I thought I had my next bike choice nailed......

[TheBoyBilly]

I thought my next bike, which was going get me into Sportives and charity rides, was going to be a Basso Reef. Then Shimano go and bring out a new 105 groupset. I don't think the Reef will come with that (more like Tiagra) but the Giant TSR 1 or a Trek will have 5700 components. I'm looking for a nice comfy ride, with a high value-for-money quotient. Decisions, decisions.....does anyone else agonise over stuff like this?

Bill

 

[Deleted member 1258]

I eventually brought one of these, after ages spent on the internet and in bike shops.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Verenti_Kilmeston/5360048366/

 

[jimboalee]

Always buy the best you can afford of what you want. Then there will no regrets and 'should have's'.

There is however, an exception to this in cycling. The most comfortable and ergonomic bike for the job might not be the most expensive.

 

[yello]

Decisions, decisions.....does anyone else agonise over stuff like this?

Yes.

You have to realise that decisions are invariably based (in the final analysis) on non-bike things and personal preferences. There's actually any number of very good bikes that will suit your purposes, and very very few lemons. You can quite easily whittle down the candidates into a shortlist of 4 or 5. Having done that, forget any thought of deciding which is the 'best bike' of that lot and start looking at solely those non-bike things; LBS or on-line?, relationship with LBS or faceless punter? etc etc etc

And then decide which colour you like best.

Because in all honesty, as long as you've done your homework and prepared a shortlist, then anyone of those bikes will be good for you. In the event that it's not then it's a learning experience for when you build your next shortlist!

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Yes.

You have to realise that decisions are invariably based (in the final analysis) on non-bike things and personal preferences. There's actually any number of very good bikes that will suit your purposes, and very very few lemons. You can quite easily whittle down the candidates into a shortlist of 4 or 5. Having done that, forget any thought of deciding which is the 'best bike' of that lot and start looking at solely those non-bike things; LBS or on-line?, relationship with LBS or faceless punter? etc etc etc

And then decide which colour you like best.

Because in all honesty, as long as you've done your homework and prepared a shortlist, then anyone of those bikes will be good for you. In the event that it's not then it's a learning experience for when you build your next shortlist!

I love the look of Basso bikes, the Laguna in particular but that is just a tad too expensive just now. The 2011 Reef should come in at around £1400 (if indeed they do spec it with the latest 105 kit). The Giant TCR 1 in both guises undercut that (£1195 for the triple) and the same for Trek's equivalent. The Verenti Kilmeston mentioned looks a fine bike and a real bargain at £900 but I'm not too sure about buying online (equipment yes, but not a complete bike) although my Langster came off eBay!!!
I will in time buy a Basso, so I am mulling over a choice between the others then save up for my dream bike in a couple of years.
I have to say I never have this trouble buying a car, lol.

Thanks folks,

Bill