New bike - advise please on what to buy

TheBlaaMan

OK, so I'm currently riding a Spec Allez and can avail of the BtW Scheme. The only outlet my employer will deal thru is CycleSuperstore in Tallaght, so thats a limiting factor. So too is budget !

I'm looking at spending €1200 or so excluding the tax efficient piece, so total about €1750, or thereabouts. CSS dont want to know about trade-ins on the Spec.

I'd obviously like a carbon frame and the Ridley Orion jumps out at me - I've read a number of threads on here and it seems well thought of amongst Boardsie existing owners. Apart from the frame, the groupset on the Orion is very good (Ultegra or Campy Veloce) and unlikely to be bettered in the medium term by my basic skill level (max 100km spins, out 2-3 times per week in summer, 2-3 per month otherwise). I recently completed the SKT 90k and had fun. I'm not competing and dont intend to use the bike for commuting, or anything other than club rides etc

So to my query: given the limited choice in one retailer, is there another bike up to that price category that I should consider? I'm thinking perhaps to maybe spend a bit less - get a composite frame, or upper-end Ally frame, with the same or better kit? I know the advice is generally to spend as much as you can and get the best available, but perhaps there's something out there that I'm missing? Perhaps entry-level carbon frames are not that good/reliable/durable, compared to upper-end aluminium frames?

Any considered opinion welcome.

Ta muchly

Glencarraig

Have a look at the Cube Attempt SL, serious piece of kit, full Ultegra equipped think its around 1300 - 1500 in Cyclesuperstore.

Lumen

Entry level carbon is fine, it just tends to be built a bit heavier. For instance, you might get an alloy steerer on a carbon fork.