Bike suggestions please

[AndyRM]

I'd recommend the Bianchi as well, but then I'm biased because I have one, albeit specced with Campagnolo rather than Shimano.

If you are prepared to look beyond established names, the Wiggle Verenti bikes are very good. A friend of mine has the Rhigos 03. A thing of beauty and a really nice ride. More here: http://www.verentibikes.com/bikes/rhigos-three

 

[Richyrich100]

Ahh so you guys are saying the bianchi frame is better that the cube, I could afford this: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/impulso-veloce-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031956#features
It has campagnolo which I like, my old bike has campagnolo which I very much like

 

[JtB]

That's the very one I'll be taking delivery of when my c2w voucher finally arrives.

 

[Richyrich100]

I did like the look of it before you guys said anything, i might go have a look in the shop next time im near

 

[AndyRM]

I did like the look of it before you guys said anything, i might go have a look in the shop next time im near

You won't be disappointed. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that once an Italian bike is under your skin, you will find yourself craving espresso and a Fiat 500.

 

[JtB]

Here's my wife's Bianchi Impulso Veloce which is only a week old. Really nice bike View attachment 10194

That is just such a nice looking bike. How does your wife find the thumb shift?

 

[Bianchi-67]

That is just such a nice looking bike. How does your wife find the thumb shift?

Many thanks JtB. I bet you can't wait for yours to be delivered. My wife has not yet got the hang of the thumb shifters yet. I rode the Impulso this morning and really enjoyed the ride. I've never ridden a bike with Thumb shifters so it felt unusual.

I am currently trying to persuade my wife to go clipless but she is not having any of it at the moment. I suppose showing her YouTube clips of people falling off their bikes has not helped.

When are you expecting your bike to be delivered?

Here is a better pic of the Impulso

 

[JtB]

Yes, I am getting quite impatient waiting. Its arrived at the LBS but I'm waiting for my c2w voucher which I'm guessing might arrive the end of the month. I bought SPD road pedals about 3 weeks ago and I'm getting used to them on my old bike. I've not fallen off yet but my legs ache quite a bit. At least I will be used to them by the time my new bike arrives.

 

[Bianchi-67]

Hi JtB,

Has your bike arrived yet?

 

[JtB]

Just picked it up today

 

[Bianchi-67]

Really nice. Any plans to change/upgrade anything yet? Enjoy the ride

 

[mustang1]

Bike Radar like Giant Defy like a few others here mentioned. Check out their <£1k bikes review:
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/best-road-bikes-under-1000-29719/

 

[JtB]

No plans to upgrade yet. Including the ride home from the bike shop I did about 40 miles today. It rides well especially going up the hills and the gear shifters work a treat for me. The only gripe I have is that the modern riding position is a little aggressive for my old back which ended up aching towards the end of the ride. I shall continue for another week then consider raising the handlebars a little to make the riding position a little more relaxed.

 

[Powely]

I've been looking at a similar price point for my second bike and was about to go with a Wilier Izoard with campag Xenon but the shifters would need upgrading as I don't want thumb shifters (albeit the Xenons are more reachable from the drop). So now I'm considering a Cannondale CADD 8 105 for £999 or a Wilier La Triestina 105 for £1149 (maybe a little less with some haggling). Maybe you should look at either of them too? I'm new to cycling though and I've still not made a firm choice either yet so maybe someone else will know of something better for the money?