Thinking about new bike - opinions?

[Cancellator]

Hey, I've decided that if I manage to get a job this summer I'll probably buy a new bike. I've been thinking about my options for a while now. What I want is to get the best value all-rounder bike (but leaning a bit to the racy side, because I'll keep my current bike as a winter mule) out of, let's say, 1500 pounds.

So far I've come up with these ideas:

Cervelo S1
Theme: "Cheapo Aero"
I've heard only good things about the S1, and not buying carbon could mean less worries if I happen to crash etc. Coupled with Mavic Cosmic Elites: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81826, I should get an aero benefit while still having a lighter bike than the one I ride now.

The problem is... the S1 is discontinued. I can still find it online, but at 800 pounds for the frameset and over 1500 for a complete 105 bike with the standard crappy wheels, I feel it's a rip-off. I'll keep a lookout on gumtree etc., maybe I'll be lucky. If I do find a good deal, I'll probably won't hesitate, and then I'll have the money to buy a nice wheeleset and upgrade some components...

PS:Just found one second hand in my size... but a pretty bizzare choice of components, surely this frame deserves a better groupset than Campag Veloce?!

Ribble R872
Theme: "Best value carbon! Maybe..."
R872's predecessor, the Stealth, has received awesome reviews for its stiffness, ride quality etc, for the price. I was thinking of trying to go the low weight route with this one. For about 1100 I can get it with Sram Rival (the lightest groupset in this price range by far), and I'll have the spare cash to buy a light set of durable wheels. I was thinking of: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPSHRS80CA/shimano_rs80_c24_carbon_wheelset_(pair) (yes I know they are not really carbon, but they're still very light and apparently can take a punishment so who cares).

There are still some problems here: Firstly, there's that voice in the back of my head saying "you get what you pay for..." . Has anyone here actually tried Ribble carbon bikes? Are they actually good value or just... cheap? Secondly, the largest frame they stock is 54.5 cm. Now I ride a 58 cm Trek with a 90mm stem... I got in touch with Ribble, and they told me I'll be fine on a 54.5 with a 100mm stem. I'm not so sure, it sounds more like they are really trying to sell a bike.

Thanks in advance for your opinions, I still have a few more ideas but frankly I think one big post is enough for now.

 

[laziali]

I rode a friends Cervelo a few years ago and found it too stiff for my liking. Im used to the Colnago feel though and my friend loved the Cervelo. So not a criticism, just a comment that it might be worth testing one first if you havent already.

Not sure about the Ribble.

I hear very good things about EMC2 and Boardman who have bikes in your price range.

Mavic Cosmics don't generally get good feedback on here. Apparently the hubs are junk, but I can't speak from personal experience. I have found Campag/Fulcrum wheels great.

Good luck!

 

[Cancellator]

I rode a friends Cervelo a few years ago and found it too stiff for my liking. Im used to the Colnago feel though and my friend loved the Cervelo. So not a criticism, just a comment that it might be worth testing one first if you havent already.

Not sure about the Ribble.

I hear very good things about EMC2 and Boardman who have bikes in your price range.

Mavic Cosmics don't generally get good feedback on here. Apparently the hubs are junk, but I can't speak from personal experience. I have found Campag/Fulcrum wheels great.

Good luck!

Yeah I've reconsidered the Cosmics. I'll probably go for Ksyriums, Shimanos or Fulcrums. What CB/EMC2 bikes would your recommend specifically? Remember I want to spend 1500 on a bike and quality wheels. As in, if it's 1500 with wheels worth 80 quid, it's not deal...

Thanks!

 

[laziali]

Yeah I've reconsidered the Cosmics. I'll probably go for Ksyriums, Shimanos or Fulcrums. What CB/EMC2 bikes would your recommend specifically? Remember I want to spend 1500 on a bike and quality wheels. As in, if it's 1500 with wheels worth 80 quid, it's not deal...

Thanks!

Here's an EMC2 with Ultegra and some decent wheels for AUD2,500 which would e around your price point. http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles/emc-2/road/emc-equip-r1-4/glenelg/sa/102011636

Bikeradar does regular Boardman rave reviews with hyperlinks to wiggle etc

 

[avanti]

Hey, I've decided that if I manage to get a job this summer I'll probably buy a new bike. ------------------

Cervelo S1
Theme: "Cheapo Aero"
I've heard only good things about the S1, and not buying carbon could mean less worries if I happen to crash etc. Coupled with Mavic Cosmic Elites: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81826, I should get an aero benefit while still having a lighter bike than the one I ride now.

