Road Bikes - Under £600

[View From The Top]

I currently own a Specialized Crosstrail Sportsdisc, which I love but as I'm also banging out the tarmac miles I've decided on getting a road bike as well.

 

Problem is that I'm genuinely unsure as to what offers VFM at an entry level. Set myself a budget of £600(ish) and will be looking at 3/4 hours in the saddle at the weekend and the occasional sportive.

 

This has good reviews and an excellent price & is currently top of my list. http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-road-bike-black-id_8239801.html

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

Edited 28 September, 2013 by View From The Top

[badgerx16]

Can't argue for the money, Sora / Carbon fork / etc, however I bet that within 18 months this will be your 'second' bike.

[View From The Top]

Can't argue for the money, Sora / Carbon fork / etc, however I bet that within 18 months this will be your 'second' bike.

 

Already got my eye on something like this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-evo-pro-carbon-campagnolo-centaur-equipped?part=SE13SSRIBEVOPROCAMP&sub=conf_SERC or this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road-track-bike/ribble-sportive-bianco?part=BB13RIBSPORTVEBIANCO&sub=conf_BBRC&bike=1

Edited 28 September, 2013 by View From The Top

[badgerx16]

Already got my eye on something like this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-evo-pro-carbon-campagnolo-centaur-equipped?part=SE13SSRIBEVOPROCAMP&sub=conf_SERC or this http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/road-track-bike/ribble-sportive-bianco?part=BB13RIBSPORTVEBIANCO&sub=conf_BBRC&bike=1

 

We see shedloads of Ribbles round here as they are local - certainly a lot of the cycle club members like them. I considered the Bianco when I was looking to buy my 'best' bike, but looked to having the Tiagra groupset fitted, as it gives the option for an easier bottom gear for the less flat stretches, ( a.k.a. the Pennines ).

Edited 28 September, 2013 by badgerx16

[Winnersaint]

If you've already got your eyes on Ribbles at around £1000 you could do worse than take a look at this.

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT2/planet_x_pro_carbon_shimano_ultegra_road_bike

Alternatively there are plenty bargains to be had at this time of year online and at local bike shops as they shift 2013 stock in preparation for the arrival of 2014 models. Googling online bike shops will give you a myriad of choices.

 

I always tend to go for the best I can get, even if that means going a bit over budget. Don't get me wrong the Tribans are highly though of as is shown here, http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/triban-3-owners-club.121260/page-105#post-2672125 but they are very much entry level and as badgerx16 says you could quickly

find yourself in a N+1 situation. (N being the number bikes you already own and +1 the bike you really want to own)

 

It is worth getting a frame that is worth upgrading in the future even if to get that you have to outlay a little more initially. Most would look to the wheels and tyres initially as most stock wheels and tyres although perfectly adequate are a little on the heavy side and I'm not sure the Tribans would benefit significantly from having an upgrade of this sort. Putting let's say £350 of wheels and tyres on bikes that retail at between £299 and £429 doesn't make an awful lot of sense. There are plenty of good suggestions here and you seem to have come up with a perfectly good one yourself in the Ribble. Btw Campag Centaur is an excellent groupset. I have it on my best bike. You can swap out the standard 12-25 10 spd cassette for a more user friendly 12-27 which I have, or even a 12-30 for £20 extra. Add on a tenner and you can have carbon shifters.

[View From The Top]

Looks like I might just all in to start with and get a good carbon.

 

We have a local bike shop called Henry Burtons that do their own builds to a similar spec as Ribble & at a similar price point, but doesn't look as nice but they seem very popular with the local cycle clubs.

 

It's going to have to wait until after Xmas though if I'm going to spunk a grand!

[Winnersaint]

Looks like I might just all in to start with and get a good carbon.

 

We have a local bike shop called Henry Burtons that do their own builds to a similar spec as Ribble & at a similar price point, but doesn't look as nice but they seem very popular with the local cycle clubs.

 

It's going to have to wait until after Xmas though if I'm going to spunk a grand!

Using a local bike shop has its benefits. The personal service and knowledge you get is invaluable. It would also allow you to get a bike fit which I feel is important. You don't want to spunk a grand on something that is not right for you. I own two road bikes a Cube where the frames come up on the small side and a Ridley which come up big. Put them side by side and it is difficult to imagine that both fit me perfectly and yet they do.

