story, but some day you're going to sell it and ... most people (including me) have a deep-seated grá for Bianchi-coloured Bianchis

Both nice bikes though. I'd have the racier Oltre for sure if it was my money.

(and not in black)

MojoMaker · 10-03-2021 1:31pm

Oltre in Celeste for me too. Super design in classic colours.

A Bianchi in black is unremarkable and not worth the premium I reckon. May as well have a TCR or Emonda then.

arsebiscuits82 · 10-03-2021 8:18pm

Had a look and a few test rides over the weekend. Giant Propel Advanced 1 on order! At the upper end of the budget but really like the look and the spec. The carbon wheels help as well. Here's hoping this bike lasts as long as my last.

fat bloke · 10-03-2021 8:25pm

Gosh. That's a fine looking bike, in all fairness.

And great to see Giant have sorted out the mess of cabling on the previous gen propel. - Nice one, congrats. Any idea how long you'll have to wait for it to arrive?

arsebiscuits82 · 10-03-2021 9:01pm

fat bloke wrote: »

Gosh. That's a fine looking bike, in all fairness.

And great to see Giant have sorted out the mess of cabling on the previous gen propel. - Nice one, congrats. Any idea how long you'll have to wait for it to arrive?

6-7 weeks, good timing for the summer!

CramCycle · 10-03-2021 9:07pm

I'm not a giant fan but that is a nice looking bike. Also there Liv range is nice, a co worker got one.

11-03-2021 12:20am

CramCycle wrote: »

I'm not a giant fan but that is a nice looking bike. Also there Liv range is nice, a co worker got one.

Giant and Trek do some seriously nice looking frames for women compared to some of the boring predictably ones they do for men.

magicbastarder · 11-03-2021 9:58am

i think eeeee mentioned the woman they have doing the paintjobs for the liv range has had several unsuccessful headhunts attempted on her by the team doing the mens range?

Bike Recommendation €3-4k budget

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