Advice on a new bike

[noddy69]

Just looking to see what peoples thoughts are on the best value for a bike in the 1000=1300 euro range,thats 1200-1600 dollars or up to 1000 sterling there or there abouts at the current exchange rates.

Looking for a decent light weight good value introductory racing bike, with a decent component set up, or the best one for that price range.

Hoping someone with more knowledge and experience than myself can help me out or point me in the right direction, I know the price range isnt great but its all I have to work with. Looking at the defy 1 2012 as it seems to be light with a 105 set up and looks good value for money from a reliable manafacturer but if anyone knows of something better I would be grateful.
Thanks.

 

[Benotti69]

Just looking to see what peoples thoughts are on the best value for a bike in the 1000=1300 euro range,thats 1200-1600 dollars or up to 1000 sterling there or there abouts at the current exchange rates.

Looking for a decent light weight good value introductory racing bike, with a decent component set up, or the best one for that price range.

Hoping someone with more knowledge and experience than myself can help me out or point me in the right direction, I know the price range isnt great but its all I have to work with. Looking at the defy 1 2012 as it seems to be light with a 105 set up and looks good value for money from a reliable manafacturer but if anyone knows of something better I would be grateful.
Thanks.

Have you tried searching the same or similar in here? Lots of guys have asked the same.

 

[JayKosta]

If you really want a 'race bike' and not just a 'fast recreational' bike, then pay attention to what wheels & tires are included.
Some (most?) bikes in the price range you mention come with fairly heavy wheels that are fine for recreational and exercise riding, but which would be a disadvantage for racing.
But, a lot depends on your body weight - if you are heavy, then light wheels can be a problem.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[hiero2]

This is a question best answered by going to 3 local bike shops and asking there. Don't just go to one. By going to 3, you will get different brand recommendations - but you will also gain valuable pointers and knowledge about what can be had for the price, and what can be had for just a teeny bit more. By going to 3, you will learn what are the "universal" truths the 1st salesperson gave you, and something of what is store or individual preference.

I don't think this has changed since I was more active, but the difference between brands at a price level was frequently small, and also had more to do with personal preference. Oh, one year one brand would have a slightly better grade of component at a price level, but 2 years later the situation often reversed.

 

[rgmerk]

Key question

Only one thing I'd add to the earlier replies - before you go into the dealership, think about what you want the bike for.

Key questions include:

* do you seriously want to race?
* what kind of terrain do you want to ride on?
* what kind of roads will you be riding on - mostly smooth tar, or crappy rough backroads?

Also, if you don't already own a set of cycling gear, including shoes, you need to budget for that. $500 of the right clothing makes more difference to your cycling experience than $5000 of the right bike.

 

[User Guide]

Just looking to see what peoples thoughts are on the best value for a bike in the 1000=1300 euro range,thats 1200-1600 dollars or up to 1000 sterling there or there abouts at the current exchange rates.

Looking for a decent light weight good value introductory racing bike, with a decent component set up, or the best one for that price range.

Hoping someone with more knowledge and experience than myself can help me out or point me in the right direction, I know the price range isnt great but its all I have to work with. Looking at the defy 1 2012 as it seems to be light with a 105 set up and looks good value for money from a reliable manafacturer but if anyone knows of something better I would be grateful.
Thanks.

Cannondale Caad8 105 around 800 sterling at this time of year,put the remainder towards clothing or better wheels/tyres.