 

That said, either the Ribble or the Planet X would serve as very useful yardstick, although the carbon framed Planet X looks a stonking bargain with an Ultegra 6700 groupset and got a very positive review on the Cycle show. At only 8 kilos with bog standard wheels it is eminently upgradable.

 

If you do go down the LBS route and they are competitive with Ribble and Planet X then Shimano 105/SRAM Apex/Campag Veloce should be your starting point. Good luck. Your Specialized Crosstrail should be perfectly adequate for the coming winter months. Leaving you to look forward to a happy new bike year. Just a thought have you considered C2W? Worth investigating if your employers are part of any scheme.

[View From The Top]

Got my current bike on C2W so can't get another one yet.

[swannymere]

If i had a grand to spend i'd be looking at something classic like a steel Ciocc, Colnago, Pinarello, De Rosa etc. you'll have a perfectly usable bike that will not lose any value and will be admired by many. Modern carbon bike are ok but they have no soul and every tom, **** and harry in a SKY kit seems to be riding identical bikes with different badges. Just my opinion.

[View From The Top]

If i had a grand to spend i'd be looking at something classic like a steel Ciocc, Colnago, Pinarello, De Rosa etc. you'll have a perfectly usable bike that will not lose any value and will be admired by many. Modern carbon bike are ok but they have no soul and every tom, **** and harry in a SKY kit seems to be riding identical bikes with different badges. Just my opinion.

 

Understand the sentiment but I want the best bike to ride, for me, for the ££, not something for others to get a semi over.

[swannymere]

Understand the sentiment but I want the best bike to ride, for me, for the ££, not something for others to get a semi over.

 

Fair enough, i still think a steel or Ti frame rides with much more feel than an Aluminium or Carbon frame. Good luck.

[Winnersaint]

Fair enough, i still think a steel or Ti frame rides with much more feel than an Aluminium or Carbon frame. Good luck.

An alternative view I grant you, but still valid. Be interested to know what you could get in good quality steel for a grand let alone Ti. Bottom end Enigma looks like a very nice bike but over £1000 for frame and groupset. No wheels or cockpit etc.

[View From The Top]

I've a Specialized Concept Store 1/2 a mile from me but their road bikes don't seem to offer the same VFM as Ribble or Planet X.

 

I shall visit both Ribble & Planet X to check them out later in the month.

 

Went back to my LBS are their made to measure service is excellent. It includes a videoed session on a turbo trainer so they can adjust and tweek the ride to your own syle. It's a pity the bikes just aren't very easy on the eye.

[swannymere]

Ribble are very good value for money and will probably have better resale than a Specialized, Trek, Giant etc. If you ever decide to blow the cash there's a very, very good framebuilder in Southampton called demonframeworks they sound really expensive but it would be the same as buying a Savile Rowe Suit, a mate of a mate has one and its stunning.

[Winnersaint]

Ribble are very good value for money and will probably have better resale than a Specialized, Trek, Giant etc. If you ever decide to blow the cash there's a very, very good framebuilder in Southampton called demonframeworks they sound really expensive but it would be the same as buying a Savile Rowe Suit, a mate of a mate has one and its stunning.

Awesome looking frames, I agree and a real statement of individuality. The reality is however, that most of us go for the mass produced option because of cost, and you can still get good looking bikes in aluminium and carbon fibre.

http://www.cyclechat.net/useralbums/ridley-with-vittoria-open-corsa-evo-ks-tyres.404/view This is my best bike, ubiquitous carbon no doubt, but with a very distinctive colour scheme reflecting the Flandrien origin of the manufacturers.

[View From The Top]

Awesome looking frames, I agree and a real statement of individuality. The reality is however, that most of us go for the mass produced option because of cost, and you can still get good looking bikes in aluminium and carbon fibre.

http://www.cyclechat.net/useralbums/ridley-with-vittoria-open-corsa-evo-ks-tyres.404/view This is my best bike, ubiquitous carbon no doubt, but with a very distinctive colour scheme reflecting the Flandrien origin of the manufacturers.

 

Nice. Me likes.

