New road bike £750 budget

[Paul_L]

After just starting plans to train to ride Mont Ventoux next year i reluctantly decided that i would have to do it on my 15 year old Giant road bike rather than buy a new machine.

SOOOOOOO, imagine my glee when a work memo arrived this week offering new bikes under the government cycle to work scheme. £750 budget tax free spread over 12 months. Bargain!!!

So, i need a good reliable machine for £750. My Giant has served me well, so i'd be happy with another one but that's not vital.

Only real must have is a decent low gear for my Ventoux ride but i guess i can change a cassette later if the bike is right.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

go for a trek of some sorts i think the 1.5 is under 750 and is a great all rounder and you can get it with a triple for Ventoux

 

[Paulus]

Welcome, at £750 the choice is pretty good. The Specialized Allez is a very good bike for the price, you will need to have a good look around as at that price there is a lot of competition from the makers and you will find something good. As for the Ventoux, it is a great climb and the feeling of achievement at the top is something you will treasure for ever. The descent is exhilarating.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

that is also a gd bike

 

[amnesia]

I have had the same £750 dilemma... ended up with a shortlist of :

Trek 1.5 - I don't like the Sora shifters
Specialized Allez Sport - lovely bike but it didn't feel right for me
Boardman Comp Road - very good spec for £650
Bianchi Nirone 7 Xenon - gorgeous bike

And in the end I decided to go with the Boardman and spend the remainder on extras - just waiting for my letter of collection now...

Try all of them and see what feels right for you - what's good for me might not feel right to you.

Good luck !

Daniel.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

I have had the same £750 dilemma... ended up with a shortlist of :

Trek 1.5 - I don't like the Sora shifters
Specialized Allez Sport - lovely bike but it didn't feel right for me
Boardman Comp Road - very good spec for £650
Bianchi Nirone 7 Xenon - gorgeous bike

And in the end I decided to go with the Boardman and spend the remainder on extras - just waiting for my letter of collection now...

Try all of them and see what feels right for you - what's good for me might not feel right to you.

Good luck !

Daniel.

i can see your point with the shifters on the 1.5, the boardman is a great bike for the money, never rode 1 before though what are they like?

 

[Paul_L]

unfortunately the Boardman is only available from Bike Hut and they aren't on the approved retailer list which is a shame as it looks a far superior spec to the others.

It looks like a race off between the Trek 1.5 and the Specialized Allez Sport. I'll try both and report back.

 

[amnesia]

i can see your point with the shifters on the 1.5, the boardman is a great bike for the money, never rode 1 before though what are they like?

I thought it was lovely (despite the bars not being set straight *sigh* )

I am going to try and blag £50 off the Team model though - full SRAM RIVAL groupset , and the medium size only weighs 17.1 lbs

Same frame as the Comp version, but better wheels.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

I thought it was lovely (despite the bars not being set straight *sigh* )

I am going to try and blag £50 off the Team model though - full SRAM RIVAL groupset , and the medium size only weighs 17.1 lbs

Same frame as the Comp version, but better wheels.

lol, that would be a gd bike if you can get the money off it tell me how it goes

 

[punkypossum]

I got the trek 1.7 with full 105 for £800, might be worth bargain shopping if you are interested in it...

 

[duncanw]

unfortunately the Boardman is only available from Bike Hut and they aren't on the approved retailer list which is a shame as it looks a far superior spec to the others.

Halfords have the Boardman, reduced from £599 to £499

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_241913_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Halfords have the Boardman, reduced from £599 to £499

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_241913_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

thats because they are trying to get rid of them for there new carbon 1's

 

[Wigsie]

The Trek is a lovey bike, but I would spend the extra £50 over your limit and get the 1.7 as its very well balanced with frame/spec and looks great (not the baby poo yellow/green of the 1.5).

I have an Allez and I love it(to me was head and shoulders above the Trek), but its down to you, as stated above, an Allez doesnt feel right for everyone.

The Bianchi's look great too, but no LBS's near me that stock them. Just try before you buy whatever it is... and walk out the shop if they dont let you take one for a test ride!

 

[Stange]

I like the colour! It reminded me of an old car I had. I liked it so much I bought one.

It's a great bike, the shifters do take a bit of getting used to (and fettling) but once your used to them they're fine. I got mine in late January but haven't had a chance to use it too much, had a spill 12 days ago and my wrist still hasn't recovered!

Buy the green machine!

 

[rich p]

You may be well advised to get the triple for Ventoux depending on your age, joints and fitness.