Advice for Road Bike Purchase

[needforspeed]

Like many others (I suspect) I've very much caught the cycling bug and would like to move up from my current hybrid bike to a road bike. The question is, what's the best one for my budget of between £500 - £600?
I've looked around on the web, read all the reviews but I still can't take the plunge. I've shortlisted the following bikes and would appreciate an honest opinion on them.
Felt Z90 2007
Trek 1.2 triple 2009
Specialized Allez Triple 2009
Giant Defy 3 2009
Scott speedster S90 Triple 2009.

Of the 5 I'm tempted towards either the Specialized or the Felt. Which one won't I be dissappointed in. Are there any others that I should be considering?

Many thanks.

 

[snorri]

I haven't a clue, usually people just come in to this section to say "Hello", I suggest you post your query in the Beginners section.
Someone there will have knowledge or experience of these particular bicycles.
Oh! Welcome to CycleChat.

 

[Black Sheep]

all the ones you have sugested are good and respected makes.

try and test ride them at a local bike shop, the one you are most comfortable on and like the feel of best is the one to get - simple

 

[puddleglum]

Hi, I am also going to get a road bike, after just owning an MTB/hybrid. I have been looking at similar stuff to yourself, but my budget is a bit higher, at nearer to a grand. The only plan I have for sure is that it has to be a triple, but specifically have the Cannondale Synapse in mind.
As Pushing Tin says, the best thing is to try them at the shop before making a decision. The ultimate criterion is if it fits me and is comfy, but let us all know how you get on

 

[Black Sheep]

triples are over rated, but then thats coming from someone with a 6 speed road bike and a single-speed mountain bike

 

[jimboalee]

"Here he goes again."

Welcome.

Take your Dad's fishing scales down to the shop. Weigh each bike ( in pounds ) and add on 2 lb for accessories.

Reciprocate the resultant figure and multiply it by 1000. That will be the gear length in Inches the bike should have.

Example - a 24 lb package ( 22 lb bike + 0.75 litres water, computer etc ) should have a 42" gear in its range. 39 x 25.

If the bike doesn't, leave it alone or you will be retrofitting rings and sprockets.

 

[wyno70]

All a bit scientific. My suggestion would simply be to road test each and pick the one that you think is most comfortable!

You'll probably be replacing it again in a couple of years anyway!!!!

 

[RabbitFood]

I have had my Allez double for 1 month now and love it, it would not be fair for me to comment on the others as I dont have that much exsperince on them, like other haev suggested give tehm a ride, i rode the Allez, Trek anda giant and the one I liked the most was teh Allez so thats what i got.

Its all down to personel prefrance.

Rabbit

 

[swee'pea99]

"Here he goes again."

Welcome.

Take your Dad's fishing scales down to the shop. Weigh each bike ( in pounds ) and add on 2 lb for accessories.

Reciprocate the resultant figure and multiply it by 1000. That will be the gear length in Inches the bike should have.

Example - a 24 lb package ( 22 lb bike + 0.75 litres water, computer etc ) should have a 42" gear in its range. 39 x 25.

If the bike doesn't, leave it alone or you will be retrofitting rings and sprockets.

Eh?

 

[jimboalee]

A better example.

Scott Speedster S60 ( couldn't find an S90 ).

Scott says it weighs 9.7 kg or 21.4 lb.
Add on a bottle of drink, 0.8 kg or 2 lb = 23.4 lb.
Add on a computer and a rear lamp 0.6 lb = 24 lb.

1/24 = 0.042
0.042 x 1000 = 42

The bike should have a 42" gear in the collection.

Its lowest is 30 x 26 which is 31" WELL WITHIN It's OK

You should be able to ride this bike up a 12% at 4.5 mph.

 

[Sittingduck]

Jimboalee

Tell me something
Is your "Witchcraft" shot to ribbons if the rider is over a specifiec weight? Presumably the calculations are based upon total weight, as opposed to just the weight of the bike? If this is the case, wouldn't it be better to devise a formula that takes into account total weight of both rider & steed before defning the required gear length?

I have been following the various threads in the Beginners forum regarding gearing over the past week or so with great interest. About to tackle my longest ride yet and there's a pig of a hill towards the end of the ride. Almost resigned to the fact that I will be taking more than 1 rest break climbing it. Question is, just how many stops I will need

Apologies for Jacking the post BTW!

 

[montage]

I have a felt z65 - which is just a more upmarket version of the z90.

Although the Z series is described as a relaxed geometry series.... don't be fooled into thinking that this = less speed .... all reviews I have read will agree with me in saying that the Z series can still perform as a racing beast

The z90 has a very good quality frame, some of the gear is Sora though - but this isn't really much of an issue - if it is...then upgrade in the future!

I recommend the felt, though have no experience of the other bikes.

 

[Wigsie]

As its your first road bike the most important thing is to try them all, visit and chat to each LBS and get a feel for them, their attitudes and how pushy they are (a good LBS is important when starting out). They should recommend a bike fitting session, if they dont offer this walk away! if they try and sell you a sale bike walk away! If they dont let you test ride a bike walk away!

I had a budget of around double yours and test rode the higher specc'd versions of all the bikes you are looking at (barring the Felt). One stood head and shoulders above for me on a test ride (doesnt really matter to you but was the Allez). One will stand out for you and there you go, decision made!

Its that simple!

 

[Farky]

I have a specialized allez and Trek 1.7. I use them both to commute to work and I have to say, I prefer the specialized. No scientific answer here just the simple fact the specialized feels nicer, more agile, better handling and I seem to generate more speed on it.

Hope that helps

 

[MadoneRider1991]

orbea enol??