[Winnersaint]

Nice. Me likes.

Cheers. It is certainly more bike than I could ever do justice. I wouldn't dismiss aluminum though for real bangs for bucks. This looks like a huge amount of bike for under £1400 https://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3236. Another German bike company worth looking at. http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pro-rs-4400-604147/aid:604173. Both of these as sold, are lighter than my carbon Ridley and had I paid full whack for it around £700-£900 cheaper. A similarly priced Cube Agree GTC Pro would not be as well specced as these Tuetonic online competitors. Nice bike though.

[View From The Top]

I nipped in to the Specialized Concept store today and was pleasantly surprised when the chap suggested I nip down to their satellite site on the edge of Cannock Chase where they sell their used bikes including those that have been used as demos.

 

Some good deals to be had so I might get a much better spec'd bike than I'd hoped for my original budget!

[View From The Top]

Finally settled on this:

 

[warsash saint]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

 

Any comments on this? I know it's under £300 but seems to get some great reviews. Only looking for the occassional weekend ride so don't need an all singing, all dancing frame

[View From The Top]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

 

Any comments on this? I know it's under £300 but seems to get some great reviews. Only looking for the occassional weekend ride so don't need an all singing, all dancing frame

 

Considered by many as a top bit of kit for the ££.

[badgerx16]

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-red-road-bike-id_8274036.html

 

Any comments on this? I know it's under £300 but seems to get some great reviews. Only looking for the occassional weekend ride so don't need an all singing, all dancing frame

 

Carbon fork on a £300 bike is a bonus. Ultimately the price is irrelevant, if you are happy with it then it's the right bike.

[Winnersaint]

Finally settled on this:

 

Happy new bike. It certainly is a head turner in it's celeste colour scheme. Here is a review. Enjoy.

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/tech/bikes/129311/10/1000-bike-test-2012.html

[View From The Top]

There were so many different bikes in and around the same price point, with such similar spec's and reviews, that it eventually came down to what I thought looked the best.

 

Going for a fitting this weekend or next & then await delivery.

[View From The Top]

Fitting done and deposit paid.

 

It's a thing of beauty with carbon stays as well as forks. Upgrading the wheels as well.

 

Already booked some sportives as well so I have something to target.

[Winnersaint]

Fitting done and deposit paid.

 

It's a thing of beauty with carbon stays as well as forks. Upgrading the wheels as well.

 

Already booked some sportives as well so I have something to target.

 

Good choice upgrading the wheels, but do upgrade tyres also, especially with the onset of autumn/winter. Maybe something like this.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/schwalbe-durano-folding-road-bike-tyre/rp-prod91410?_$ja=tsid:46412|cgn:Schwalbe+-+Tyres|cn:Chain+Reaction-UK-PLA-PLA-All-DT-SE|kw:159161UK_Schwalbe+Durano+Folding+Road+Bike+Tyre&gclid=CLWnivG-pboCFU_HtAodWToAGQ

I've used Schwalbe Ultremo DDs previously on the posh bike and they were pretty durable (if pricy) in the winter and have Conti Gatorskin Hardshells on the commuter. One thing worth considering is bit by bit upgrading the groupset probably starting with the rear mech (derailleur). The Xenon mech has a history of poor performance and durability and isn't produced any more. Upgrading to Veloce will cost around £55 and will give you much better performance. Consider going clipless also if you haven't already done so. You'll have to let us know which Sportives you are doing and how you get on in them.

[View From The Top]

Veloce is fitted as standard, it's a total upgrade from the Xenon. Very few in the country with this spec. http://shop.epic-cycles.co.uk/bianchi-via-nirone-7-alu-carbon-veloce-59cm-225-p.asp

 

Frame: Bianchi triple butted 7000 series hydroformed alloy frame with K-Vid Carbon seat stays.

Fork: Bianchi FN11 K-Vid 1-1/8" Carbon fork.

STI Levers: Campagnolo Veloce 20sp

Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Veloce 20sp

Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Veloce 20sp

Chainset: FSA Omega MegaExo 50/34T

Brakes:Reparto Corse

Cassette: Campagnolo Veloce 20sp 12-25T

Compact groupset with chainset and brakes.

