Upgrade for 2012 season

[madguern]

Hi all

I currently run a 2010 allez double with 105 groupset and mavic wheels, been a faithful companion for my first season. Now totally hooked on racing want to get a dedicated race bike and use the allez for winter trainer, Crit bike and general commuter. Been training very hard and lost loads of weight so feel a reward is in order

I want to purchase from LBS and not internet as feel happier with backup to bikes, my LBS have been brilliant and can take bike in for tweaks and upgrades and always done quickly.

So the question what do I get buidget of about 2k

Thinking so far is

1) Tarmac Comp Double - similar shape to allez so can copy setup from one to the other, lots around at local meets

2) Canondale supersix - Good reviews and looks like a bike I can build on

3) Trek - Modone 4 series ..... friend has top of range version and a bit unsure

Anything else I should add to list or any reason not to go for the above.

 

[amaferanga]

Difficult to answer since only you know what bikes your LBS stock.

The 3 you mention are good bikes, but a little uninspiring IMO.

 

[madguern]

Brand options are

Specialized
Scott
Pinerello
Willier
Canondale
Raliegh

Usual suspects really, what I want is a good frame that I can upgrade components over the next few years. So want a good platform rather than top notch components

Difficult to answer since only you know what bikes your LBS stock.

The 3 you mention are good bikes, but a little uninspiring IMO.

 

[WychwoodTrev]

Get a Kuota from performance cycles near Cirencester custom built custom bike fit full carbon with your choice of groupset depending on groupset youhave will be below your2k budget
Have a look on their website

 

[monnet]

I took a similar route - went from and Allez to something a bit more 'racey'.

After a bit of looking around I got a Scott Addict. They're hardly exotica but it rides very nicely, is well balanced and is well suited to races. I did have to change the saddle (obviously) and the original handlebars were gash too.

I'd add that while you say you'll use the Allez for crits, you'll soon realise that the stiffness and responsiveness of the 'race' bike will convince you to use it in crits as well. If you're not keen on that due to crashes, I'd say I've seen more crashes in road races than in crits (or at least the ones I've been in). If that is something that concerns you, it might be worth looking into crash replacement policies and the like - Scott used to give a 40% discount on frames that were stacked if they were under 3 years old (don't know if that still stands), a lot of other companies do similar.

 

[madguern]

Cheers for that, scott wasn't on the list but could be added

As for Crits raced a full season , no crashes. On my 2nd Crit hit pedal last lap and had a mighty save to finish 6th but spent most of race off road on the grass :-) The course we run it pretty narrow.

Not fast enough to worry about crashing on road racing :-)

 

[monnet]

Just get down to the shop and try a few out! I've never gone bike shopping with a specific bike in mind and have always surprised myself with what I've bought.

Certainly the Scott has been a dream for me, handles beautifully.

 

[amnesia]

I have the 2011 Tarmac Comp... only real problem for me when I got it was the lack of a compact groupset, but I've now gotten the hang of a 39/53 and can get up 25% climbs OK (just).

Very comfortable for a stiff carbon race bike... 50 or 60 miles is no problem on the @rse.
The Fulcrum Racing 6 wheels are the hubs from the Racing 5s and rims from the 7s. They roll very well and seem bombproof. Not particularly light, but the standard tyres (Specialized Mondo Pro II) are excellent.

For £2k you could get a higher spec bike (eg the £1800 Boardman comes with Ultegra), but the Specialized frame will last you years and is a good base to upgrade from.


That said, I would love a Kuota Kebel with SRAM Force and Reynolds Assault wheels