Three Full Carbon Frames + Shimano 105s @ £1000. Which one?

[odessouky]

Hi All

I have narrowed down my search to 3 carbon frames with shimano 105 components...

Can you please give pros and cons for each?

First hand opinions would be great!!

1- Felt Z6 2011
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-z6-2011/

2- Focus Cayo 105 Ltd 2011
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-2011/

3- Focus Cayo 105 Ltd Triple 2011
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-cayo-105-ltd-triple-2011/

Many thanks

 

[jdrussell]

Ha ha. I am too looking at the Focus Cayo

 

[Mark_Robson]

This months Cycling Active reviewed the Focus Cayo 105 and gave it a very impressive 95%. Check it out a newsagents near you.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Number 2

You won't need a triple, so save the hassle and cost of having to change it by buying the 105 LTD.

I've had a Cayo Pro for over two years, and it's been a fantastic bike.

I don't know, (and I'm not asking!), what your weight is, but Focus have no weight limits on their framsets, whereas Felt do. I know this as I emailed Felt when I was going to buy a Felt AR2, there weight limit was around 16 stones. I'm 6' 5" and a big lad with it, hence I never bought a Felt, and I ride Cannodale and Focus, both of whom do not prejudice against guys who are not built like a TDF GC contender! (oh, and a Langster Steel)

Also, pictures never, ever do a bike justice, so if you like it in the pictures, I guarentee it will blow you away when it arrives.

 

[Glover Fan]

All very able bikes and tbh very similar, despite having a 2009 Cayo 105 which I am 100% satisfied with I would probably go the Felt just because it looks god-damn sexy in orange and black.

 

[jdrussell]

Number 2

You won't need a triple, so save the hassle and cost of having to change it by buying the 105 LTD.

I've had a Cayo Pro for over two years, and it's been a fantastic bike.

I don't know, (and I'm not asking!), what your weight is, but Focus have no weight limits on their framsets, whereas Felt do. I know this as I emailed Felt when I was going to buy a Felt AR2, there weight limit was around 16 stones. I'm 6' 5" and a big lad with it, hence I never bought a Felt, and I ride Cannodale and Focus, both of whom do not prejudice against guys who are not built like a TDF GC contender! (oh, and a Langster Steel)

Also, pictures never, ever do a bike justice, so if you like it in the pictures, I guarentee it will blow you away when it arrives.

What's your frame size for the focus mate ?

 

[RoyPSB]

All very able bikes and tbh very similar, despite having a 2009 Cayo 105 which I am 100% satisfied with I would probably go the Felt just because it looks god-damn sexy in orange and black.

I would go with the Felt as well - absolutely gorgeous!

 

[smokeysmoo]

What's your frame size for the focus mate ?

It's a 60

 

[smokeysmoo]

I would probably go the Felt

Depending on rider weight of course having considered Felt's frameset weight limits

 

[smokeysmoo]

I would go with the Felt as well - absolutely gorgeous!

Depending on rider weight of course having considered Felt's frameset weight limits

 

[odessouky]

Well...considering that i am not very keen for an aggressive posture, I went with the FELT Z6.

Unfortunately I can't test drive it first, and I took a gamble on sizing...

They chap at EVANS told me I have a SHORT upper segment, so even though my height is 5'10", he made me test ride SPECIALIZED frames in size 52!!!!

He INSISTED that my horizontal TT size should be no more than 53cm...

well, as you'd expect, the bike felt small, and I felt I was putting too much weight on my palms, and leaning too much forward...

I ordered a FELT Z6 size 54.

Hope it fits...!!

 

[smokeysmoo]

Well...considering that i am not very keen for an aggressive posture, I went with the FELT Z6.
Hope it fits...!!

I genuinely think you've mis-interpreted something here, there's nothing aggresive about the riding postion of the Cayo, believe me, if there was I wouldn't get very far on mine with my back! You can make it aggresive if you want, but with the stem at the top it's a fantastically comfortable ride.

No bike shop should make you test ride any particular size bike! If you are not comfortable on it walk away.

If you've ordered the Felt from Evans, (you give that impression), I trust you've just paid the £50 refundable deposit? That way if it doesn't fit you can just get your deposit back and walk away. Not sure if it's that simple if you've paid in full though?

I'm not trying to put down your decision, I'm sure the Felt is a great bike, but comments about aggresive riding positions could mis-lead others about the Cayo, so on that basis I had to voice my right to reply.

PS: You could have the Cayo on Wiggle's 30 day test ride

I sincerely hope everything works out and hope you love the bike when it comes.

Ride safe

 

[Glover Fan]

As above, I'm 5'10 and have the 54cm cayo and it isn't overly aggressive at all, I've done 100km and have had no comfort issues at all and I have a dodgy back. Like I said earlier the only reason I'd go for the felt is because it looks better, the cayo is an excellent bike to ride!

 

[endoman]

Most of my commute is nice country roads, only about 3 miles is in City type roads, and they aren't too bad re traffic etc. Would I be daft to think that eventually something of this ilk could be a decent option for a replacement for my Hybrid? 15 mile commute each way. I'd keep the hybrid for family rides along paths etc.

 

[Glover Fan]

I personally wouldn't spank 1k on a bike that was going to be used day in day out for utility riding, but they are more than capable bikes.