Just test rode these, any opinions before i buy?

[DanPrice]

1st off i hope this is in the right section.

Im looking to buy a new bike through the CTW scheme, ive been to my LBS today and test rode a few bikes that matched my budget-ish (except the Boardman), and looked nice.

I was pleasantly surprised by all of them, but am finding it hard to choose. As they all rode really nice, and some look better than others but cost more.

The main point of getting a new bike is im starting to take road riding more seriously and have switched disciplines fully now (i was still racing BMX).

For now i will be using the bike for training rides, usually 150 miles a week (for now), club rides, evening 10's, and hopefully shortly some races (but well see).

I want to buy something that is going to hold up well against this, and give the most bang for bucks.

Below is the make, model and a brief detail of groupset and wheelset, ive a link to the required page for full specification. For the people that really know there stuff and want to help.

I would just like to add that i do have a set of Mavic Akisum wheels at home which i could use on either of these bikes if necessary?

And id also like to add, i KNOW it is my personal preference but a little help regarding parts, and your personal opinions would be great.


I know its a long thread, but the help really is greatly appreciated.

In advance, thank you all.


Boardman Pro Carbon - £1499.99
SRAM Force Groupset
Ritchey Wheelset
http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_pro_carbon.html


Specialized Tarmac Comp - 1600.00
Shimano 105 Groupset
Shimano RS-10 wheelset
http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39249&eid=115


Giant TCR Alliance 0 - £1450.00
Ultegra groupset
Mavic Aksium wheelset
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-GB/bikes/road/2423/32362/


Giant TCR Advanced 3 - £1600.00
Shimano 105
Formula hubs/Mavic CXP 22 Rims
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/EN-GB/bikes/road/2421/32350/


Giant TCR Advanced 2 - £1850.00 (MAX END OF BUDGET)
Ultegra Groupset
Mavic Aksium Wheelset
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/EN-GB/bikes/road/2421/32349/


Cube Agree GTC Pro - £1499.00
Ultegra Groupset
Easton Vista SL Wheelset
http://www.thebigadventurestore.com/cube-agree-gtc-pro-compact-2009-887-p.asp


Trek Madone 4.5 - £1500.00
Shimano 105
Bontrager Wheelset
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/road/madone/madone45/

In my opinion it is between the TCR Advanced 2 & 3, whether i stick to my budget and get the 3, or spend the extra £250, and have Ultegra groupset and Mavic Aksium wheelset?

I also really like the look of the Trek Madone, but seems to me like the parts arent the best?

But i am basing this opinion on looks, and the some what knowledge i have being a "newbie".

Thank you

 

[DJ]

Whoa they are all serious bikes , the Tarmac is a bike I always love the look of.

 

[Tel]

I think the Giant TCR won bike of the year in Cycling Plus, up against another 36 bikes of similar spec.

 

[Sittingduck]

Those my friend, are some sexy bicycles

Looks-wise I like the Treks, the Boardman and the Spesh!

 

[MadoneRider1991]

go for the TCR or madone

 

[accountantpete]

Sorry but the thought of splashing out £1,850 hard-earned only to end up with a pair of Aksiums is typical of the crap that bike shops all too often push out.

Do yourself a favour get a pair of Zonda's or above for £300 and then splash out on the frame etc with what cash you have left.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Or why not pop down the Bianchi shop, for a grand you get a good OTP bike with top notch Italian components and then stick £850 in your back pocket for later!

I'd be more tempted to do that, if I only had £1850 to spend on a bike......sigh.....

 

[DanPrice]

Thanks for all the responses so far, there all helping.

Ive also this evening test rode a Cube Agree GTC Pro, was quite nice and the spec was quite high for the price, compared to the Giant.

Although i havent heard much about Cubes?

Ive added it to the list above anyway, with links.

Again all opinions greatly appreciated

 

[miketherower]

the giant is a belting bike, I tried one at the LBS this morning and it's nicer to ride than my condor barrachi. he's right about the wheels though, they're not great and 2 or 3 hundred pounds on a set of fulcrum 5s or better 3s would make it a fantastic bike.

 

[DanPrice]

The cube has Ultegra groupset, and Easton Vista SL wheelset (i see from prices there obviously better than the Mavics?)

And is £400 less than the TCR....

Ive also just looked through my C+ and it was the TCR 3 that won, which is £1600 (alot more budget friendly than the TCR 2).. It has Formula hubs, Mavic CXP 22 rims, and 105 groupset.

I do have some Mavic aksium wheels that i could put on the TCR 3, i suppose that way id save £250...

 

[oxbob]

Ribble sportive/nero corsa,Focus cayo sram,dolan?

 

[oxbob]

Oh, and plus 1 wheels will make the best upgrade

 

[Fab Foodie]

My thoughts....
They're all great bikes. The TCR is very highly rated by C+ and clubmates.
Don't get too hung-up on groupsets... they don't make you go faster, decent wheels do, and I don't rate Aksiums as overtly great, they're still fairly cheap. Shimano 105 groupset is more than adequate, but I'd hustle for the best wheelset you can get, wheels and tyres really really really make a difference.

TCR advanced 3 on paper would be my choice and then save the extra budget for some super lightweight wheels/tyres for next season.

CXP 22's are a bit heavy, but tough as old boots, my TCR came with them on Ultegra hubs and I use them now for winter usage and lonfger rides where durability is more important than outright speed and acceleration.

 

[Wigsie]

TBH if you have that much to spend go for whatever feels best to you... they are all awesome bikes and none short of quality. IMO you wont notice the difference in components etc (apart from obviously wheels) for a while and even then they are upgradeable.

Go with your gut after you have ridden them all rather than what looks best on paper.

 

[DanPrice]

Ok, thanks everyone.

So reading your opinions the TCR 3 (£1600, mavic/105) Would be the best bet.

Then upgrade wheels, as and when?