Upgrade to a carbon bike from my Scott Speedster S50...Thoughts?

[MikeG]

If you are looking at sportives, I would have thought the Specialized Roubaix was a better choice than the racier Tarmac. A tad more comfort in the geometry, and a ton more comfort in the way the design of the frame cuts out road noise/ vibrations, and yet still a very fast light bike. And a multi-race winning bike, too, as it has dominated the Paris-Roubaix classic for the last few years.

I went through exactly the process the OP is going through, and looked at the same bikes, in the winter, and now sit proudly on a Roubaix.

Mike

 

[NorvernRob]

Thanks for all the replies people,

When I was out on a ride today I actually saw a Planet X road bike and wondered about it. I've never heard of them before but without sounding ignorant...how are they so cheap? Are they decent? @vickster

They buy all the parts in bulk, have their own frames and components made, as well as buying up other companies' stock and brand names.

Basically they own and build all the bikes they sell, so the only markup is their own rather than a markup being added at each stage as with all branded products (not just bikes).

My mate has an RT-57 with Ultegra 6800 and I have a carbon SAB prestige with 52mm carbon/alloy clinchers, Sram force/rival - we paid £1100 and £999 for them from Planet X.

 

[vickster]

The one I linked was a Guerciotti on a special (end of line, last stocks) rather than a PX branded bike

 

[Liamsles]

@jowwy Yeah that Tarmac you have is the model I'm thinking of, the Sport right? Did you upgrade to those Zipp wheels, already have them or negotiate with the store?
Are Specialized Concept Stores normally pretty good for having a barter on price/accessories do you know?

@uclown2002 Yeah the sizing is the only thing that concerns me too!

@Mr Haematocrit That is a beautiful S-Works...loving the paint work.

@MikeG Yeah I actually saw the Roubaix, beautiful bike too. I was unsure as to why it was more expensive for the 105 version compared to the Tarmac...Do you have any idea why? I was thinking maybe slightly more relaxed geometry might be useful but as I'm wanting to do between 60-100mile sportives I can't really see the geometry changes between the two making a massive difference.

@NorvernRob I see, they do have some pretty amazing components on their frames, are the frames good?

@vickster Cheers buddy, that looks like a nice bike!

Didn't have a clue finding another bike would be so difficult!

Was thinking of going down the Scott route again and getting a CR1 if anyone has any experience? But they just don't seem like a good deal and they look a bit bland...

Cheers

Liam

 

[jowwy]

@Liamsles

I already had the zipps and i bought mine through leisure lakes with 6.7% cashback on topcash back.

I know nothing of the concept stores policy on pricing or extras

 

[MikeG]

@MikeG Yeah I actually saw the Roubaix, beautiful bike too. I was unsure as to why it was more expensive for the 105 version compared to the Tarmac...Do you have any idea why? I was thinking maybe slightly more relaxed geometry might be useful but as I'm wanting to do between 60-100mile sportives I can't really see the geometry changes between the two making a massive difference.......

[COLOR=#000000]Not sure on the price thing, and I don't get hung up on the level of the componentry (the differences are all-but-irrelevant in my view). However, on the frame.......

......It isn't the relaxed geometry that makes all the difference, in my view. It is the forgiveness built into the frame, and the inserts, which are the real winners. They take the harshness out of the ride, and in fact the rear end, whilst immensely stiff where it needs to be (along the length of the chain-stays), is so compliant that it almost feels like you have a suspension seat post. This was the only carbon bike in the price range which I thought I could be comfortable on for a 200km Audax. Some of the others would shake your teeth out, and you'd need a few days for your kidneys to return to their rightful place, given the state of the tarmac in these parts. Not the Roubaix. The ride is gorgeous[/COLOR].

 

[DooDah]

Cube
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/14029/cube-agree-gtc-race-compact-racing-road-bike-2014

Stunning looking bike nearly all Ultegra except the brakes which are 105. Would take my 1600 quid every day.

 

[NorvernRob]

@NorvernRob I see, they do have some pretty amazing components on their frames, are the frames good?

Was thinking of going down the Scott route again and getting a CR1 if anyone has any experience? But they just don't seem like a good deal and they look a bit bland...

Cheers

Liam

I'm not the person to ask mate tbh as it's my first carbon bike. All I can tell you is I've done up to 5 hours on it so far without any issues whatsoever. It looks good, feels good and I'm more than happy with it.

It's stiff and bumpy on pothole strewn roads, especially with 110psi in 23mm tyres, but get on a smooth surface and it's just effortless.

 

[smokeysmoo]

FYI - a carbon frame is not the automatic upgrade most people assume it to be, it's just another frame material, just saying

 

[Liamsles]

@DooDah That is a thing of beauty

@smokeysmoo Yeah I know it's not the automatic upgrade most folks think it is but I feel it's becoming a more serious hobby Don't worry I'm not expecting it to make me quicker

 

[DooDah]

@DooDah That is a thing of beauty

@smokeysmoo Yeah I know it's not the automatic upgrade most folks think it is but I feel it's becoming a more serious hobby Don't worry I'm not expecting it to make me quicker

Indeed it is, stunning IMO. A new bike certainly will not make you quicker, but it may make you smile a whole lot more

 

[Liamsles]

Hi All,

Just thought I'd drop you an update saying I got the Cube Agree GTC Race on Friday. Apologies for the the horrendous pic.

This is just my first impressions as I've only done around 50miles:

It feels absolutely amazing compared to my old Scott Speedster. Such a smooth ride it's unreal. It's so positive on hills and feels really effortless when pedaling. The Ultegra groupset is seamless and going from a 8 (or 9 speed) Sora to this just emphasises the difference as the gearshifts; they are just so quiet and efficient. The Mavic Aksium wheels (I know some loathe these) feel good (I have a set on my old bike) and as stock wheels offer good value compared to some stock wheels. Obviously these would be the first upgrade but I'm very happy with the whole package and feel no need to upgrade a thing yet.

As a confession I only actually test rode this bike and was completely blown away by it. I also went to see a Cannondale Synapse Crb 105 6 C which was a 105/Tiagra mix and Shimano R501 wheels for £1700. Very nice bike but it just did not seem as good a deal as the Cube. Coupled with that the store that had the Cannondale did not seem as attentive/bothered staff wise when chatting to them. I felt that service from wherever I bought the bike was important as I'd be going back there for services etc.

Anyway, I eventually ended up going for the Cube after months of looking. I bought from Cyclestreet in York. I spoke to the owner John who was very helpful and was allowed out for a test ride of around 30mins-45mins. The service in this shop was immense. Any query I had was fully answered and the banter was top notch.

Cheers.

 

[Ste pt1]

Congrats with the cube purchase ,can't wait til I get my peloton race

 

[Cyclone1]

Great choice congrats...

 

[vickster]

Very pretty...especially as it has almost no black