Up to 1k to spend on a carbon road frame; what would you get?

No fork

Why do you want carbon specifically? You can get an eminently raceable alloy frame for under £1k.

because girls love a bit of composite

canyon for sure... cf ultimate is a bargain of a frame (though id go for the full DA bike option as it saves even more cash)

I wouldn't pay too much heed to the scare stories. All manufacturers of carbon (alu and steel) frames have warranty issues they sweep under the rug. Its still the best material for a race bike. Just relies on you cleaning it and always being aware of any issues or changes in the frames handling. probably won't see you to your grave but its pros make up for that. Anyway in 5 years you want a new frame!

If you want an established brand look for end of year or discontinued models... cube or focus might be worth a shot?

Pedal Force CG1
And paint it like a Ritte..

Can this thread be closed now?

It's a PITA with Canyon if there are warranty issues, e.g. seatstays snapping when the back wheel hits a minor pothole on a descent. Same goes for any online purchase, but it's exacerbated by the non-UKness of it all.

Canyon setup a uk support centre end of last year. I wouldn't have purchased one if I'd have had to go back to Germany with any issues.

So why should you get cost price?
I've seen electrical items at 300% markup. 30-50% is pretty small.
Maybe if you formed a relationship with a shop you'd get haggle room?

All I'm saying is: when you take distribution and retailing out of the supply chain you get a hell of a lot more bang for your buck.

I'm all for befriending local shops (shout to Matt Goodes who owned Dial a Bike) but both parties should respect the truth that, as a customer, you'll always get a better deal the closer you get to the manufacturer.

FRom here on in I'll be fostering a relationship with my new friends in Koblenz.

I've still heard they're a bit rubbish.

I might go to Oz and get one of those at a vastly reduced price from the shop I formed a relationship with all those years ago..

I'm only half joking. It's seriously crossed my mind to get a Cervelo TT bike off 'em for short distance races.

I'm the same, I've made some solid friends over the years at a couple of LBS's over the years and they still ship stuff abroad to me with better discounts than any online shop by a mile....thanks Cycle Smithy, Ben's Cycle and Bike Zone, my fav LBS's

Carbon really is the ultimate material, for forks.

Isn't that an alu Trek?

Thus proving that squirrel is the best material, for forks.

for 1k I'd want it to fit. I'm not suggesting an expensive bike fit, or yoga. But try a few different geos and see what you get on with.

I'd get a Deda Scuro RS. Nice fit for me and a pocket rocket. But thats me.

Thus proving that squirrel is the best material, for forks.

Make dangerously bad speedo magnets though.....

Yeah, you'd need baby squirrels for that. You may have problems with the law though, employing minors is a tricky business.

Planet X had a lot of discounted Guerciotti frames that might be of interest.

Or if you do want to get a Canyon, read this: http://www.canyon.com/_en/service/sponsoring.html

Yeah, you'd need baby squirrels for that. You may have problems with the law though, employing minors is a tricky business.

Never underestimate the utility of a good shrew.

A much overlooked creature.

Yeah, you'd need baby squirrels for that. You may have problems with the law though, employing minors is a tricky business.

Iseewhatyoudidthere.