First road bike with comfort in mind

[derrick]

Am drooling over this one.

http://www.bianchi.com/Global/Bikes/Bikes_Detail.aspx?ProductIDMaster=59416

 

[jonathanw]

That's the one

Way too green

....only kidding, black and white just suited me better

 

[StuAff]

+1 for DZ & Pete's points. Don't rule out steel and titanium, plenty of options in both that are well in budget. And don't forget the importance of finishing kit- no point buying a high-end frame and then sticking low-end wheels and group on it. And you need a saddle that suits you!

If you do go carbon, Roubaix & Infinito are obvious and decent choices. Then you've got the Cervelo R3, Scott CR1, BH Plasma, Orbea Onix, Viner Gladium 2.0 (my pick, I have its predecessor and love it), Planet X are going to be doing a Italian-made frame in their 2012 range (like the Viner, full custom fit available)...happy shopping

 

[PaulSecteur]

Have to say, Im a little envious of your budget!

Having said that, I dont think I could blow 3K on a first bike. You might not like it and if you do decide to sell it you will loose alot of money.
Why not go for something £1500 to £2000 now and use that next year, Im sure it will do everthing you would want. Then next year use your remaining budget to upgrade the groupset to dura ace (or a similar level from sram or campy)?

I doubt that the average rider could really tell the difference between a 105 equipped bike and and dura-ace bike.

I have 105 on my roubaix and secteur and its faultless. Im sure dura ace is better... But that much better?

 

[Deckitout]

Well it,s not my first bike but it will be my first road bike. I currently ride a fuji hybrid a reasonable spec bike with carbon forks and 105 groupset.

I see no real point in spending 1500 now then wanting to upgrade in a years time. 3k is the top of the budget, if a bike comes in cheaper then fine.

My main criteria is something that is not to radical in riding position, hence my initial choice of Hybrid, this was determined because of a couple of old motorcycle injuries to back and shoulder. Now that I have been riding for several months, increased my fitness, improved flexibility and core strength, I feel that a move to a road bike is the way foward. I am confident that cycling is part of my future.

 

[PaulSecteur]

That being the case, it seems like an "Endurance road" bike will suit you. Spesh have the roubaix, Canondale have the synapse. Im sure others have similar.

For 3K you will be getting a cracking bike, have a test ride, look at the colours then mull it over for a few days and one will keep popping up as a favorite... That`ll be the one!

If I were spending that money I would be looking for a discount if it were last years and or a bike fitting session thrown in.

And most importantly... Dont forget to post up some pics when you have decided!

If I have 3k...

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/Detail/12roubaix/roubaix/Roubaix Elite

And

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...+7900+C35+Wheelset+-+Clincher_WH7900C35CL.htm

or

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+...Ace+7900+C24+CL+Wheels+-+Pair_WH7900C24CL.htm

 

[Deckitout]

Well the shortlist is the roubaix elite and expert, and a pinerello FP2 and Rokh the sportive version.

I am having a bike fit next week and will decide from one of the above.

 

[jonathanw]

Wot no bianchi?

 

[jayonabike]

If I had 3K to spend on a bike I'd get either a top spec Van Nicholas or a Mercian.

 

[Monkspeed]

You could take a look at the Felt Z series road bikes which are built with comfort in mind compared to their F series bikes.
http://www.feltbicycles.com/United-Kingdom/2012/Road/Z-Series/Z4.aspx

 

[vickster]

If you haven't decided, get in touch with Pearson's, they have their own kit as well as some higher end stuff at their new shop in Sheen. I have bought 4 bikes from them, always had excellent service. I have their entry level carbon 'sportive' type bike, it's lovely when I get round to riding it

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/content/66/Pearson-Performance/

 

[arno]

If you are going to ride four times a week you may want to consider a frame that will take mudguards.

 

[Scousegaz]

Trek Madone has a relaxed ride setup, my Madone 4.5 2011 model was £1850 with a 105 groupset, nice ride and very responsive

 

[slowmotion]

If it's your first road bike, I'd choose one that has an adjustable angle stem. I have a Specialized Secteur that came with a four angle stem, plus 16,plus 8, minus 8 and minus 16 degrees. To start with, I had the highest setting, plus 16 degrees but as I got more used to the riding position of a road bike, I lowered the angle progressively, and also flipped the stem. I found that it was a really useful feature.

You are lucky to have that budget. My two cents would be to buy a £800 bike and then get a feel for what you really want after a few months of experience. Buy last years model, whatever you do.

Good luck.

 

[Cyclist33]

This is kinda what I was suggesting too. There's not actually a logical link between spending 3k and keeping the bike for the long term. If you can part with it now who's to say you might not again in a year? See, no less logical a scenario.

As others have said mate its your cash and of course I'm dead jealous, however, its very easy to get a fast comfortable roadster for a grand or less.. you don't need a roubaix as I did ten hours on my ally Felt one day without breaking my back.

Photos when you've bought, tho!