A good road bike

aindriu80 · 06-07-2012 2:18pm #1

hi

I'm thinking of going back to cycling since I keep picking up injuries in my legs running. I intend to stick to roads tarmac only and use it fairly often. I was thinking carbon over aluminum. Its been a while since I had a good bike to cycle and need some directions on a suitable make.

I did had a number of cheap bikes which really did frustrate me with gears breaks not being reliable/slick. The amount of effort it took to move it along with wind and weight and the like makes me look at race like bike.

I was looking at Specialized Tarmac at €1759 in cycleways. Its all carbon with 10 speed. Is it a good make/price ?

I'm sure the smaller parts on more expensive bikes really make the difference but I don't want to spend more than €2000 on a bike since I'm not entering any race. What do you think of the American bikes, is it just a matter of taste or are there other cheaper bikes equal/better than specialized. Can you give me some hints on other stores/bikes you would personally recommend ?

petethedrummer · 06-07-2012 4:27pm

Specialized make good bikes, so no worries there.

You might get more value for money shopping online with Canyon, Planet-X or Ribble but then some might argue the frames are inferior to the Specialized. You also wouldn't have a local bike shop to go back to on the outside chance you have trouble with the bike.

aindriu80 · 06-07-2012 5:09pm

Thanks for the reply. Specialized looks like a good brand alright. Only thing is their design doesn't have the classic straight bar that I would like more, but its only aesthetics. I think some of the Italian bikes went over board with designs.

What about the price ? do you think €1759 is a good market price for a carbon bike like the Specialized Tarmac. They have it listed here with no pic and an older price http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/54640/12-Tarmac-49/

petethedrummer · 06-07-2012 5:19pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

What about the price ? do you think €1759 is a good market price for a carbon bike like the Specialized Tarmac. They have it listed here with no pic and an older price http://www.cycleways.com/store/product/54640/12-Tarmac-49/

I cant really judge the price. You could ring other Specialized stockists and see if they can do a better deal on the same model. Cycleways also stock Cannondale so you could ask them for a price on a similarly specced Cannondale Supersix or Synapse. Cannondale are also American and their frames get great reviews. I nearly bought one myself but decided to self build.

You could also consider the Felt F or Z range or a Giant TCR.

There really are so many options you'll have to sit down yourself and do a bit of research. But don''t get too caught up in squeezing the very last in terms of value for money. sometimes going for something you like the look of is the right decision.

billyhead · 06-07-2012 8:23pm

Why don't you look at the boardman range in Halfords. They have full carbon bikes at affordable prices and get great reviews

ABEasy · 06-07-2012 8:44pm

+1 on Boardman

I recently bought a team carbon, really happy with it! Cost €1250 with the AXA discount and the current sale, really great value for the spec.

aindriu80 · 07-07-2012 12:22pm

Cycleways don't list Cannondale on their website. I tried base.ie but no one there. Looks like Cannondale are tricky to get.

Halfords sell boardman bikes which are a bit cheaper than Specialized at €1463 but I have never heard of this brand. Its all carbon though. http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777787_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

ABEasy · 07-07-2012 2:14pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

Cycleways don't list Cannondale on their website. I tried base.ie but no one there. Looks like Cannondale are tricky to get.

Halfords sell boardman bikes which are a bit cheaper than Specialized at €1463 but I have never heard of this brand. Its all carbon though. http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777787_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

You get at extra 15% off halfords bikes if you (or someone you know who will buy the bike for you) have an axa policy, brings to price to €1250 or so!

Boardman website http://www.boardmanbikes.com/

Seaneh · 07-07-2012 3:49pm

At just over a grand with 33% off, this Vitus from CRC is savage value, full carbon and Tiagra group set.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=70370

aindriu80 · 07-07-2012 8:05pm

Seaneh wrote: »

At just over a grand with 33% off, this Vitus from CRC is savage value, full carbon and Tiagra group set.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=70370

The Vitus Bikes Dark Plasma Road Bike 2012 is quoted at €1024.98. It doesn't get a review but it says there is free shipping to Republic of Ireland.