Handlebars: Bianchi Reparto Corse Oversize Anatomic

Stem: Bianchi Reparto Corse

Seatpost: Bianchi Reparto Corse 31.6mm.

Wheels: Bianchi Reparto Corsa Mach1 Versus.

Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro/Hutchinson Equinox 700x23c (tyre model may vary).

Saddle: San Marco Ponza Power Saddle.

Pedals: N/A.

 

Going to go clipless, which will be an adventure. Thankfully part of the buying process is practice on the turbo trainer with clipless shoes.

 

Sportives I've either signed up for or intend to do are:

 

1 day if the Tour of Wessex - 24th - 26th of May

 

Brewood Sportive - 7th June

 

Shropshire Hills Sportive 6th July

 

Great Weston Ride - 20th July

 

New Forest Rattler - 17th August.

 

Stafford Sportive - Date TBC

 

Also some of the Polocini Series based up near here which include rides over the Peak District.

 

Should be fun.

 

By my next birthday (October 2014) I want to have completed at least one 100mile Sportive

Edited 20 October, 2013 by View From The Top

[Winnersaint]

Good that you haven't been saddled with Xenon gear. Your white bartape will discolour quickly, why manufacturers do it I just don't know. Personal opinion only but I'd give the shop a call and see if they would swap it for black before delivery. The white looks mint but unfortunately only for a very short time. Very impracticable

As for the sportives, you have certainly some good ones planned. I am aiming for one in April in somewhere around the Chilterns and the Jurassic Beast in May for my season starters. Not an expert by any means but if you need any advice there are a number on here who could help. Enjoy that new bike.

[Torres]

Finally settled on this:

 

 

Mate, it's got no pedals.

[View From The Top]

Mate, it's got no pedals.

 

You have to buy them yourself!

[Winnersaint]

Got it yet?

[sandwichsaint]

Just back from four days in Mallorca, a real 'must do' for all us Tour wannabe's.

 

60km constant up and down on Monday, full sun and a really hot day.

 

Family day in Palma on Tuesday.

 

Wednesday 85km, on the flat then up the mountains to 700m and a long downhill too. Warm and dry but monstrous headwinds for the last 30km.

 

Thursday, took the bikes in the van to the top of Sa Colabra (Google it), unfortunately the olds bottled it but my nipper smashed it in one hit in 45 minutes, then we all rode 60km together back to base.

 

Mallorca really is a top cycling destination if you get a chance.

 

 

We have entered the Kentish Killer again (the short route, that was tough enough last year and apparently it has been up-toughened for this season).

 

Anybody that wants some early season Saints-chat biking we would love to see you down here in February, we are a group of 6 very social cakes-and-beer cyclists. 3 Saints fans, not looking to break any records, just looking to get round!

 

 

http://kentishkiller.ning.com/

[Winnersaint]

Just looked at the Strava segment times for Sa Colabra. Chapeau to the nipper 45 mins is good going. Wondering if the Simon Y listed as KoM is Simon Yeats Tour of Britain stage winner at Haytor. Also Alex D (Dowsett?) at a Movistar training camp? Dean Downing also.

[View From The Top]

Got it yet?

 

Picked it up Friday PM and took it out spin today, just a quick 20miles. Bloody hell, it's quick, especially with the clipless pedals. That said, the long climb up Cannock Chase was still chuffing painful, but over quicker.

 

Put some Fulcrum Quattro wheels on it as an added bonus.

Edited 2 November, 2013 by View From The Top

[View From The Top]

Anybody that wants some early season Saints-chat biking we would love to see you down here in February, we are a group of 6 very social cakes-and-beer cyclists. 3 Saints fans, not looking to break any records, just looking to get round!

 

 

http://kentishkiller.ning.com/

 

Too far away I'm afraid.

 

The Motion in Mercia sportive in late March will be my 1st one of 2014 bar a H4H one that is local in Jan', but that's weather permitting.

[Winnersaint]

Picked it up Friday PM and took it out spin today, just a quick 20miles. Bloody hell, it's quick, especially with the clipless pedals. That said, the long climb up Cannock Chase was still chuffing painful, but over quicker.

 

Put some Fulcrum Quattro wheels on it as an added bonus.

