New to the road

[2Loose]

It may be worth taking a look at Cycling Plus's current (July) issue which has reviews of sportive and touring bikes, both of which have a more relaxed geometry than out-and-out racing machines.

+1 It does sound like a more Sportive oriented bike is what you are after, as opposed to an out and out racer such as the CAAD10.

Specialized Secteur & Roubaix ranges.
Trek Pilot range
Giant Defy \ TCR range.

to name but a few.

 

[ebournecyclist]

I can recomend the Giant Defy range for a road bike with a geometry more suited to a sportive style of riding. I have the 3.5 which is almost entry level, but suits me fine. Your budget would allow you to go the Defy 2 or maybe Defy 1 I expect. The frames are highly regarded (which is also why I like mine at the price; I can upgrade for better components later if I like because the frame is a keeper).

As others have said, try and ride a few, there are plenty suited to a more relaxed and comfortable ride. At your budget it shouldn't be an issue, but a carbon fork on an aluminium frame (which is what the 3.5 is) should be the least you should aim for in my opinion. But like I say, your budget should buy you more than just that!

Have fun and enjoy!

 

[HLaB]

JohnnyG, from all accounts the Cannondale CAADs are excellent bikes, I believe they are also have tighter geometry however, which may or may not suit you, the only real way to find out is try. It might also be worth considering a sportive/audax bike, which is still road bike its just the geometry is just slightly relaxed (a longer head tube is the main feature). In this category for instance are the Bianchi C2C models which are certainly no slouches, and somebody has probably already suggested the secteur (as it has good reviews), good luck

 

[JonnyG]

Just bought Cycling Active. Trust me to get the wrong one. I'll have a look for Cycling Plus


You guys are all very helpful and it's much appreciated!

 

[smokeysmoo]

+1 It does sound like a more Sportive oriented bike is what you are after, as opposed to an out and out racer such as the CAAD10.

You really need to try a few bikes and see what you like the feel of and what fits you best. Sweeping generalisations very seldom help, what I mean is, if the CAAD10 was an 'out and out' racer, there's no way I could ride mine all day. It makes a for a very comfortable ride IMHO, but each to their own I say

 

[slowmotion]

I bought a Secialized Secteur Elite (2010) a few months ago. It is my first road bike and it took a while to get used to the riding position. The bike comes with a stem that has four angular positions +16, +8, -8 and -16 degrees. This means that you can have either a relaxed or a more "racy" riding position. You may find that , once you get used to the road bike riding position, you may opt for a lower bar position.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Garz]

You really need to try a few bikes and see what you like the feel of and what fits you best. Sweeping generalisations very seldom help, what I mean is, if the CAAD10 was an 'out and out' racer, there's no way I could ride mine all day. It makes a for a very comfortable ride IMHO, but each to their own I say

This is good. When I pick up a bike mag the usual re-mortgage priced bikes are the ones I would class as 'out and out racing' due to their aerodynamics and expensive carbon.

My first steed was a lowly Boardman Comp that I picked up for £600 (display model). Not that this was uncomfortable when I tackled long rides and sportives but I did take out the spacers and made it ultra aggresive compared to my now relaxed geometry on the Enigma.

I will eventually turn the Comp into a TT machine I think, it will then get used as the dedicated turbo bike for winter.

When directly comparing the boardman to the enigma when factoring comfort levels (i.e. really analysing the nuances) the titanium really does soak up the road buzz. The other chief factor to seal the deal on the titanium frame is that it should last a long time and be able to haul a light tour load when I feel like a short holiday or sight-seeing.

I hope you have a broader choice now Jonny, try a few models from more than one shop then narrow your selection down to two or three. As your spending a tidy sum it's important that you don't rush in and get carried away. Good luck hunting!

Gareth

 

[chewy]

Predictably, I can recommend the Giant Defy!