How would I know if I would fit the bike, I'm 183cm tall but don't know what my inside leg is.

Its a bit of a chance ordering it before trying it.

Carlosthejakal · 07-07-2012 10:49pm

If you want to try the bike before you buy, you could head upto their showrooms on the Boucher road, belfast. Was just there today its great

Personally I am saving for a Canyon check out the website great bikes great reviews and really good spec for the money

petethedrummer · 08-07-2012 1:25am

aindriu80 wrote: »

Cycleways don't list Cannondale on their website. I tried base.ie but no one there. Looks like Cannondale are tricky to get.

AFAIK Cannondale don't allow their bikes to be sold online, so you'll have to drop in to a stockist.

billyhead · 08-07-2012 8:19am

aindriu80 wrote: »

The Vitus Bikes Dark Plasma Road Bike 2012 is quoted at €1024.98. It doesn't get a review but it says there is free shipping to Republic of Ireland.

How would I know if I would fit the bike, I'm 183cm tall but don't know what my inside leg is.

Its a bit of a chance ordering it before trying it.

Sye you can get a full carbon with 105 groupset in Halfords (boardman) for 1469 now without the discount. You would take a large size

aindriu80 · 08-07-2012 10:29am

I can only guess than Boardman and Vitus etc are good bikes but without brand like features/performance. Cannondale sound more famous than boardman but I don't know if they are really popular. I would like to sit on a Cannondale to get a feel for what they are supposedly offering.

Seaneh · 08-07-2012 11:50am

aindriu80 wrote: »

I can only guess than Boardman and Vitus etc are good bikes but without brand like features/performance. Cannondale sound more famous than boardman but I don't know if they are really popular. I would like to sit on a Cannondale to get a feel for what they are supposedly offering.

The brand name really isn't that important, honestly, as for heritage, Vitus is the company Seán Kelly rode with for the majority of his professional career and he is still involved with them in some way (brand ambassador or something) they make extremely good frames and the components are excellent.

As for boardman, they are used by World, Olympic and United Kingdom champion tri-athletes and was founded by Chris Boardman who is a 3 time yellow jersey holder in the tour de france as well as Olympic individual pursuit gold medal winner and won numerious UK championships.

Cannondale make good bikes, but just because you know the names doesn't make them better bikes than another company, I'd be almost certain there is better specced bikes out there for the money that you'd pay for a connondale bike.

Seweryn · 08-07-2012 12:40pm

Seaneh wrote: »

I'd be almost certain there is better specced bikes out there for the money that you'd pay for a Cannondale bike.

Sure, if you are looking for a well specced bike on paper, a Cannondale is one of the the last option down the list. However, with a Cannondale bike you get the best frameset for your money and that is why I would chose their bike

.

Seaneh · 08-07-2012 1:01pm

Seweryn wrote: »

Sure, if you are looking for a well specced bike on paper, a Cannondale is one of the the last option down the list. However, with a Cannondale bike you get the best frameset for your money and that is why I would chose their bike .

I highly doubt that a cannondale frane and fork are actually any better, stronger or lighter than a vitus or a boardman.

A well built frame is a well build frame, regardless of the badge.

aindriu80 · 08-07-2012 4:38pm

anywhere in Dublin where you can try out a cannondale ? Cycleways don't have them listed on their website.

kincsem · 08-07-2012 4:48pm

Specialized are good. I have two.
Why not go out to CycleSuperstore in Tallaght and browse the bikes? (downstairs and main display upstairs.)

kincsem · 08-07-2012 4:54pm

To get a good idea of what is on offer you could look at the online sites

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/
http://media1.roseversand.de/catalog/gb/katalog_2011/index.html
http://www.slanecycles.com/new-bikes-c-352.html?sesid=k4teknqt7r1v7lsh6f7b294ia0

aindriu80 · 08-07-2012 4:57pm

kincsem wrote: »

Specialized are good. I have two.
Why not go out to CycleSuperstore in Tallaght and browse the bikes? (downstairs and main display upstairs.)

They don't have Specialized or Cannondale. I would consider the Giant bikes though but its a bit of a trip to look at them. Free delivery though !

