Not as Advertised!

[getfit]

Well its update time and I now have a road bike on the way. I'm using the C2W scheme from Bike Dock, but unlike last time I looked, they are now in the middle of a sale so bikes that I felt were over priced in the past are more realistic now. The Willer Escape has reduced from £800 down to £600 so a good saving however I ended up with a Genesis Ather 08. It was reduced from £700 down to £445 and the spec was very good compared to this year’s model. Before making my final decision I quizzed the sales guy on the differences between the Willer and Genesis and he felt that there was so little in it that for value for money the Genesis was the better deal. It is also slightly lighter than the Escape.

The plan is to see how I get on with it this year and if the bug really bites I can look at a more focused bike next year and use the Genesis as a winter trainer. In the meantime I'm counting down the days until I can collect the bike.

Don


The bike comes with a mostly Tiagra set up with a couple of 105 parts as well as carbon forks and seat post.

 

[getfit]

As a side note, the Bike Dock are still advertising the Willer Escape with a much higher spec including dripping in carbon parts than it actually has. You would have thought they would have sorted the details over the last few months.

Don

 

[2Loose]

I like that Aether, much nicer paint job than this years too!

 

[accountantpete]

Pretty good value getfit - since the Tiagra groupsets go for £200,finishing kit £100,wheels £100 so the frame cost £45 and they put it together for you!

 

[2Loose]

...and if they bought the groupset at ChainReaction for £329,
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=48405
then they are pretty much paying YOU for it.

(I am sure my math is flawed...)

 

[getfit]

Below is a full spec list. I have seen this bike in the flesh and do believe it is kitted out as advertised. Very chuffed now that I was messed around over the Escape last year, as you say, a real good value bike. The bike weighs a little more than advertised, but I put this down to the XL frame.


GENESIS BIKE AETHER 08
The acceleration and responses of the Aether's
triple-butted ALX9 aluminium frame have effects similar to an Expresso. We've found performance benefits in staying with one material throughout the frame in terms of low weight from structural simplicity, as well as in a semi-compact design that enhances efficiency and comfort via a smaller rear triangle and longer seat post.

• Frame: ALX9 Triple Butted Aluminium
• Weight: 19.50lbs (8.85kg) actual 9.5kg
• Fork: Genesis Carbon
• Rear Shock: N/A
• Headset: Sealed w/alloy spacer
• Shifters: Shimano Tiagra STI
• Front Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano 105
• Chainset: Shimano Tiagra 50/34
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano Hollowtech II
• Chain: HG53
• Freewheel: Shimano Cassette 12-25T 9-sp
• Front Hub: Shimano RS10 Wheelset
• Rear Hub: Shimano RS10 Wheelset
• Rims: Shimano
• Spokes: Stainless steel black
• Tyres: Continental Ultra Race Folding 700x23C
• Brakes: Shimano Tiagra Dual Pivot
• Brake Levers: Shimano Tiagra
• Handlebar: 6061 Aluminium 420/440
• Stem: Genesis Alloy Ahead Oversize
• Grips: Cork Tape
• Saddle: Genesis RD2 Cr-Mo rail
• Seatpost: Carbon 27.2mm
• Pedals: Shimano R540
• Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
• Warranty - Components: 1 year
• Colour: Pearl White

 

[youngoldbloke]

That is so much better than the 2010 spec - great buy!