Decent upgrade on the wheels from standard Reparto Corse. What clipless arrangement did you go with road or mtb?

[View From The Top]

Decent upgrade on the wheels from standard Reparto Corse. What clipless arrangement did you go with road or mtb?

 

Road. I'll leave standard flats on the hybrid.

 

Did another short 20miles this morning whilst the roads were quiet. Nearly fell over once when I unclipped on the right but wobbled to the left at a junction. Quick flick of the heel got me out of trouble!

 

Few aches around the hips where I'm using muscles I've never used before but the thing I'm struggling with most is hand position. Can't quite figure out yet the most comfortable position that relieves the pressure.

 

It's so fast!

[badgerx16]

[quote=View From The Top;1808171......but the thing I'm struggling with most is hand position. Can't quite figure out yet the most comfortable position that relieves the pressure.

 

 

Are you wearing gloves/mitts ?

[View From The Top]

Are you wearing gloves/mitts ?

 

Yes. Full fingered today as it was a bit fresh early on!

 

I don't have the issue on my hybrid, the gel pads work a treat.

 

Perhaps I just need better gloves with more padded coverage?

[sandwichsaint]

but the thing I'm struggling with most is hand position. Can't quite figure out yet the most comfortable position that relieves the pressure.

 

 

Not sure where (or why?) you are feeling 'hand pressure'?

 

Not generally an issue in my experience, I usually wear padded mitts but I am equally comfortable without them. After a long ride I can get tired across the shoulders or perhaps an aching lower back but I've never had problems with my hands/arms per se.

 

Did you get the bike set-up when you collected it?

 

I'm guessing your at least averagely fit core-wise so your hands shouldn't be taking any 'pressure'.

 

Perhaps your bike is a fraction too long? (And it will only be a fraction, try moving the saddle forward ever so slightly)????

 

If it's further out than that perhaps a shorter stem would give you a better riding position?

 

Sounds like you are getting into it, impressed with your schedule.

[View From The Top]

Not sure where (or why?) you are feeling 'hand pressure'?

 

Not generally an issue in my experience, I usually wear padded mitts but I am equally comfortable without them. After a long ride I can get tired across the shoulders or perhaps an aching lower back but I've never had problems with my hands/arms per se.

 

Did you get the bike set-up when you collected it?

 

I'm guessing your at least averagely fit core-wise so your hands shouldn't be taking any 'pressure'.

 

Perhaps your bike is a fraction too long? (And it will only be a fraction, try moving the saddle forward ever so slightly)????

 

If it's further out than that perhaps a shorter stem would give you a better riding position?

 

Sounds like you are getting into it, impressed with your schedule.

 

I had a 60min fitting session on a turbo trainer on Friday (2nd one) and then took it home so everything is set up fine. I think, perhaps, I'm simply gripping too hard or maybe my wrists were cocked instead of straight but It certainly didn't feel as bad today as it did yesterday.

 

I'm heading out on Saturday (weather dependant) for a flat/rolling 40miler so I'll see how I feel after that. If they are still giving me jip I'll nip into the LBS.

[Saint137]

Just looked at the Strava segment times for Sa Colabra. Chapeau to the nipper 45 mins is good going. Wondering if the Simon Y listed as KoM is Simon Yeats Tour of Britain stage winner at Haytor. Also Alex D (Dowsett?) at a Movistar training camp? Dean Downing also.

 

Sa Calobra is insane, my hire car had trouble driving up it. A few years ago you could see a tour bus wedged in the rocks halfway down on one of the hairpins. Lovely tarmac, wonder if it was paid for by teams.

[View From The Top]

I had a 60min fitting session on a turbo trainer on Friday (2nd one) and then took it home so everything is set up fine. I think, perhaps, I'm simply gripping too hard or maybe my wrists were cocked instead of straight but It certainly didn't feel as bad today as it did yesterday.

 

I'm heading out on Saturday (weather dependant) for a flat/rolling 40miler so I'll see how I feel after that. If they are still giving me jip I'll nip into the LBS.

 

I've also moved the seat forward a tadge.

[View From The Top]

Did a 3hr 45 miles this morning through the countryside and my hands and wrists felt much better as I got into my stride. Perhaps it was simply that I wasn't used to the different position.