BTWIN Ultra 720 AF or Bulls Harrier 2

[st3rn]

Hi all,
What bike can you recommend me?

BTWIN Ultra 720 AF
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/ultra-720-af-road-bike-ultegra-id_8331274.html

or

Bulls Harrier 2
https://www.bulls.de/produkt/bulls-harrier2-564-03048

Both have the same price tag (1299 EUR) and both come with an Ultegra group set

 

[Gert Lush]

Personally I think the BTWIN has better specs. Complete Ultegra groupset including brakes and cassette where as the other bike has 105 brakes/cassette. Although my bike has 105 5800 and it works lovely so it's not that bad. Also has nicer wheels*

At that type of money I would buy a 'brand' bike rather than a 'own brand' bike although the spec is very good.


*I think, not 100% sure of the Mavic range but I think cosmics are higher than askiums.

 

[Spiderweb]

I would choose the BTWIN as it has a better spec although if I were spending 1299 Euro I would be looking at carbon framed bikes.

 

[st3rn]

Thx for the replies. @Spiderweb - does carbon make such a difference? And what bikes could you recommend in that price range (carbon)?

 

[Spiderweb]

I have several road bikes which have either Steel, Aluminium or Carbon frames. For me my Carbon framed bike is the smoothest to ride, the frame is super stiff therefore really responsive giving excellent acceleration. It is also much lighter therefore great at climbing hills. There are some Aluminium frames that I think are as light as carbon, the Cannondale synapse comes to mind which are well regarded but would be beyond your budget.
I would look at the Planet X website, particularly the Pro Carbon model, I have never ridden one but ride occasionally with 3 friends that have them and they love them, I don't think there is a better bike for the money.
The only disadvantage is that there are only two branches both in South Yorkshire. I don't know where you live but as you mentioned Euros it is unlikely that Sheffield is down the road therefore you are not going to be able to try before you buy.
Personally I would take the risk and order online.
Here's the link;
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPFOR22/planet-x-pro-carbon-sram-force-11-road-
Other Pro Carbons are available with different specifications, some cheaper, some more expensive.

 

[bonsaibilly]

Personally I wouldn't get a Planet X because a) you can't try one out unless you can get there, b) the frame hasn't changed in years so it just looks like an old carbon bike, and c) I see too many of them about and would rather have something a bit different.

Horses for courses though.

I suspect there is some bike science which would prove that the massive differences you're promoting aren't actually that significant - but I don't know what it is.

I find my steel bike the most comfortable and engaging to ride. It doesn't weigh much different to my carbon bike but the carbon one climbs better - I put it down to frame stiffness but it might just be because I ride it in good weather when the wind is low and when I'm generally fitter myself.

bb

 

[fossyant]

PX has loads of other frames too

 

[bonsaibilly]

PX has loads of other frames too

Yes but the one that is the subject of the post I replied to, isn't one of them! bb

 

[fossyant]

I know. Not a big fan of the old PX frame but it still sells.

 

[bonsaibilly]

I know. Not a big fan of the old PX frame but it still sells.

There's one in the work bike shed next to mine some days. It's light, I'll grant it.

 

[fossyant]

There's one in the work bike shed next to mine some days. It's light, I'll grant it.

I think the design is at least 10 years old. The newer frames are stiffer but these must be reliable enough to keep rolling them out year after year.

 

[bonsaibilly]

I think the design is at least 10 years old. The newer frames are stiffer but these must be reliable enough to keep rolling them out year after year.

And cost effective to produce/source and easily-marketable as have a proven track record.

 

[Spiderweb]

Thx for the replies. @Spiderweb - does carbon make such a difference? And what bikes could you recommend in that price range (carbon)?

This is also worth thinking about at £999
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXR...val-11-road-disc-bike-final-countdown-edition

 

[vickster]

Don't think the OP us in the UK and if PX deliver overseas...and I creating wouldn't trust Yodel even if they do!

 

[Spiderweb]

Don't think the OP us in the UK and if PX deliver overseas...and I creating wouldn't trust Yodel even if they do!

It does seem the OP is outside the UK but Planet X do deliver to most countries. Completely agree with your Yodel comment, avoid like the plague!