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New bike for Team Squishy
gdh250467
Posts: 237
in General Chat
I too had to make a similar decision to this earlier this year. Was intending completing initial races on a Marin Carbon Hybrid, but thought might as well commit myself fully, so started looking and choices were:
Specialized Allez Elite,
Giany Defy, or
Boardman
In the end went with a Boardman Team Carbon. Bought a display model that had a small scratch, which gave me a £100 discount, and persuaded them to throw in two carbon bottle cages (usually £29 each) as well.
After about 6 weeks riding had the bike checked over at my local LBS. Stayed away from Halfords, and was advised that the local Halfords bike mechanic also gets his bike serviced at the same LBS, which says it all. The general feedback from the LBS is that it's an excellent bike for the money, light, well specced etc.
I must say that I can;t fault the bike, probably my best decision this year, other that taking up Triathlons (wish I done it years ago when I was younger and fitter). Bike is light, and fast and handles really well. Recently bought soe aerobars, so hopefully will be even better.
I know what you mean about the Specialized having an appeal, and almost went for the Allez, but don't regret the final decision of a Boardman. It's just a shame you can't buy them anywhere else other than Halfords.
Specialized Allez Elite,
Giany Defy, or
Boardman
In the end went with a Boardman Team Carbon. Bought a display model that had a small scratch, which gave me a £100 discount, and persuaded them to throw in two carbon bottle cages (usually £29 each) as well.
After about 6 weeks riding had the bike checked over at my local LBS. Stayed away from Halfords, and was advised that the local Halfords bike mechanic also gets his bike serviced at the same LBS, which says it all. The general feedback from the LBS is that it's an excellent bike for the money, light, well specced etc.
I must say that I can;t fault the bike, probably my best decision this year, other that taking up Triathlons (wish I done it years ago when I was younger and fitter). Bike is light, and fast and handles really well. Recently bought soe aerobars, so hopefully will be even better.
I know what you mean about the Specialized having an appeal, and almost went for the Allez, but don't regret the final decision of a Boardman. It's just a shame you can't buy them anywhere else other than Halfords.
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I too have found myself in the priveledged position of being issued a WAT relief note for the next month or so, which in a burst of unbeleivably good fortune, just happened to coincide with the annual bonus being paid tomorrow. I'm off to TriUK at lunchtime to discuss a nice new Kuota Kharma :-)
Let us know what you end up going with.
Infact I love it.
If you go for one then you won't regret it - new sloping top tube and Zerts really do make a difference.
If I was in the market though, I'd give serious thought to a boardman, rave reviews but as you say the Allez elite is a lovely bike.
Buy all of them Squishy. Use up your WAT while you can.
Buy them all squishy! if you cant buy them all what about the entry level cybe. Thats a good looking bike at at around £850
£749
[image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_09_Attempt_02.jpg[/image]
£1049
[image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_Attempt_02.jpg[/image]
£899
Shopping Cart : 0 Items In Basket £0.00 / [color=#0000ff]view basket?[/color]
[hr]
Cube Attempt 105
Made by Cube
our price £899.00
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[image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/Cube_Attempt_02.jpg[/image] [/align][/align]
In Brief :
It’s clear the Attempt is a real racer. Lightweight and stiff, with a comfortable frame, sharp handling make the Attempt an ideal race bike 2008 model - last One[/align][/align][hr]
[*]
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[*][/ul]
Size 56 cm (£899.00) Available for backorder
How many would you like?
[image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/add_to_cart.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.surosa.co.uk/images/email_friend.jpg[/image]
[hr]
Frame and Fork
[*]Frame: Alu Superlite 7005 double butted, RFR-Geometry
[*]Fork: Dedacciai Black Blade Carbon
[*]Shock: none
[*]Headset: Sealed integrated
Transmission
[*]Shifters: Shimano 105 STi
[*]Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
[*]Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
[*]Chainset: Shimano 105 Hollowtech II, 50x39x30
[*]Freewheel: Shimano 12-27, 10 speed
Wheels
[*]Wheels: Fulcrum Racing 7
[*]Tyres: Schwalbe Stelvio
Brakes
[*]Brakes: Shimano 105
Contact Zone
[*]Handlebar: Ritchey Biomax Comp
[*]Stem: Ritchey
[*]Saddle: Scape Active Ergo 2
[*]Seat Post: Ritchey OE
[*]Pedals: none
Weight: 8.9kg
Specification is subject to change without notice. E&OE
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that's it, one new Kharma ordered. Bring on the carbon fest. Pretty soon i may even summon up the nerve to post on the 'Bike Porn' thread.
Thank god for the WAT pass, i just hope she doesn't happen to look at the statement and decide to change her mind after all
Would recommend.
If I could get an Allez Elite for that price then sod the rest.
Was off eBay, from a guy with a proper bike shop on there. I had over an hours drive to collect it and had to put it together myself but I was fine with that for the saving. Was brand new, still in the box with all the protective bits on.
G
Fuji Roubaix RC
Bianchi Nirone 7
Cannondale Synapse
The Fuji has almost full Ultegra kit on it, and is doen from £1100 to £950. Never heard of them though.
Worth checking out ebay once you have a idea what you want-you're cash goes a lot further. I've ust bought a Wilier Mortirolo full carbon beauty-it's the 2008 model and comes with full Campag Veloce/Centaur and is in reat condition. Best part is it cost £800 for a bike that came 3rd (out of 37) in Cycle Plus's bike of the year. I had narrowed my options down to3-4 bikes and found LBSs in my aea and taken them out for a test ride t ensure I had the right size frame for me-then watched ebay and was patient.
Focus Bike - Wiggle
Samuel
Just needs a name now - any suggestions?
[image]local://2327/0A55E3A32FCB409892FC8849D873FB0B.jpg[/image]
'The Bitch'... great name.