first road bike

[derrick]

Found this link, might give some people something to think about when looking for a new bike, there are a few differant ones that don't get a mention on here.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/cheap-road-bikes-our-pick-of-the-best-35756/#null

 

[derrick]

I can reccomend the ribble, the other half has one but the spec on hers is a bit better, but they do feel nice on the road.

 

[AndyRM]

If I was buying a complete bike from that collection I would go for the Dawes. Old school looks and a nice ride to boot.

Instead I am building up the Ribble Audax frame, which so far seems awesome!

 

[jowwy]

I have a defy 4 which is a cracking bike for the money - but that caad8 does look like a good bike for the money too

 

[Hacienda71]

I am kind of surprised they have ommited the Decathlon offerings.

 

[Widge]

Despite their excellent hybrids, rockriders and Tribans......I get the feeling that Decathlon are not really considered 'mainstream' enough by the cycling press at large. Cycle Active really liked the T3 as do I and MANY others...but I think there is a bit of a 'pound-shop' mentally surrounding them? I have never actually BEEN to a Decathlon store however...(my nearest is about 300 miles away) so have no idea how serious they are about their cycle profile. Perhaps they are like Halfords without the charm?

 

[cyberknight]

I am kind of surprised they have ommited the Decathlon offerings.

Because there is not a Decathlon near Bristol where they are based and are to lazy to ask to try one ?

 

[ianjmcd]

its simple decathlon dont do mainstream cycling press so have never submitted anything for review

 

[2Loose]

Wierdly, Bike Radar are one of the few places that DO review Decathlon\BTwin bikes, and they get very good write ups generally.

 

[AndyRM]

Cycling Active cover them as well.

http://www.cyclingscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Triban-3-Review.pdf

 

[Kestevan]

I'll bet that if you compared the advertising budget with the amount of "review" coverage any brand gets - it may make things clearer.

The "smaller" brands only get passing mentions in the majority of press, perhaps a mention in a large group roundup every now and again (and that seemingly grudgingly).

 

[SomethingLikeThat]

The Ribble really appeals to me. Although I would love a £1500 Wilier Isozard