Beginner bike + kit for £1k

[Cyclist33]

Might be worth checking how much you'll actually save and what the end of year payment is. You won't get any sort of deal using C2W, RRP will be paid (as the retailer pays the scheme) - you may find you can get a better specced bike (possibly a 2012 model) on a 0% credit deal

Otherwise, buy the bike that fits you best, feels best on test ride and is most aesthetically pleasing - this way you'll ride it more

Budget £200 I'd say for kit, including £60+ on a proper solid gold sold secure D Lock if you plan on leaving it anywhere

2013 Sora now has lever shift, no thumb button and is 9 speed Tiagra of old (current Tiagra is 10 spd and 105 of old). There are a couple of lower Shimano groupsets than Sora

Not true. Evans for one include the discounted prices.

Stu

 

[jugglingphil]

Just try as many bikes as you can, one will jump out and say buy me...

Agreed. All the bikes in that price range should be good. Find one that is comfortable, makes you smile and want to jump on it.

 

[T4tomo]

SquareDaff - bearing in mind I need to get kit also, I'm thinking of spending up to £800 on the bike but preferably more like £750

the gravetstoneman - as I haven't ridden any bikes yet the looks have played a big part in my selection. I really like the Bianchi (although it doesn't seem to be great value) while the Felt and Cube are not far behind. Although the Cannondale and Giant don't inspire me as much looks-wise, I think I should try some bikes from the big boys as they get great reviews.

Bianchi will never be as good value spec for spec than a Cannondale or a Giant, they don't have the buying power or volume for that. That said they do look great and ride well and you'll see less similar bikes around. I have the VN7 Ultegra from 2009 which is pretty similar to current bike except it has carbon seat stays and its been excellent.

Big Brands always get great reviews, but reviews are n't always as independent as they might appear!

2013 Sora is pretty decent stuff now the thumb buttons have gone, I wouldn't worry about paying the extra for Tiagra or 105, its diminishing returns, Sora is perfectly capable.

 

[uphillstruggler]

i would say get the most comfortable/appealing bike for you. whether it has Sora/tiagra/105 wont really matter at the moment as you (probably) wont notice a great deal of difference in the performance of the components yet but you will quickly stop riding or wanting to ridfe if the frame is not comfortable.

you can always upgrade components at a later date if you so wish.

 

[Sittingduck]

Personally, I would get the best bike your budget can stretch to and get the kit in a piecemeal fashion from elsewhere, e.g. online stores or maybe Decathlon.

 

[vickster]

Not true. Evans for one include the discounted prices.

Stu

Not all do however...OP doesn't say where he has to buy from

 

[TheDizzle]

Thanks all for your opinions/advice etc. Much appreciated.

General consensus (or at least my conclusion) seems to be: try as many bikes as possible, don't worry too much about components at this level, buy the one that feels the best. Simples.

I can get the bike and kit from any retailer that offers the C2W scheme so I'll look out for discounted models. However, in the first instance I'll find the bike I want and if can find it cheaper then all the better.

On a side note, from this one thread I've found everyone on hear to be far more responsive and helpful than when I posted the exact same question on Bikeradar. Maybe if I told them I had £5k to spend the response would have been different...?

 

[vickster]

We are much friendlier

Just avoid the current affairs forum

 

[Cyclist33]

Not all do however...OP doesn't say where he has to buy from

"You won't get any sort of deal using C2W, RRP will be paid (as the retailer pays the scheme)" is what you said. It isn't the case. Depends where you shop!

Plus I checked with Cyclescheme this morning. You don't have to buy from the shop you put on your voucher request form. As long as you contact Cyclescheme before buying from a different shop, they will change the records for you.

Stu

 

[vickster]

Ok you win!!! Depending on which scheme affects where you can use the vouchers. Halfords have their own (although some Indy retailers take them, I know oyb won't take vouchers for their sale prices), Evans have their own, ribble charge an admin fee. Since they changed the c2w rules, I'd use interest free credit to buy a bike from wherever. Means you're not tied to your employer for at least 12 months either

 

[mark st1]

Specialized Allez should be in with a shout very comfy good all round bike and any www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk will get a test bike in for you to have for a day or a weekend. As everyone says bike brands seem to vary so much in size so trying as many as you can is a must. The worst feeling ever is a poorly fitted bike that your stuck with paying for on the c2w scheme for 12 months.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Thanks all for your opinions/advice etc. Much appreciated.

General consensus (or at least my conclusion) seems to be: try as many bikes as possible, don't worry too much about components at this level, buy the one that feels the best. Simples.

I can get the bike and kit from any retailer that offers the C2W scheme so I'll look out for discounted models. However, in the first instance I'll find the bike I want and if can find it cheaper then all the better.

On a side note, from this one thread I've found everyone on hear to be far more responsive and helpful than when I posted the exact same question on Bikeradar. Maybe if I told them I had £5k to spend the response would have been different...?

Big no to BR!

 

[awfulquiet]

Try a KTM Strada 800 or 1000 and cycling kit from Lidl/Aldi, or even sales at Prendas, Wiggle, Chain Reaction...

Or, Rose.de was having some great sales on bikes a while ago, maybe try there?

 

[clockhammer]

I bought through the C2W scheme and got an accessory voucher worth 10% of the value of bike i bought. The accessories had to be the same make as the bike. Not sure if its only some manufacturers that offer this but worth checking with C2W perhaps?

I would suggest spending as much on the bike as you can, the other bits and bobs you can pick up as you go, it never ends though, there is always something i want to buy now.

I opted for a Giant Defy 2, love it. Good luck though, hope you get something you like