So I've got £2000....

[rob7222]

I've been looking mainly at a Wilier Izoard and the Specialized Tarmac Expert.
I'm planning on using it for club rides (70miles usually), occasional races and the odd extended road trip (Brighton, Southend & Paris).

Input would be appreciated, does anybody have experience with either of the bikes?

 

[Noodley]

<Annoying question alert>

Do you want to spend 2k on a bike?

If so. why?

And do you need to?

<end of annoying question>

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1 TBH I have never spent that much on a car

<Annoying question alert>

Do you want to spend 2k on a bike?

If so. why?

And do you need to?

<end of annoying question>

 

[balzer69]

Do you need to spend £200K on a car? Or £2000K on a house.

No.

But if you spending that much, you have to be sure your money is going the right way. So wait until you are certain. Having said that I tested the Izoard and a Roubaix Expert(more relaxed than the Tarmac I know) and I would think the Tarmac would be comfier for longer rides - if this is what you want. There's also Shimano vs Campag etc. Ride both and keep your mind open to other possibilities as options abound in this price range.

 

[Soltydog]

Might be worth having a look at this months C+ mag
Doing a test for the bike of the year sub £2k
I'm part way through, but i've left it at work, so can't give you all the details

 

[yenrod]

Get a bike for a grand and get some clothing/shoes (Northwaves ) = save money

 

[Landslide]

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-0525.aspx

(The remaining £1926.60 is my consultancy fee )

 

[Headgardener]

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.200-0525.aspx

(The remaining £1926.60 is my consultancy fee )

What are 18 speed gears, is it something new that we haven't heard of? As far as I know Campanglo only have the 11 speed Super Record and Shimano only have Dura Ace at 10, but then again I not an expert.

 

[Greenbank]

The Wilier Izoard is a stunning bike. Only put in about 80km so far so I can't really give a balanced/fair review. Haven't taken it into the hills proper yet, only round Richmond Park a few times.

I just don't get along with Shimano STIs (but I understand that others can and do) so I was looking for a Campag equipped bike from the start.

It also helped that I could pay for most of it on the Cyclescheme. So it's going to be costing me closer to 1500UKP.

 

[Dave5N]

Personally in that range I'd be thinking Focus, Ribble, Planet X, Dolan, and upgrade the wheels.

 

[Gooch]

I can't speak for the Wilier Izoard but the Tarmac Expert is a truly stunning bike. I have just recently upgraded from an Allez Comp which is also a good ride. You are paying a premium for the Tarmac Expert but you do get top quality components for your money. The ride is a little stiffer if you've not ridden carbon before but the handling on this bike is superb.

That said Wiggle do a Focus carbon bike with full Ultegra for £1,439.10.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Focus_Cayo_Ultegra_2009/5360037590/

Considering you're looking at about £2200.00 for a Tarmac Expert the Focus doesn't look to bad an option if you are on a budget. Although you should be able to get some sort of discount or extras thrown in with most dealers if you've got your heart set on the Tarmac Expert.

 

[Arch]

Two grand... Two grand....

It's another world...

If I had that to spend, it would be a choice between a Trice QNT and a Trice B1...

As it is, 2 grand would feed me for about 2 years...