OK here's the deal, Ive seen 2 bikes that i have fallen in love with, both cubes, the agree pro and the agree gtc sl, both at different price points, and as its my first road bike for fitness, leisure and several treks to work a month, IS IT TOO MUCH MONEY TO SPEND FOR A 1ST BIKE?????
1st road bike £1500 or £2000??
- Thread starter Atyl1972
- Start date
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No doubt later in the day you will get a variety of answerscoming down on both sides of the fence.
For me, its waaaaaay out of my price league. Then again, I have a rubbish paid job, pay a mortgage, and have three pre -teen kids to look after (with number four on the way), so a bike in that price range will have to remain a day dream for a bit longer yet.
I guess its only too much if you cant afford it, so if the price is right for you, go for whichever bike you prefer.
For me, its waaaaaay out of my price league. Then again, I have a rubbish paid job, pay a mortgage, and have three pre -teen kids to look after (with number four on the way), so a bike in that price range will have to remain a day dream for a bit longer yet.
I guess its only too much if you cant afford it, so if the price is right for you, go for whichever bike you prefer.
Cletus Van Damme
Previously known as Cheesney Hawks
- Location
- Out in the sticks...
It's out of my price league too. But if you can afford it go for it. You do not mention if you already cycle at the moment or are just starting? If it was me and I was just starting I would be bothered if I quit riding as it is an expensive bike to have laying around doing nothing. I am sure if that is the case you won't quit anyway, just go for it.
Sh4rkyBloke
Jaffa Cake monster
- Location
- Manchester, UK
My Brother-in-Law started on a £600 trek bike a few months ago... he's now signed up for the Etape du Tour and went out and bought a Wilier Gran Turismo last week (£3850 of bike!!) but he's a Dentist who owns his own practice so I guess that's comfortably within his budget. If what you want is within yours and you've test ridden both then go with what feels best. Can't see there being a huge difference between a £1500 and a £2K bike, though. Nice position to be in, mind! 
I would say that as you have already looked at these bikes, if you bought anything less you may not be that satisfied with your choice. If you have the money go for it, it could turn out cheaper in the long run than buying several cheaper bikes, and then still buying your prefered choice.
JonnyBlade
Live to Ride
- Location
- Gosport-Hampshire
I must admit I got a greater pleasure out of buying the different parts and putting together a bike custom made for me
The thing is though, once you get the urge ................... you've got to have it!
If you can afford it, which I definitely could not, then go for it
The thing is though, once you get the urge ................... you've got to have it!
If you can afford it, which I definitely could not, then go for it
jugglingphil
Senior Member
- Location
- Nottingham
People spend a lot more money on other hobbies without being questioned, so if you've got the cash and you really want it, then get it and love it.
Have you ridden either of these bikes? Personally I'd recommend going to a good LBS or two (I'm sure CCers could recommend near you) and get on some bikes and listen to their advice. Then make your decision.
Have you ridden either of these bikes? Personally I'd recommend going to a good LBS or two (I'm sure CCers could recommend near you) and get on some bikes and listen to their advice. Then make your decision.
My stylish, beautiful and witty wife says: "Extravagance is never regretted; economy always is".
It often sounds like BS to me, but it might be right in your situation.
I've never met two people who think in the same way about cost.
My No1 road bike was £1000 which seemed a lot, but I've loved it for 3 years.
If you've ridden it, you like it and you can afford it, it sounds as good as bought to me.
Also if you're riding occasionally to work you can subtract from the price the fast-accumulating savings on fuel and (if you're given to geekery) general automotive running costs.
On a car, £1500 is often the price of a Sport Pack and a chromed tailpipe.
If you get a lovely bicycle for that, you're not doing too badly.
It often sounds like BS to me, but it might be right in your situation.
I've never met two people who think in the same way about cost.
My No1 road bike was £1000 which seemed a lot, but I've loved it for 3 years.
If you've ridden it, you like it and you can afford it, it sounds as good as bought to me.