The problem is... the S1 is discontinued. I can still find it online, but at 800 pounds for the frameset and over 1500 for a complete 105 bike with the standard crappy wheels, I feel it's a rip-off. I'll keep a lookout on gumtree etc., maybe I'll be lucky. If I do find a good deal, I'll probably won't hesitate, and then I'll have the money to buy a nice wheeleset and upgrade some components...

PS:Just found one second hand in my size... but a pretty bizzare choice of components, surely this frame deserves a better groupset than Campag Veloce?!
.................

I ride a Cervelo Soloist (or S1) - A great bike - finish is anodized aluminum so very damage resistant. Mine is a 56 cm and around 4-years old but is really too large for me and will be listing it on ebay before the Spring - I will probably ask $500 for the frame.
I am looking at Cannondale bikes - the S-1 and Cannondale aluminum frames both use 6061-T6 aluminum alloy; in my opinion the best alum for frames.

 

[User Guide]

Hey, I've decided that if I manage to get a job this summer I'll probably buy a new bike. I've been thinking about my options for a while now. What I want is to get the best value all-rounder bike (but leaning a bit to the racy side, because I'll keep my current bike as a winter mule) out of, let's say, 1500 pounds.

So far I've come up with these ideas:

Cervelo S1
Theme: "Cheapo Aero"
I've heard only good things about the S1, and not buying carbon could mean less worries if I happen to crash etc. Coupled with Mavic Cosmic Elites: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=81826, I should get an aero benefit while still having a lighter bike than the one I ride now.

The problem is... the S1 is discontinued. I can still find it online, but at 800 pounds for the frameset and over 1500 for a complete 105 bike with the standard crappy wheels, I feel it's a rip-off. I'll keep a lookout on gumtree etc., maybe I'll be lucky. If I do find a good deal, I'll probably won't hesitate, and then I'll have the money to buy a nice wheeleset and upgrade some components...

PS:Just found one second hand in my size... but a pretty bizzare choice of components, surely this frame deserves a better groupset than Campag Veloce?!

Ribble R872
Theme: "Best value carbon! Maybe..."
R872's predecessor, the Stealth, has received awesome reviews for its stiffness, ride quality etc, for the price. I was thinking of trying to go the low weight route with this one. For about 1100 I can get it with Sram Rival (the lightest groupset in this price range by far), and I'll have the spare cash to buy a light set of durable wheels. I was thinking of: http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/WPSHRS80CA/shimano_rs80_c24_carbon_wheelset_(pair) (yes I know they are not really carbon, but they're still very light and apparently can take a punishment so who cares).

There are still some problems here: Firstly, there's that voice in the back of my head saying "you get what you pay for..." . Has anyone here actually tried Ribble carbon bikes? Are they actually good value or just... cheap? Secondly, the largest frame they stock is 54.5 cm. Now I ride a 58 cm Trek with a 90mm stem... I got in touch with Ribble, and they told me I'll be fine on a 54.5 with a 100mm stem. I'm not so sure, it sounds more like they are really trying to sell a bike.

Thanks in advance for your opinions, I still have a few more ideas but frankly I think one big post is enough for now.

The ribble is the same as the de rosa R838 made by xpa in china,who are pretty good, finish quality wise to be fair.Had one while back cant say too much for the ride as was selling it on,but the quality looked good.On xpa cycling website is only R838L which is intergrated sp version,de rosa bought world rights to normal one,but ribble already had a deal in place so still sell it.
EDIT with athena,Scirocco,carbon post(31.6) and conti 4000s, it comes in under your 1500 quid. Which seems good value, just be warned ribble have not best rep online from what I can tell with regards customer service etc.(among other things)

 

[42x16ss]

You have a few options in this price range, especially if you aren't too worried about the brand name on the side of your bike. Another option along with those mentioned is to get a Hong Fu/Deng Fu blank carbon frame, 105/Centaur/Rival groupset and then get some wheels built around 105/Centaur/Miche hubs and Velocity or Kinlin rims.

The value for money on a setup like that would be great.

 

[LugHugger]

You have a few options in this price range, especially if you aren't too worried about the brand name on the side of your bike. Another option along with those mentioned is to get a Hong Fu/Deng Fu blank carbon frame, 105/Centaur/Rival groupset and then get some wheels built around 105/Centaur/Miche hubs and Velocity or Kinlin rims.

The value for money on a setup like that would be great.

Can second this - built an FM018 ISP with Force & Ritchey alloy finishing kit plus handbuilt wheels @1600g for exactly £1500 earlier this year.

 

[Jarzino]

Check out this Website - Rosebikes :

http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/products...ge=1&order=topseller&count=16#anchor_products