Cycleways do Cannondale and they are offering Cannondale Super6 apex for €2199 and cannondale synapse for the same price. But they aren't completely carbon. Also Cannondale only offer a 5 years guarantee while Specialised offer a lifetime guarantee. They have Specialised Tarmac 2013 for €1650 which seems like a good bike.

aindriu80 · 09-07-2012 1:37pm

kincsem wrote: »

Specialized are good. I have two.
Why not go out to CycleSuperstore in Tallaght and browse the bikes? (downstairs and main display upstairs.)

They don't have Specialized or Cannondale. I would consider the Giant bikes though but its a bit of a trip to look at them. Free delivery though !

Cycleways do Cannondale and they are offering Cannondale Super6 apex for €2199 and cannondale synapse for the same price. But they aren't completely carbon. Also Cannondale only offer a 5 years guarantee while Specialised offer a lifetime guarantee. They have Specialised Tarmac 2013 for €1650 which seems like a good bike.

Surinam · 10-07-2012 12:26pm

Hey I was wondering whether anyone had any opinions on the following two choices:

Giant Defy 3 - http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=48668

OR

Boardman Road Comp - http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

The latter is currently reduced by 200. I am a relative newbie to cycling having only gotten into it over the last few months. I have come across a few people saying Halfords service is bad but does anyone know if their Blanchardstown staff are okay or totally useless?

I'd really appreciate anyone's input on this and sorry to hijack the OP's thread, I didn't want to start yet another road bike thread!

Hungrycol · 10-07-2012 2:00pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

Also Cannondale only offer a 5 years guarantee while Specialised offer a lifetime guarantee.

This must be new cos I thought 'dale gave a lifetime warranty on their frames.

I'm a Cannondale fan and I'd go for the Supersix in your shoes. Full carbon excellently built frames and always gets good reviews.

Seaneh · 10-07-2012 2:44pm

Surinam wrote: »

Hey I was wondering whether anyone had any opinions on the following two choices:

Giant Defy 3 - http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=48668

OR

Boardman Road Comp - http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

The latter is currently reduced by 200. I am a relative newbie to cycling having only gotten into it over the last few months. I have come across a few people saying Halfords service is bad but does anyone know if their Blanchardstown staff are okay or totally useless?

I'd really appreciate anyone's input on this and sorry to hijack the OP's thread, I didn't want to start yet another road bike thread!

The boardman seems to be higher speced.

Ribble Winter Trainer

I'd throw this into the mix at that price too, has gotten amazing reviews in the last few months and comes with a Tiagra group set and is all around a better specced bike for the price and allows you total customisation also comes with mudguards installed, which is always useful in Ireland...

You can even change the group set for either Campagnolo 2012 Xenon (€764) or Sram Apex Black 10 Spd Groupset (€824) on the link below.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=specialedition&page=1rw

aindriu80 · 10-07-2012 3:25pm

Hungrycol wrote: »

This must be new cos I thought 'dale gave a lifetime warranty on their frames.

I'm a Cannondale fan and I'd go for the Supersix in your shoes. Full carbon excellently built frames and always gets good reviews.

I got on to Cycleways and they said that Cannondale only offered a 5 year guarantee but that might only be the shop. He also said it wasn't full carbon which I either picked up wrong or something.

The Cannondale has SRAM Apex as opposed to Shimano 105 which I thought might not be as good ?

The Cannondale SuperSix 6 Apex does get some great reviews though http://m.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-cannondale-supersix-apex-12-45873/

Hungrycol · 10-07-2012 3:43pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

I got on to Cycleways and they said that Cannondale only offered a 5 year guarantee but that might only be the shop. He also said it wasn't full carbon which I either picked up wrong or something.

The Cannondale has SRAM Apex as opposed to Shimano 105 which I thought might not be as good ?

The Cannondale SuperSix 6 Apex does get some great reviews though http://m.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-cannondale-supersix-apex-12-45873/

Supersix is defo full carbon according to their website.
The problem with Cycleways is they never seem to be able get any Cannondales in, or if they do they're last years models.

