First Road Bike (£800) - Cannondale caad8 a good choice or are there better ones?

[mustang1]

So because Evans is a national chain they're fine but Halfords isn't? Any shop is there to sell stuff, my local Rutland Cycles seemed hell bent on selling me a Trek despite my lusting after a Wilier which they also stocked. A shop is only as good as it's staff no matter how big the company is.

WRT the CAAD8, it's a superb bike, I've done over 6,000 miles on mine (and replaced the BB without any hassle) but it may not be the one you're looking for. Test ride as many as you can and make an informed decision on that rather than spec sheets and random people from the internet say.

Agreed. The few Halfords I've been to, the staff seemed fine. Having said that I bought a bike from there and they over tightened the headset but that was just one guy. I would buy from them again.
Ps wrt bb, I heard you need to apply a specific paste. Thing I like about the cannondale racing models is horizontal top tubes. Not really a fan of sloping TTs unless it's the curved one of a spesh.

 

[Cuchilo]

Just buy a Giant and be done with it

 

[outlash]

Thing I like about the cannondale racing models is horizontal top tubes

Me & you both. Horizontal top tubes just look 'right'. Bikes that have that really sloping top tube remind me of a dog going for a dump.

As I clearly said, my experiences of Evans stores have all been positive. The same, unfortunately, in my experience (and many others on this forum it would appear) cannot be said for Halfords.

What you said was Evans is a national chain so it's fine, unlike Halfords, which is also a national chain so I wasn't quite sure what you were getting at. The rest of your post is you getting pissy at something that wasn't directed at you. Carry on though .

 

[bikeman66]

Me & you both. Horizontal top tubes just look 'right'. Bikes that have that really sloping top tube remind me of a dog going for a dump.



What you said was Evans is a national chain so it's fine, unlike Halfords, which is also a national chain so I wasn't quite sure what you were getting at. The rest of your post is you getting pissy at something that wasn't directed at you. Carry on though .

OK!

 

[bororider]

Not had chance to look at any bikes yet. Am in Norwich for a few days break now so will visit evans whilst I'm here to have a look at the caad8 and also see what else is available. Thanks for all your input

 

[vickster]

Might be worth visiting Giant in Cambridge too, as Evans don't stock the brand

 

[Tin Pot]

Seriously consider this one...a Cinelli Experience Veloce. I bought mine nearly three years ago and it's been a source of joy after my first road bike, a Specialized Secteur. I really never got on with the Spesh at all.
This one's an absolute steal, but you really do need a test ride before you buy.
http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b75s6p2932
Have fun, whatever you choose.

Yup, just don't buy the last one - I want it

 

[SpokeyDokey]

The downer with Evans is that they won't fine tune your bike on an incremental cost basis like many LBS's.

Want a different saddle/stem/cassette etc? Instead of having an eg extra tenner added to the bill you'll pay the full price of the item you want and end up with the one you don't want as an unused eBay for sale item.

Based on my experience at Evans, Kendal. Other stores may differ?

 

[bororider]

Might be worth visiting Giant in Cambridge too, as Evans don't stock the brand

I drive past that every day but always before they've opened! It looks a well stocked shop and is on my list to go to.

 

[vickster]

I drive past that every day but always before they've opened! It looks a well stocked shop and is on my list to go to.

They open at weekends too

 

[bororider]

Yh I work in Cambridge but don't live there otherwise I'd go on the weekend.

 

[adamhearn]

Test ride a few bikes and buy the one that fits