What kind of bike should I get?

[lulubel]

I'm busy going round in circles here - stuck looking on the net for now because I can't get out - so I need some other people's input.

I used to ride (before I broke it at the weekend) a Trek women specific road bike. I liked it a lot and found the riding position extremely comfortable. I now need to find a new bike, and I'm jumping every which way.

Here's what I want:

Drop bars
Must be quite tough (roads here range from smooth tarmac to no tarmac left, and you're on hardcore in places)
Relaxed (or at least non-aggressive) position
Mudguard and rack mounts would be nice but not a deal breaker because it's only "just in case" I ever need them
Small frame (my Trek is a 47cm - the smallest they do)
Tiagra, 105 or equivalent - not Sora and I don't want to pay out for anything more fancy
Low gears (I'd be hard to convince away from a triple)
Less than £1000

Given all that, can anyone suggest some bikes/ranges that might suit?

 

[jamin100]

Boardman cx from halfords?

 

[lulubel]

Boardman cx from halfords?

Yeah, the Boardman's are nice bikes, and I have considered a cross bike might be what I'm looking for, but Halfords only deliver within the UK, and I haven't got any way of getting it out here.

 

[Asa Post]

Why not stick with what you like?

Trek Lexa SLX

 

[uphillstruggler]

have you tried freight companies, the sort that go between Spain and England reguarly?

these are usually quite cheap considering distances and the fact that you are more likely to be booking onto their 'return' journey.

i am sure one of the more trust worthy members would be able to help out if you get stuck.

 

[NormanD]

Boardmans can also be bought in Spain too, I believe Lulu

 

[vickster]

Specialized Tricross is popular (although overbudget I think with Tiagra up), otherwise Ridley have a very good rep for Cyclocross bikes, e.g.

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/product/36596/Ridley-X-Bow-1116A-Tiagra-48/

Got Cannondale & Kona too

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-6-tiagra-compact-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec031484

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/jake-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec034494

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Yeah, the Boardman's are nice bikes, and I have considered a cross bike might be what I'm looking for, but Halfords only deliver within the UK, and I haven't got any way of getting it out here.

It's a good reason for a wee holiday in the UK
Get well soon!

 

[derrick]

Check out Ribble, have recently built one up for my wife, although they will build it for you, choose your choice of components, works out at a reasonable price, well under a grand, my wife loves it, check the link below.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikeb...part=BB12RIBSPORTIVE7005&sub=conf_BBRA&bike=1

 

[lulubel]

Why not stick with what you like?

Trek Lexa SLX

I have thought about it. I'd actually be looking at the SL T because it's the only triple in the Lexa range, I think. I suppose I resent the thought of paying £800 (and that's Evans price - I suspect it will be more expensive if I buy here because most things are) for what's essentially the same bike as I paid £500 for a few years ago.

I will have to make a trip into Malaga before I make a decision, though, and visit a Trek dealer.

 

[lulubel]

Boardmans can also be bought in Spain too, I believe Lulu

I didn't realise that. Wiggle automatically defaults to UK for me until I log in, for some weird reason. I'm not totally sure about them, though. They all seem to be compact chainsets, and I don't think Wiggle stock small enough sizes for me. (Although I'd obviously try contacting them about sizes if I definitely wanted a Boardman.)

 

[lulubel]

Specialized Tricross is popular (although overbudget I think with Tiagra up), otherwise Ridley have a very good rep for Cyclocross bikes, e.g.

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/product/36596/Ridley-X-Bow-1116A-Tiagra-48/

Got Cannondale & Kona too

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/caadx-6-tiagra-compact-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec031484

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/kona/jake-2012-cyclocross-bike-ec034494

Do you think a cross bike is a good idea for my situation? It's an idea I've tossed around a bit. I even went as far as saying (a few months ago) that when I came to replace my bike, I'd buy a cross bike, but now I'm actually having to replace my bike, I'm not sure.

Any of those you've suggested are nice bikes.

 

[lulubel]

Check out Ribble, have recently built one up for my wife, although they will build it for you, choose your choice of components, works out at a reasonable price, well under a grand, my wife loves it, check the link below.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bikeb...part=BB12RIBSPORTIVE7005&sub=conf_BBRA&bike=1

That's really interesting. I've been getting quite frustrated because none of the bikes I see are exactly what I want, so that might be a good idea for me. I'm a little bit confused about some of their options, though. For example, if you select a Tiagra triple chainset, you're given 3 cassette options, but only one of them fits with the instructions in the rear gear selection help. And the frame sizes for the sportive 7005 don't match the sizes in the frame geometry guide. They do ship bikes to Spain for £50, though, so that's a definite plus.

Does the price they quote include building it for you, or do they charge extra for that? And also, are you impressed with their quality and service? (I've obviously heard of them - although I didn't know about the bike builder - but not bought from them before.)

 

[vickster]

I considered a Ridley roadbike, before I got my arm twisted and ended up with bespoke carbon! They were pretty much pioneers of CX I believe and you seem to get better bang for buck than the big Stateside boys

For more rugged stuff and if needing guards and rack, CX seem good

 

[derrick]

That's really interesting. I've been getting quite frustrated because none of the bikes I see are exactly what I want, so that might be a good idea for me. I'm a little bit confused about some of their options, though. For example, if you select a Tiagra triple chainset, you're given 3 cassette options, but only one of them fits with the instructions in the rear gear selection help. And the frame sizes for the sportive 7005 don't match the sizes in the frame geometry guide. They do ship bikes to Spain for £50, though, so that's a definite plus.

Does the price they quote include building it for you, or do they charge extra for that? And also, are you impressed with their quality and service? (I've obviously heard of them - although I didn't know about the bike builder - but not bought from them before.)

Don't know if they charge extra to build it for you, as i did put it together myself, but the frame looks and feels good on the road, had no problems with there service and they were very helpfull on the phone, may be worth a phone call