Seweryn · 10-07-2012 4:05pm

Hungrycol wrote: »

Supersix is defo full carbon according to their website.
The problem with Cycleways is they never seem to be able get any Cannondales in, or if they do they're last years models.

If Cycleways can't do, then no other shop in the country can, as there is no Cannondale dealers here.

I can strongly recommend the SuperSix. I used to ride one (still have it) and I love that bike. This bike would be hard to beat, especially with a good wheelset and I would take the Sram Apex over Shimano 105. Great system.

Surinam · 10-07-2012 5:22pm

Seaneh wrote: »

The boardman seems to be higher speced.

Ribble Winter Trainer

I'd throw this into the mix at that price too, has gotten amazing reviews in the last few months and comes with a Tiagra group set and is all around a better specced bike for the price and allows you total customisation also comes with mudguards installed, which is always useful in Ireland...

You can even change the group set for either Campagnolo 2012 Xenon (€764) or Sram Apex Black 10 Spd Groupset (€824) on the link below.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/publish.asp?what=specialedition&page=1rw

Thanks a million! But if I got something delivered over the internet how would I assemble it? I'd be worried about some little part being loose and the whole thing falling apart!

nilhg · 10-07-2012 6:36pm

Surinam wrote: »

Thanks a million! But if I got something delivered over the internet how would I assemble it? I'd be worried about some little part being loose and the whole thing falling apart!

I would suggest that if you are inexperienced enough to be asking about bikes here then buying off the net (even from a reputable supplier) isn't for you.

As to your original pair of bikes I think that both are fine machines and would advise you to base your decision as much on how they feel to you when you try them out and the vibes you get off the shop you are buying in, if you don't get the service you expect in one move on to the other.

Seweryn · 10-07-2012 7:07pm

Surinam wrote: »

Thanks a million! But if I got something delivered over the internet how would I assemble it? I'd be worried about some little part being loose and the whole thing falling apart!

Bike comes in a box like on the photo below. All you need to do is put the saddle with the post in, turn the handlebars straight, attach front wheel and pedals, wrap the bars with tape provided, stick few protection stickers and that's about it. I would recommend using a torque wrench, if you have no experience.

Surinam · 10-07-2012 9:46pm

Thanks for the advice! And yes I am pretty clueless about all this

Hungrycol · 10-07-2012 10:19pm

Seweryn wrote: »

She's a beaut. Did you order it on Evans? You just can't get them online.

Seweryn · 10-07-2012 10:36pm

Hungrycol wrote: »

She's a beaut. Did you order it on Evans? You just can't get them online.

No, this is 2010 model as far as I know and not available anymore. I bought it last year in February from a dealer in Germany

. Shame, they do not sell them over here.

aindriu80 · 11-07-2012 4:02pm

Seweryn wrote: »

If Cycleways can't do, then no other shop in the country can, as there is no Cannondale dealers here.

I can strongly recommend the SuperSix. I used to ride one (still have it) and I love that bike. This bike would be hard to beat, especially with a good wheelset and I would take the Sram Apex over Shimano 105. Great system.

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them. There is Specialized Tarmac Sora for €1650 and Specialized Elite tiagra for €1700

devotional1993 · 11-07-2012 4:12pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them. There is Specialized Tarmac Sora for €1650 and Specialized Elite tiagra for €1700

Cycleways don't rate Cannondale yet pretty much every review gives them a glowing report. If a bike shop have an issue with mark up/availability/profit they tend to use that old line. Don't read too much into it.

http://road.cc/content/review/50515-cannondale-caad8-tiagra

Seweryn · 11-07-2012 4:19pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them.

