Advice on which Sportive Cycle.....

[Courtney]

I'm looking for advice on buying a first cycle please.
Here's some info:
- looking for a long distance road bike (aiming to do Sportives). Not intending to go super fast, so I would compromise speed elements for long distance comfort
- I'm female and slight so looking for the lightest cycle I can get for my money
- Looking to spend 750 to 1250
From research i'm looking at a carbon frame (or as much carbon in the frame as I can get for the cash) with aluminum wheels (lightweight with a bit of give). Even narrowing it down to that, i'm still overwhelmed by the choice.

Hoping people in the know can throw a few ideas of cycles or even recommended manufacturers so I can narrow my research down a bit more. Even cycles to stay clear of would help too. Many thanks

 

[Edge705]

Im gonna bump this thread for you and hopefully one or two of the females on this forum might want to advise better than I could

 

[theloafer]

these look tastey http://www.mekkbicycles.com/Poggio-P-2.0-105.aspx

 

[vickster]

Not sure how slight you are - in height or built, but the Cannondale Synapse models have a good rep in these parts for being light and good to ride - and there is a women's version for around £1100 with carbon fork and 105

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-5-105-2012-compact-womens-road-bike-ec031480 (SSV12 gets you 10% off online)

This Trek looks good value especially with the 10% off

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/lexa-slx-c-2012-womens-road-bike-ec030304?query=lexa

Otherwise, a Specialzed Dolce comp with SRAM (easy peasy to use)

http://www.evanscycles.com/products...mp-2012-womens-road-bike-ec030732?query=dolce

I am not sure there are (m)any full carbon bikes for women and not in budget

There is the carbon Ruby but starts at £1600

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/ruby-2012-womens-road-bike-ec030138?query=ruby

My Pearson Pave is a smashing bike - cost me around £1300 with SRAM Apex, if in the London/Surrey area, certainly worth a chat. I am 5'9 (and a bit) and ride a 54.5cm frame (as they come up a little large I think), they start at 45cm

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/product/29710/Pearson-Pavé-600mm/

Planet X can build good value carbon roadbikes - the advantage of a build is stem length, bar width etc can be customised if you go for a small men's (unisex) frame - if up north, go see them I'd say - carbon from a grand (small for 5'3 to 5'7)

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FBPXPRORIV12/planet_x_pro_carbon_rival_road_bike_2012

 

[Courtney]

Thanks so much for all the info so far
Very much appreciated and am taking a look at all these bikes now.....