Recommendation on a good road bike - Bike To Work Scheme - any ideas?

celtictigermrk2

Hi guys,

I'd be very grateful for some suggestions. I already have a decent hybrid bike, and a hardtail mountain bike, but I'm looking to get my first proper road bike at the moment under the bike-to-work scheme.

I intend using it a good bit, and am looking to get into triathlons next year as well, so would really appreciate advice on makes/models etc. Oh yeah, I'm based in the west of Ireland so I could pick up in the Galway/Mayo area.

Thanks

Tonyandthewhale

Budget?

Lumen

Depends on the details of your BTW scheme.

celtictigermrk2

Tonyandthewhale wrote: »

Budget?

Sorry yeah I should have mentioned that I'm willing to use up the full amount offered under the BTW Scheme - i.e. up to €1000

I'd probably like to get footwear and a decent helmet included within that budget too.

Thanks

Lemag

But has your employer placed any restrictions on where you can buy the bike from or does your employer use a third party to adminster the scheme and if so where have they restricted you to?

celtictigermrk2

Lemag wrote: »

But has your employer placed any restrictions on where you can buy the bike from or does your employer use a third party to adminster the scheme and if so where have they restricted you to?

No restrictions as far as I know as to where I get the bike (provided they are affiliated to the BTW scheme of course).

blorg

There is no such thing as affiliation to the BTW scheme. There is affiliation to these third parties; if this is required then yes, your employer is restricting the scheme.

autotrader

blorg wrote: »

There is no such thing as affiliation to the BTW scheme. There is affiliation to these third parties; if this is required then yes, your employer is restricting the scheme.

Jesus, enough of the pedantic stuff. the man wants a bike recomendation.:rolleyes:

I just bought the Specialized Allez Sport in cycleways, the 2012 model is in there but there is good discounts on the last few 2011 models. I looked at a good few bikes, Giant Defy, La Pierre and a few others and i liked the Spesh the best

I got the bike, helmet, pump, tubes, bottle and cage, lights etc etc for 1000

reilig

autotrader wrote: »

Jesus, enough of the pedantic stuff. the man wants a bike recomendation.:rolleyes:

I just bought the Specialized Allez Sport in cycleways, the 2012 model is in there but there is good discounts on the last few 2011 models. I looked at a good few bikes, Giant Defy, La Pierre and a few others and i liked the Spesh the best

I got the bike, helmet, pump, tubes, bottle and cage, lights etc etc for 1000

I looked at and test rode the Specialised Alles Sport in Trailblazers and thought it was really stylish. But something drew me towards the Lapierre Audacio 400 2012 http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=45682

It just felt better to ride than the specialised. Looked at Forme bikes also, but in the end the Lapierre won out. It is €950 straight. I'm getting a set of double sided SPD pedals for it also which bring it up to €1000 in the BTW Scheme. Have to wait for my monthly pay packet to be deducted in the first week of october before I can get my hands on it.

Personally I found that people on here have great knowledge and give great advice on buying a new bike. However, the only way for you to choose a bike is to go to a Local Bike Shop, look at them and ride them. Find the bike that's most comfortable for you and I advise you to buy from a shop close to you so that you can bring it back for adjustment (after a month or so) and bring it back for service and repair.

rustynutz

I bought a Felt F95 for £408 (worked out at €508 delivered) from wiggle, it was a 2011 model reduced from £660. That was last week and am still waiting on delivery so not sure if there are any left. Looked around a lot of local bike shops and anything with the same or lesser spec was €700 - €800.

Lemag

rustynutz wrote: »

I bought a Felt F95 for £408 (worked out at €508 delivered) from wiggle, it was a 2011 model reduced from £660.

Nice bike. Appears to be gone now though.

autotrader wrote: »

Jesus, enough of the pedantic stuff. the man wants a bike recomendation.:rolleyes:

Not pedantic. Until the OP has a full understanding of the situation regarding the purchase of his bike and communicates this sufficiently here there'll be little point in posters firing up links to bikes which the OP might very well not be able to get.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGt5f70K02Q

blorg

I would suggest getting full carbon with a 10 speed groupset.

The best deals are online, the likes of Planet X, Canyon or Focus from Wiggle if on sale. There is no problem buying online under BTW but you won't be able to get these on a "voucher" scheme.

celtictigermrk2

reilig wrote: »

I looked at and test rode the Specialised Alles Sport in Trailblazers and thought it was really stylish. But something drew me towards the Lapierre Audacio 400 2012 http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=45682

It just felt better to ride than the specialised. Looked at Forme bikes also, but in the end the Lapierre won out. It is €950 straight. I'm getting a set of double sided SPD pedals for it also which bring it up to €1000 in the BTW Scheme. Have to wait for my monthly pay packet to be deducted in the first week of october before I can get my hands on it.

Personally I found that people on here have great knowledge and give great advice on buying a new bike. However, the only way for you to choose a bike is to go to a Local Bike Shop, look at them and ride them. Find the bike that's most comfortable for you and I advise you to buy from a shop close to you so that you can bring it back for adjustment (after a month or so) and bring it back for service and repair.

Thanks for the ideas guys. Am really liking the La Pierre Audacio so far.

Just another query. Has anyone tried/owned any Boardman models? They seem to be getting pretty decent reviews online, and have a good price-quality ratio...

blorg

Haven't owned one but others here have and they are good bikes and a good option if you can't buy online. Again, go full carbon, it is absolutely worth it.

Rew

Cube Peloton Pro 2012 is €999:

http://www2.cube.eu/en/road/performance/peloton-pro/

macnab

I have a Boardman Team Carbon, its the 2010 model but I bought it in the sale earlier this year so it only cost me €1067 with an AON/AXA discount. I have about 3000km trouble free on it so far. It is fast and comfortable, and well specced to boot.

celtictigermrk2

Any thoughts on a toss up between the Felt F85 and Cube Peloton Race??