Road bike - something fast £1k - £1.2k - recommendations?

[Kablinsky]

Hello all,

I'm looking for a bike to thrash around on this year for short road rides (1 - 2 hours) and maybe the shorter sportives. So going for weight/speed over comfort.

So far I've looked at:

10 Boardman Team Carbon
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/...uctId_502001_langId_-1_categoryId_229914#dtab - looks okay but it's from Halfrauds - Can I bring myself to buy something from there?

09 Spesh tarmac Elite
https://www.sigmasport.co.uk/app/secure/ProductDetails.aspx?FamilyID=2688

Comments and suggestions if you please. Cheers.

 

[beancounter]

It's a no-brainer:-

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-CAAD-9-105-Compact-2010-Road-Bike_28973.htm

Shop around, I'm sure you'll find one for £1200.

bc

 

[monkeypony]

It's a no-brainer:-

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cannondale-CAAD-9-105-Compact-2010-Road-Bike_28973.htm

Shop around, I'm sure you'll find one for £1200.

bc

Only comes with a 105 groupset though. I'm sure you could do better for the money. See if you can find anyone with some 09 stock left as last years bikes were generally better specced at the same price-point.

 

[Kablinsky]

Coincidence. I Was just admiring one of those in Evans at lunchtime.

 

[ELL]

depending on what size you need maybe http://www.evanscycles.com/products/saracen/galbier-2008-road-bike-ec001174

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Ribble?

 

[Kestevan]

Planet X

 

[beancounter]

Only comes with a 105 groupset though. I'm sure you could do better for the money. See if you can find anyone with some 09 stock left as last years bikes were generally better specced at the same price-point.

Nothing wrong with 105.

I have 105 and Ultegra and I'm damned if I can tell any difference.

bc

 

[monkeypony]

Nothing wrong with 105.

I have 105 and Ultegra and I'm damned if I can tell any difference.

bc

No nothing wrong it, but if you can get a higher spec at the same price then surely it makes sense to do so.

EDIT: Assuming both bikes in question are equal in all other areas!

 

[threebikesmcginty]

I think the Cannondale triumphs in this months 'best bike for a grand' slot in Cycling Plus. Nice bike the Cannondale, but then most bikes for that money are going to be pretty good - best thing to do is try some if you can.

Oh yeah and get some better legs if you want to go faster!

 

[Kablinsky]

Thanks for the pointers.

Any views on the 2008 CAAD9?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110489744184&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

PS: New legs are on order!

 

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Very slightly over your budget (by £79)... but worth a look?

Focus Cayo Ultegra 2009

 

[Kablinsky]

That looks a bargain. Think the 54 may be too big for me though with a 29.5" inside leg.