Looking for information about first time bike purchase

[Trevasotilo]

Hello forums, I hope that you can help me decide on my first bike purchase. I have been reading and researching these past few weeks intensively and I have narrowed my choices down to 11 bikes (though I might be missing some).

Maybe some of you can introduce me to some new bikes based on my preferences

or in description form:

everyday - short rides, (both leisurely and fast at times) city/commuting no longer than 1h, sometimes maybe 2h (rare)
weekends - 20 to 70km routes (mostly on flat terrain, but sometimes hills)
once or twice per month - longer distance (150 to 200km) only in summer so maybe 10 rides per year maximum of this kind.

The eleven bikes I have narrowed down are (with the negatives and positives I see in each bike in paranthesis and the stack/reach ratio)

1. Specialized Allez E5 Sport (1.46) [very agressive racing geometry - with no versatility/ gets high reviews, very good specialized frame, fast and nimble, responsive]

2. Genesis Croix de fer 20 (1.54) [heavy at 12kg slow for hills / versatile, i like steel, very good reviews and true all rounder]

3. Giant Contend 1 (1.54) [ not very good frame? not stable enough at high speeds?, mediocre? / versatile for being a sportive bike with mudgards available and 28mm tire clearance]

4. Cannondale Synapse (1.55) [internal cables, not enough versatility - does it compensate by being fast?]

5. Canyon Endurace AL 6 (1.58) [no clue what are the downsides / good components for price - although components dont matter much to me as long as they are at least sora]

6. Merida Cyclocross 300 (1.52) [don't know much about this, only a few reviews]

7. Specialized Diverge A1 (1.52) [not good enough frame ? weaker than the croix de fer? less durable? / versatile, light compared to others in its price range]

8. GT Grade Alloy (1.57) [dont know]

9.Giant Revolt (1.56) [need more info]

10.Rose 2000 (1.48) [not enough versatility/ good price for the components it comes with]

I am leaning towards the Croix de Fer or the Diverge

 

[Trevasotilo]

I wonder which part deters replies...

 

[vickster]

Budget? How much are the bikes?

Which ones have you actually ridden? Only way to buy a bike that suits you, especially as you don't know what you really want.
Forget reviews unless you can't decide after riding. How do you know a CDF is slow on the hills, that's down to you (and perhaps the gearing a little)

Post links to your shortlist, don't expect others to check the specs,prices etc

Don't think the Allez really is very race aggressive from what people who ride them say...that said you are looking at a very eclectic mix of of road, adventure, endurance, CX...

Stop reading, go riding. There are probably 100 bikes not on your list e.g. why do you have the Contend and not the Defy as you'd get a good deal for last years model


Where's the Genesis equilibrium if you want a roadbike, like steel but want lighter than the CDF?

What country are you in? If the UK, and there's one locally, Evans a good place to start for hassle free try outs (they don't sell Giant, you need a Giant retailer) and you won't be able to try Rose or Canyon (so I'd remove those straightaway)

 

[Cycleops]

Your critique is all over the place. Too aggressive, no versatility, no internal cabling, weak frame etc. You seem to know more than the rest of us so you look like you don't need any help. Make up your mind what you want from the bike and ask again.

 

[Trevasotilo]

okay now i know how my post came out (sorry english is not my native)... thing is i have been searching for over a month, and its all getting over my head... the things I listed in parenthesis are fears that I have rather than critique.

the budget is around 1000 pounds

i want a bike that will be fast on tarmac, will be comfortable and be able to tackle rougher roads as well as steep hills
what I mean by comfortable is that I would like to avoid neck pain and numb hands (which i experienced from my previous wrong sized road bike), so i am not looking for bike that is compliant but has less aggressive geometry that i can ride for hours if i wanted.

i don't have the luxury to try out each bike I am interested and my only option therefore is to order online, so finding a bike that best suits my purposes is really hard...

 

[vickster]

Why can't you try a few bikes out?

You need to decide between a Road and adventure or gravel type bike, sounds more like the latter, although you won't go as fast as a carbon roadbike what width tyres do you want, do you want fixed full cover mudguards, a pannier rack for touring or commuting
All bikes you have listed will tackle steep hills, if your legs and lungs can without links, we can't check the gearing, but 50/34 and 11-32 should get you up the hills if you are moderately fit

Please don't buy online when you have no experience of buying a roadbike use your local bike shop, most are open 7 days a week (where in the Uk are you, or are you overseas a d buying from a UK site which might explain your predicament)

What is comfortable for someone else might not be so for you, hence you need to try. You've already had a wrong sized bike, how will you know this one is right without trying it out. You can't tell just on paper. Allow some budget for a bar or stem change if needed

Would you spend £1000 on a sofa having never sat on it, a bed never having lain on it, a car never having driven it? A bike is the same, even more so as you know, poor fit can lead to injury, I have experience of this having needed two operations on my elbow due in part to a wrong sized bike!

 

[Cycleops]

Thanks for clarifying your needs. I think we can now see in which direction you're headed.

As vickster says a 'adventure' or 'gravel ' bike might suit your needs quite well, a 'do it all' bike. At your price point you have the luxury of being able to choose between aluminium or steel as a frame material. My preference would be for the latter, its heavier but arguably gives a better ride and is more durable. With the more relaxed geometry of an adventure bike (taller head tube, longer wheelbase) it will give a comfortable ride and take the weight off your hands. It won't be as responsive as an Allez but will be more versatile.

For my money the Croix de Fer 20 would be favourite for me. You could go with the Diverge which will feel more sporty but you're back with aluminium, as with the Giant Revolt and others. Don't worry about the lack of carbon fork on the c de f the steel is just as comfortable.

If you really can't get to a good bike shop due to your location it's ok to buy online if you follow the site size guide. You can always fine tune your riding position when you get the bike, not ideal but doable.

Good luck.