New Bike - Opinions Please

[Fordy5]

I'm (again) on the verge of sorting a Cyclescheme option for a Road Bike to accompany my Specialized Hybrid. I'm a regular cyclist but would like to step it up a bit and have something that will allow me to do more miles much quicker. I've been looking online and intend to go to a few LBSs but from this initial shortlist would value people's opinions:

Bianchi VIA Nirone 7 Xenon Compact
Fuji Team 1.0 2011 Road Bike
Cannondale Synapse 105 2011 Road Bike
Specialized Secteur Elite 2011 Road Bike
Cannondale CAAD 8 105 CD 2011 Road Bike
Focus Cayo 105 Ltd 2011

Rather bewildered with the choice available as they all look decent machines.

 

[accountantpete]

Save up a little bit more and get a CAAD 10.

I ride a similar weighted frame and knowing Cannondale this will a very fast bike.

 

[MarcA]

I have ordered the Focus Cayo and am waiting delivery. It has good reviews and seems good for the money. Currently 15% reduction at £934

 

[VamP]

As always, test ride a few and see what fits best.

I had an almost identical shortlist six weeks ago, went with the Bianchi. Very happy with my choice, but it is an individual thing. You'll find a thread talking about my experiences with the Bianchi over in General Cycling.

 

[vickster]

I have decided finally to go for the Bianchi Via Nirone with Tiagra in red (£920) - pretty pretty pretty, nothing else in my price range looks as good to my eyes. Just need to establish the right size for me and get a few bits amended.

I didn't want an American brand (even though they are very good for the money) nor to buy online (which ruled out the Focus) so that chopped everything else in your list for me I also looked at Ridley Eos and Wilier Vararedo - all 3 bikes between £920 and £1000

 

[Nufab]

I had a similar list but I was really looking to spend a little less, so aiming at tiagra equipped bike. I test-rode the Cannondale Synapse and CAAD8, and the Trek 1.5. They were all at £850, and I could get them all on cycle to work, and end up spending £600ish. The Cayo was very well specced at £930, but as I couldnt get it on C2W it was really a difference of £300 rather than £80!

Anyway, I liked the CAAD8 most, so went with that... I've had it a week and love it!

 

[TheBoyBilly]

Unfortunately a CAAD 10 comes in above the C2W threshold. I like the look of the Fuji and the Synapse but ultimately, when I bought my 'new' bike I went for a 2010 Secteur Elite with the older 105 and saved a packet that way.