Whats the best bike and why?

[RabbitFood]

http://www.bikeoutlet.co.uk/products/Claud_Butler_Echelon_Gents_2008-397-21.html

http://www.bikes-by-mail-order.co.uk/products.php?plid=m5b4s344p265&rs=gb

in my price range and only £20 difference from searching on the net

thanks

Rabbit

 

[Radius]

From what I can see the second one has a Sora rear mech as opposed to 2200, which is better. You'll get people telling you not to buy these, though.

 

[RabbitFood]

May I ask why???

Would i be better off trying for something like a Giant SCR 4?

 

[Radius]

I think you would, and although I am less inclined to big brand snobbery myself (mainly because I've got a bike I think is decent that isn't big brand so to speak), the frame will likely be better, and the components included will definitely be better made (finish kit etc.)

 

[RabbitFood]

ok well im very new to racing bikes and i would ideally prefer one with a good frame that i can keep and upgrade as i go, i like the Focus but there not cheap

 

[Radius]

That's the general consensus, and Focus are nice, but so are many other bikes, so look around for a good deal. The Giant will suit you well I should imagine.

 

[Sittingduck]

Focus Summit 08 was on special for about 370 if memory serves.

 

[Cope]

Best for what? From a purely technical perspective, I expect the second, more expensive is objectively better - it uses Sora rather than 2200, and is 9 speed rather than 8.

 

[RedBike]

At £500 nearly all the bikes you look at will come with Sora shifters. If you can you'll be much better off avoiding these and getting Tiagra or Xenon gear shifters instead. Although you'll have to search around to find a bike with these on!

 

[Radius]

I dunno, there are some. £400 + tiagra

 

[RabbitFood]

well i been looking at slighty more exspensive bikes and they stillhave sora on them

http://www.hargrovescycles.co.uk/products.asp?partno=33186

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/12-double-2009-road-bike-ec016471

confused

 

[punkypossum]

If you go for last years models, you should be able to find something, e.g.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25458

 

[RabbitFood]

yer and not got my bloody size, what a surprise

 

[Radius]

That's my bike Shame you didn't get there a couple of weeks earlier, they still had all the sizes left

 

[RedBike]

I'm afraid like I said before, most bikes will have Sora shifters. Not only are the shifters much cheaper but the manufactures can save money on all the other related parts (Cassette, chain, cranks...)

There are some bikes in your budget with a part Tiagra groupset though.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Giant_SCR_15_Road_Bike/5360037569/

Tiagra is a big jump up from Sora and well worth the extra money. (Although don't be fooled by the bikes that just have a Tiagra rear mech). 105 is a BIG jump up again. 105 works nearly as well as the top end groupsets. The only real noticable difference is it's a few grams heavier. Sadly you're going to REALLY struggle to find a bike in your price range with 105 on. But if you look at last years discounted models it is just about possible.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Focus_Variado_2008/5360032370/