I would rather listen / read users feedback about bikes than rely on opinion of a single shop.

aindriu80 wrote: »

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them. There is Specialized Tarmac Sora for €1650 and Specialized Elite tiagra for €1700

For than money I would go for a CAAD10 105.

petethedrummer · 11-07-2012 4:31pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them. There is Specialized Tarmac Sora for €1650 and Specialized Elite tiagra for €1700

Definitely Tiagra over Sora. Better shifters and should have 10 speeds on the back.

billyhead · 11-07-2012 6:53pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

I think I'm going to go for the specialized bike. I can't really get a Cannondale any way easy and cycleways don't rate them. There is Specialized Tarmac Sora for €1650 and Specialized Elite tiagra for €1700

Did you get a chance to check out the boardman road bikes in Halfords. There is a sale on at the mo

aindriu80 · 11-07-2012 10:14pm

billyhead wrote: »

Did you get a chance to check out the boardman road bikes in Halfords. There is a sale on at the mo

Yes I checked them out but I wasn't 100% sold on buying something online. I still don't have any measurements and would really like to get a feel of its road handling etc before I get one.

Definitely Tiagra over Sora. Better shifters and should have 10 speeds on the back.

I didn't know the difference but he did note that there was 10 gears on the back wheel on the standard Tarmac. I think the Tiagra shifts etc better as you say.

Seaneh · 11-07-2012 10:16pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

Yes I checked them out but I wasn't 100% sold on buying something online. I still don't have any measurements and would really like to get a feel of its road handling etc before I get one.

I didn't know the difference but he did note that there was 10 gears on the back wheel on the standard Tarmac. I think the Tiagra shifts etc better as you say.

You can just go into a Halfords shop and try out a boardman bike.

billyhead · 11-07-2012 10:28pm

Seaneh wrote: »

You can just go into a Halfords shop and try out a boardman bike.

Yeh thats what I did and ended up getting a a road team carbon. Excellent bike for the money

Surinam · 12-07-2012 5:57pm

Picked up the Boardman Comp this morning, was reduced even further to 700 (from 1000 originally, must be getting 2013 stock in soon) so I bought a wireless Cat Eye along with other accessories.

Delighted with it so far - my first proper road bike! I need to take it on a long spin (whenever the rain clears :mad:) to get used to the sram apex gears though.

WP_000538.jpg

aindriu80 · 12-07-2012 6:38pm

Surinam wrote: »

Picked up the Boardman Comp this morning, was reduced even further to 700 (from 1000 originally, must be getting 2013 stock in soon) so I bought a wireless Cat Eye along with other accessories.

Delighted with it so far - my first proper road bike! I need to take it on a long spin (whenever the rain clears :mad:) to get used to the sram apex gears though.

WP_000538.jpg

Nice bike ! Hope you get plenty of nice cycles with it. Is that it here ? Whats the weight like ?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

Surinam · 12-07-2012 7:15pm

aindriu80 wrote: »

Nice bike ! Hope you get plenty of nice cycles with it. Is that it here ? Whats the weight like ?

http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_777713_langId_-1_categoryId_212536

Yes that's the one in the link, they bring the price down to 700 when you are paying, I think he said that offer will be there until next Wednesday.

Coming from the bike I was riding - a Specialized Rockhopper (with attached bits and pieces) - it feels extraordinarily light to me!! I took it for a spin before the rain arrived and couldn't stop smiling, I'm like a kid when Santa comes

:D I don't have any frame of reference though, this is my first road bike, the one I was riding was a MTB. But I certainly love it so far - I think my Saturday 60k spins will be much more pleasant now.

Everything seems in working order so far, even managed to set up the CatEye properly (aligning the magnets is tricky).

Seaneh · 12-07-2012 7:15pm

Surinam wrote: »

Picked up the Boardman Comp this morning, was reduced even further to 700 (from 1000 originally, must be getting 2013 stock in soon) so I bought a wireless Cat Eye along with other accessories.

Delighted with it so far - my first proper road bike! I need to take it on a long spin (whenever the rain clears :mad:) to get used to the sram apex gears though.

WP_000538.jpg

€700 for a bike with an Apex groupset group set (minus the break callipers) is fantastic value.

aindriu80 · 20-08-2012 6:38pm

I started this thread looking at Specialized but Cannondale was recommended by several people. Can you tell me what you think of the following ?

