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£800 bike
kinbar
Posts: 15
in General Chat
I realise that these questions get asked all the time but I'm buyig a bike through my company's cycle to work scheme at Evans Cycles (Focus, Cube and Boardman bikes are out!) and need some help: I've been advised to get the best frame I can as the componenets can be upgraded - but what is the best frame? Lightest, stiffest?
I'm sort of torn between
Specialized Allez Elite (average components)
Trek 1.7 (better components)
But should I consider:
Pinnacle Espelands 1.0 or 2.0
Bianchi C2C Via Narone
Scott S20
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks & Good luck
I'm sort of torn between
Specialized Allez Elite (average components)
Trek 1.7 (better components)
But should I consider:
Pinnacle Espelands 1.0 or 2.0
Bianchi C2C Via Narone
Scott S20
Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks & Good luck
0
Comments
Good bike, I'm very happy with it.
I have been looking for larger frame bikes which seem to be out of the normal shop stock but it seems that anything in the 50cm frame area is in stock. Dont know if that helps any but I am going through the same strife at the moment.
I can't really comment on the pros and cons of different bikes, but the one thing that you should definitely do is try to buy a 2007 model in the sales. All the main shops are selling off last year's stock at reduced prices at the moment so that they can clear floor space for the 2008s. Often there is virtually no difference at all between the 2007 and 2008 models other than a colour change or a couple of new components (which you can upgrade separately) but you can get some serious reductions. I got the 2006 Felt F4 bike for £1100 last January - reduced from £1700. There are now some 2007 Felt F4's going for the same reduction (i.e. £1700 to £1100) in order to make way for the new 2008 F4s at, no surprise, £1700. Most of the other bike makes have similar reductions.
Worth checking the websites of the main triathlon and cycling shops to check for their 2007 bike sales (Evans, SBR, Condor, NTF, etc.). Also, the only other rule is that you should never buy a bike without visiting the shop and getting them to size you properly against the bike - like clothes, different makers have different interpretations of bike frame sizes e.g. a Felt 58cm frame may be correct for a 6'2" person, but the same person may need a 60cm frame from another manufacturer.
Good luck
Mike
but i have a planet x pro carbon and for a £1000 its a very good bike.
Good Luck
I took part in London Tri 2007 and posted 1:04 for the bike, this year I want to get under the hour on the bike leg. Does this mean I need a time trial bike, or just train harder?
Cheers,
Kinbar - In your position and at your price range I'd worry less about comparing frame stiffness and just get the one that fits you the best. You can have the lightest, stiffest bike out there but if it doesn't fit then any time advantage will be lost.
Usually on Cycle2Work you can only buy current catalogue models, so those 2007 bargains from your local bike shop will probably be out of the question, which is a shame.
I am assuming that your company can't be arsed with the extra paperwork to allow the limit to go over £1000, so let's assume you have that much to spend. If you can afford it, go for the maximum: you still get the bike half price (if you are a higher rate tax payer) and get to rent it over 12-18 months, and get to pay £10-20 to buy it second-hand at the end.
Regarding your choice of bike: if it fits you properly, then ANY £1000 bike is probably going to be as much as you need for a loooong time. And if you decide to buy one online without trying it, then Google lots for bike fitting advice i.e. how to make the necessary measurements, and make sure the bike you buy is adjustable enough.