 

[2Loose]

You really need to try a few bikes and see what you like the feel of and what fits you best. Sweeping generalisations very seldom help, what I mean is, if the CAAD10 was an 'out and out' racer, there's no way I could ride mine all day. It makes a for a very comfortable ride IMHO, but each to their own I say

You are of course correct about sweeping generalisations.

I didn't mean to suggest that a bike with sportier geometry and a lower front end would have to be uncomfortable - it all depends on the individual rider, of course. However, a slightly less 'head down-bum up' riding position should be a little more comfortable for the majority of people if all other things were equal, which is where the 'sportive' style bike suggestion came from.

 

[Globalti]

Welcome Johnny. I ride a Roubaix, I'm 55 and I find it very comfortable. As others have written, most manufacturers offer a similar frame.

My advice would be to visit a good bike shop and get a bike fit session; you don't tell us where you are but here in the NW we have Paul Hewitt. A pal of mine is a former rugby player who has a history of back problems including a disc operation. He went to PH and got measured on the jig. PH recommended a carbon Orbea, which was around £1000. My pal now rides this all over the place including from Manchester to Leeds and has no back problems at all.

 

[JonnyG]

Well, it all starts this weekend. My LBS have agreed to let me take out a Sectuer for a couple of hours. I'm hoping also to get a ride on a Giant Defy from another LBS on Sunday.


It's a good starting point and I have taken on board all that you guys have said already and will take my time in choosing.
I have been advised by a work colleague that the Shimano 105 groupset is what I should aim for?????? It looks like that would stretch my budget too far but we'll see.

I'd like to say I'm not in any hurry to do this but now that I've made my mind up it's the way forward it's obviously the most important thing in my life now..... you know how it is!!!!!

Thanks again for all the advice, this really is a friendly forum.

J

 

[2Loose]

Well, it all starts this weekend. My LBS have agreed to let me take out a Sectuer for a couple of hours. I'm hoping also to get a ride on a Giant Defy from another LBS on Sunday.


It's a good starting point and I have taken on board all that you guys have said already and will take my time in choosing.
I have been advised by a work colleague that the Shimano 105 groupset is what I should aim for?????? It looks like that would stretch my budget too far but we'll see.

I'd like to say I'm not in any hurry to do this but now that I've made my mind up it's the way forward it's obviously the most important thing in my life now..... you know how it is!!!!!

Thanks again for all the advice, this really is a friendly forum.

J

If you can get a bike that is affordable AND fits and also comes with Shimano 105 then the jobs a good'un.

However, don't be put off by claims like 'you need at least 105', especially if it is a financial stretch. I have been very happy with my Tiagra setup on my Defy over the last 6K miles of all year round cycling, so spending a bit less does not mean 'made of cheese'.

I do aspire to eventually replace bits with 105 as they wear out though!

 

[Panter]

If you can get a bike that is affordable AND fits and also comes with Shimano 105 then the jobs a good'un.

However, don't be put off by claims like 'you need at least 105', especially if it is a financial stretch. I have been very happy with my Tiagra setup on my Defy over the last 6K miles of all year round cycling, so spending a bit less does not mean 'made of cheese'.

I do aspire to eventually replace bits with 105 as they wear out though!

Agree totally with this, my Giant SCR is equipped with Tiagra and Sora, it's done over 6000 miles and gear changes are a delight

My TCR is all 105 and I must admit it's nicer, but there's nothing wrong at all with the lower spec kit on the SCR.

Incidentally my TCR (it's the advanced 4) is a lot more comfortable than my SCR, despite it being far more "racey." I guess the carbon helps a lot with this, but it's just far comfier overall. And faster

 

[JonnyG]

Got an unexpected ride on a Roubaix Elite tonight. Only an hour but it felt comfortable and easier to ride than I expected, after only having MTB experience.

So there's one ticked off the list!!

 

[Garz]

Good stuff Jonny your doing it the best way some of us others didn't get a chance to do first time round!

I would have to agree that the 105 groupset is probably the best bang for buck so if you can barter this into your chosen bike then you will have an awesome machine.

The boardman was a mix of Sora and 105 and it was great.