Road Bike in 3k region ...

[errbud]

I'm looking for a new road bike around the 3k mark. I have spotted a few most notably Felt F2 with full Dura Ace Di2 knocked down from 5k to an unbelievable 3k only thing this I only have £1500 in cash so I need a shop that offers 0% finance on the difference which they didnt. A few I'm considering are ...

http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=1831&category_id=17

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sst-20-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031201

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Litening-Super-HPC-Race-Compact-2012-Road-Bike_49452.htm

Any opinions on my short list or further recommendations will be appreciated.
cheers

 

[Parera]

Cannondale from you list; I'm biased but I love the CAAD10/SuperSix geometry.

FWIW, I'm building a BMC frameset with campy record (with bits of Chorus mixed in), handbuilt wheels (DT rims, Campy hubs) and custom cockpit (ie, the bars/stem/saddle I prefer) in your price range. Might be something to consider if you are going to spend the money, no reason to get components/wheels forced on you.

 

[Benotti69]

I'm looking for a new road bike around the 3k mark. I have spotted a few most notably Felt F2 with full Dura Ace Di2 knocked down from 5k to an unbelievable 3k only thing this I only have £1500 in cash so I need a shop that offers 0% finance on the difference which they didnt. A few I'm considering are ...

http://www.sunsetmtb.co.uk/shop/index.php?product_id=1831&category_id=17

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sst-20-compact-2012-road-bike-ec031201

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Cube-Litening-Super-HPC-Race-Compact-2012-Road-Bike_49452.htm

Any opinions on my short list or further recommendations will be appreciated.
cheers

nothing with SRAM

 

[rgmerk]

What do you want it for???

You haven't said what you want the bike for.

If you're buying a bike primarily for crit racing, your priorities will be different than if you're doing - say - hilly century rides.

One thing with the Cube bike - which appears to have the nicest specification, particularly if you like SRAM - is that it appears to come stock with some carbon wheels.

While some people ride on them every day, most riders I know who have to pay for their own gear keep their carbon wheels for racing only. Wheels are fragile, and carbon wheels can be expensive to fix if they break. So, at the very least, check the warranty and crash replacement policy on the wheels if you go down that road.

Also, note that the Fuji comes with a 53/39 crank, the Cannondale and Cube with a compact. That's easily changed (at an extra fee) but you might consider the type of riding you do and which is the most appropriate.

A cheap bike adjusted to fit you is a much better and ultimately faster bike than a top-end bike that hasn't been fitted properly.

Finally, I wouldn't get too hung up on interest-free deals. If you're paying 200 quid more for the bike, "interest-free" is a lousy deal.

 

[Notso Swift]

Canyon Ultimate SLX with DA and "training wheels" (Kysirium Elite) is about GBP2650, exceptional value in my mind (throw the wheels and it is a great kit
Or Record and SLR's for 3300

Aeroad from with Chorus or (just released) Ultegra Di2 both under 3000

 

[42x16ss]

You haven't said what you want the bike for.

If you're buying a bike primarily for crit racing, your priorities will be different than if you're doing - say - hilly century rides.

One thing with the Cube bike - which appears to have the nicest specification, particularly if you like SRAM - is that it appears to come stock with some carbon wheels.

While some people ride on them every day, most riders I know who have to pay for their own gear keep their carbon wheels for racing only. Wheels are fragile, and carbon wheels can be expensive to fix if they break. So, at the very least, check the warranty and crash replacement policy on the wheels if you go down that road.

Also, note that the Fuji comes with a 53/39 crank, the Cannondale and Cube with a compact. That's easily changed (at an extra fee) but you might consider the type of riding you do and which is the most appropriate.

A cheap bike adjusted to fit you is a much better and ultimately faster bike than a top-end bike that hasn't been fitted properly.

Finally, I wouldn't get too hung up on interest-free deals. If you're paying 200 quid more for the bike, "interest-free" is a lousy deal.

Agreed on all the above. All of these bikes are true racers - especially the Fuji. If that is what you will be doing then make sure you spec 53/39 cranks unless your club likes to race in hilly areas.

I don't know about the Fuji but the Cannondale and the Cube Lightening can both be downspecced but with the same frame. This should be an option to keep in mind if you are on a tight budget.

If you are particularly sold on the bikes you've listed I would consider the Super 6 with Ultegra or the Cube with either Force or Ultegra. I understand that you may have your heart set on a particular level of groupset, but really the difference between DA and Ultegra or Red and Force isn't that big, especially at a club level.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

nothing with SRAM

What he said. sram has deep pockets and are giving bike makers deals that they can't refuse but in the long run, shimano or even better a bike with Athena, Chorus or even Centaur.