Cannondale Caad10 (Shimano 105) €1,749
2012CAAD10-5%20REP001.JPG

Specialized 2012 Tarmac (Shimano Tiagra) €1,799

Specialized 2013 Sport Tarmac (Shimano 105) €2,050

I took both for a cycle today and it was a bit confusing as there was not much in it, Cannondale has an aluminum frame but felt a bit better and the frame was not that far off the cycle I had with the Specialized carbon. The wheels on the Cannondale would need to be replaced, the seat on the Specialized could be better. But the Shimano 105 can be got on both brands now although the parts on the Cannondale are better.

The new 2013 Specialized sport has a new paint job and the Shimano 105

There is a 5 year guarantee with Cannondale (aluminum) and life time guarantee with the Specialized (Carbon)

Mcofferon · 20-08-2012 7:26pm

Hi Aindui80

Its easy to get a bit sidetracked, as everyone here probably has alternative suggestions to the bikes you've listed, I've recently been through the same process, albeit on a tighter budget.

Bottom line, there really are very few bad bikes out there, not even mediocre ones. If you've had a chance to ride all three of your choices, your gut should really be able to tell which one to go for - I'm guessing the Cannondale?

Also I'm guessing that the Specialized bike came with the bare bones Shimano Groupset but with other/own brand brakes, cranks etc. Nothing wrong with that and one reason why they manage to package such good frames at those prices, but for me I'd prefer a full matching set.

Have you talked to the dealer about swapping out the wheels on the Cannondale?

Looking at the guarantee, I would check the small print. 5 years seems pretty much normal for alloy frames, with some quoting 10 years. The lifetime guarantee with the Specialized Tarmac may have exclusions and conditions (like an annual dealer inspection). Its good to see but doesn't necessarily mean one frame is more reliable than another.If you are unlucky to suffer from a bike with a manufacturing defect, it's more likely to show up in the first few months of ownership.

aindriu80 · 20-08-2012 8:21pm

Mcofferon wrote: »

Hi Aindui80

Its easy to get a bit sidetracked, as everyone here probably has alternative suggestions to the bikes you've listed, I've recently been through the same process, albeit on a tighter budget.

Bottom line, there really are very few bad bikes out there, not even mediocre ones. If you've had a chance to ride all three of your choices, your gut should really be able to tell which one to go for - I'm guessing the Cannondale?

Also I'm guessing that the Specialized bike came with the bare bones Shimano Groupset but with other/own brand brakes, cranks etc. Nothing wrong with that and one reason why they manage to package such good frames at those prices, but for me I'd prefer a full matching set.

Have you talked to the dealer about swapping out the wheels on the Cannondale?

Looking at the guarantee, I would check the small print. 5 years seems pretty much normal for alloy frames, with some quoting 10 years. The lifetime guarantee with the Specialized Tarmac may have exclusions and conditions (like an annual dealer inspection). Its good to see but doesn't necessarily mean one frame is more reliable than another.If you are unlucky to suffer from a bike with a manufacturing defect, it's more likely to show up in the first few months of ownership.

hey Mcofferon ! thanks for the reply, I was looking at all sorts of bikes there for a while and the thread did drift off.

Yeah you're right about the gut feeling, it is Cannondale but it didn't make much sense. When I got it on the road it felt the best ride straight away. The dealer was backing Specialized by in large but I thought lots of things are wrong with Specialized ( saddle, the shape of the triangle, handlebars, groupset) from my novice eyes.

The Cannondale does look like it needs new tyres already

but the tyres were noted as good grip on the web, good enough over the winter. It is a better looking bike and the parts seem to be better (although I am no expert on all the different parts).

Like you say nothing wrong with the Specialized and it does has the Shimano 105 and a new paint job in the 2013 version but it is more expensive. The 2012 Cannondale already has Shimano 105.

There are things to upgrade on the Cannondale (the bike which I think I will get) but I don't know what exactly apart from a speedometer.

longshanks · 20-08-2012 8:30pm

Does anyone here have an opinion on Thompson bikes?
I'm new to this and looking to get a decent bike to start on, but don't want to be changing again in 6 months. The chap in the local shop reckoned they were a good bike for the money.

Icyseanfitz · 20-08-2012 8:42pm

ive a 2011 caad 10 and its a great bike, mind you i didnt pay 1800 for it :eek: where you getting those prices from?

A good road bike

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