Also if you're riding occasionally to work you can subtract from the price the fast-accumulating savings on fuel and (if you're given to geekery) general automotive running costs.
On a car, £1500 is often the price of a Sport Pack and a chromed tailpipe.
If you get a lovely bicycle for that, you're not doing too badly.
Oldbloke
Guru
- Location
- Mayenne, France
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
Only because I've seen a few other posts from yourself I presume you are quite new to cycling or at least road riding? I took up cycling 17 years ago when the kids wanted Dad to take them for a ride. I started off with a £90 Raleigh, went through two Marin hybrids (both stolen by some scrote) at around £400, spent £800 on a Monoc TC2 Concept (road bike) seven years ago and about 6 weeks ago spent £1580 on a Dolan Dual carbon. When I looked at the Dolan my LBS had a £2000 model in stock which I lusted after but ultimately couldn't justify £2k and went for the cheaper model. I would have felt guilty riding a £2k bike but I'm delighted with my Dolan at just under £1600. We're all different and it is ultimately down to individual choice. I bought the bikes which seemed appropriate for me at the time. Just before I retire - perhaps 5-8 years I shall buy another bike which I'll chose as appropriate at the time.
You can see I keep my bikes sometime and I have spent more each time as my horizons have expanded from taking the kids down the canal towpath to 5-6 day tours. My Monoc lasted me seven years and is still a very, very good bike and at £100 per year I reckon it was an excellent investment, hopefully the same will apply to my Dolan. I'm delighted my eldest boy (well 25) is now riding the Monoc and discovering the joys of cycling.
If you can afford it and it will bring you pleasure then buy what you want but I would caution this. Avoid buying a bike which is more than you need. It's my view, others may correct me, that a bike can limit the rider's potential but if you go too high, too soon you'll miss the benefit of upgrading as you go along - you will hold the bike back rather than the reverse. Find a local LBS you feel comfortable with now and will do for some years, start a relationship with them. Explain carefully what you want to achieve and follow their advice. My experience is I have changed bikes each time I felt the bike was holding me back, for example my Dolan lets me do my 11 mile training run 2 mins 40 secs faster than ever before.
The uses you mention suggest you need something which is comfortable, fast, useable for touring or long weekend rides and responsive for commuting. I think that's quite a big ask and is why I suggest finding a good LBS.
Silver Fox
Guru
I'd echo what other have said, if you can afford it then go for it.
The only other observation I'd make is, as it's your first road bike, are you sure road biking is for you. It is a lot of money to spend if you're just testing the water with something new but if it's what you enjoy then happy cycling.
Hello,twenty four years i have been cycling.Worked my way slowly up to a Spesh Secteur Elite 61cm just last year.Wonderful bike.But already looking to top it.I am 6'4" so frame sizing is a nightmare for me.But your posting has sorted me out.I love the Agree sl.64cm and sloping tube.Dealer in Tadcaster a hop skip and jump away.£1500 and another step up in components.And what a paint job.I love the grey colour scheme on the Secteur,but the Agree even blows that out of the water.
So you have nailed my choice.So i shall be shifting out a couple of bikes (sadly) but i need to raise the cash towards this Cube.
On a serious note thank you for posting because i would never had looked at Cube.Both bikes you are looking at are quality either one will be a pleasure to own and ride.
So you have nailed my choice.So i shall be shifting out a couple of bikes (sadly) but i need to raise the cash towards this Cube.
On a serious note thank you for posting because i would never had looked at Cube.Both bikes you are looking at are quality either one will be a pleasure to own and ride.
Unless the £2k is significantly better specced than the £1600 one, I'd get the cheaper one. Over a certain price you are still getting a very good piece of kit, so the price just becomes a number. If you were debating on a £500 and a £1k bike, I'd go for the more expensive one, but at £1600 and £2000, there can't be that much difference.
Saying that, it's your money and you are free to think I'm an idiot and spend 2 grand on a bike and make me very jealous
Saying that, it's your money and you are free to think I'm an idiot and spend 2 grand on a bike and make me very jealous
