Which model, which material?

[Col-A]

Hi All,

Thinking seriously about buying a new bike. I've a decent budget, but it's not something I want to be spending money on again too soon. My rides are a daily 10 mile commute and generally about 70 miles at weekend, not racing, but I like to go quickly when I want to.

My current thoughts are that it's going to be either alloy or steel as I'm not convinced by the longevity/robustness of carbon frames around my £1000 - £1500 budget (although I might be wrong???)


So, which one?

Colnago Arte 2.0 105
Cannondale CAAD10 105
Genesis Equilibrium 20
Condor Acciaio 105

Col

 

[accountantpete]

Haven't ridden the CAAD 10 but at the advertised weight of 1100g for the frame it will be as quick as a top carbon bike if a little harsher as regards road buzz. Esp good if you live in a hilly area.

 

[smokeysmoo]

Haven't ridden the CAAD 10 but at the advertised weight of 1100g for the frame it will be as quick as a top carbon bike if a little harsher as regards road buzz. Esp good if you live in a hilly area.

I have a CAAD10 Dura-Ace, and it is utterly fantastic! It's a 60cm frame, and I went for a Mavic Kysirium SL wheelset when I bought it as I got a 2 year crash replacement poilcy FOC

The whole bike weighs a shade over 16lbs, which for a 60cm frame I think is awesome.

It flies up hills, handles like it's on rails and has given me back all the confidence I'd lost riding my carbon bike.

I don't know where you are, but the guys at Wheelbase near Kendal in the Lake District are fantastic, I had a very pleasurable purcahse experience when I bought mine.

If you haven't done already, Google CAAD10 and read some reviews, I haven't read anything but great reviews yet.

I cannot comment on the others on your list, but my carbon is now for sale and I'll never buy one again!

 

[craigwend]

Have you also though about...


http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=VN-Mistralbike/Van_Nicholas_Mistral_Titanium_Road_Bike

at the top of your budget - but within


Has a lot of 105 kit & other decent bits-

something special, as light as aluminium, as 'special' as steel without corrosion issues - well neither of my steel bikes have any issues but...


I have a euros, the model up with full 105, a bike for life

 

[cyberknight]

Have you also though about...


http://www.fatbirds.co.uk/detail.asp/sku=VN-Mistralbike/Van_Nicholas_Mistral_Titanium_Road_Bike

at the top of your budget - but within


Has a lot of 105 kit & other decent bits-

something special, as light as aluminium, as 'special' as steel without corrosion issues - well neither of my steel bikes have any issues but...


I have a euros, the model up with full 105, a bike for life

+1 on titanium , i had dynatech 20 years ago and like a fool i sold it , most comfortable bike i have ever riden.

 

[cloggsy]

What about this?

Or are you a 'brand snob?'

 

[Gazmob]

I am also looking at my first road bike and was looking at the Boardman Team Carbon(2011) as well as

Cannondale CAAD10 105
Trek 2.3
Specialized Secteur Comp 2011

I am after a fairly relaxed position hence the Secteur over the Allez. Does anyone have any thoughts ?

 

[cyberknight]

Sat on a boardman today , pity it was too big as it felt a nice bike, the drops are very shallow (different from those in the picture )so i can see the drop hand position being used a lot more.

 

[Col-A]

I ended up buying the CAAD10 and upgraded the wheels to Ksyriums. It's absolutely brilliant - light, fast and comfortable. Worth mentioning that I bought it from Bilslands in Glasgow, really sound service & advice and easy to deal with.

Col