Planet X RT-57 vs. Focus Izalco

So I'm buying a bike with more than one gear. There are some amazing deals flying around at the moment so it seems like good timing and after scouring the internet for hours I reckon I'm finally onto something. Anyone have any thoughts on these beauties (or maybe even a new suggestion)?

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FBPXRT57SF/planet_x_rt_57_sram_force_road_bike

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/focus-izalco-team-ergoride-30-force-2012/

I have an RT57 but its currently being built up with Campag as I don't get on with Sram.
Its quite an agressive frame - relatively short head tube compared to the Focus and pretty beefy stays

http://www.lfgss.com/thread46545.html

( prob best to keep it all in one reference thread )

http://www.canyon.com/_en/outlet/article.html?o=AS1004030

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3080

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m7b65s6p4510

http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/bikes-c5/road-bikes-c18/cannondale-supersix-apex-road-bike-white-2012-p206336

(the one above is nicer though)

^ what smallfurry said

Canyon is very nice for price and looks much more expensive. It also looks fast, but quite forgiving.

I like Focus bikes, but that one is ugly!

If you are a Campag man, go Canyon
If you are a SRAM man, go Planet-X

The Canyon could be more uncommon too. Which is nice.

A friend at work is looking for a new bike and he is completely overwhelmed by the choice in the 1k range

A friend at work is looking for a new bike and he is completely overwhelmed by the choice in the 1k range

Tricky pricepoint.

I find you can look at clearance sales all day long, and still be impressed by Canyons standard pricing.

I had a collegue ask me to check out a Ghost full sus that was very very heavily reduced. Turned out the Nerve AL 7.0 was a much better buy at retail (IMHO etc.). Not that he listened.

/csb

Thanks everybody.

Oooh those Cannondale's are nice. Remind me a bit of my old Bianchi actually. Not as well spec'd as the others though? And yes, the Focus is not as stunning looking as the others.

I haven't had any experience with Campag OR SRAM actually, just Shimano, but the SRAM Force seems to be pretty good for this kinda price.

The frameset of the Canyon is far nicer than that of the PX or Focus (IMHO), the wheels are at least as nice, the finishing kit better, and the groupset roughly equivalent. As a Campagnolo user its an easy chioce for me.
http://www.menshealth.co.uk/living/gear/the-ultimate-bike-238504
It only comes at that price in a 58 though.

If you're sold on Sram, and want a comfortable mile muncher. The Synapse seems the obvious chioce.
http://road.cc/content/review/47929-cannondale-synapse-carbon-apex

I wouldnt get too tied up in which level groupset you get. As long as its 105/Apex/Centaur or better, and of the brand of your taste (lever shape, and shifting mode)

Tricky pricepoint.

I find you can look at clearance sales all day long, and still be impressed by Canyons standard pricing.

I had a collegue ask me to check out a Ghost full sus that was very very heavily reduced. Turned out the Nerve AL 7.0 was a much better buy at retail (IMHO etc.). Not that he listened.

Things are reduced for a reason and are generally sold for what they're worth.

You can only spot a good deal if you actually know the value of something.

Thanks for all the help, Smallfurry.

My old local bike shop has thrown a spanner in the works and just offered 20% off EVERYTHING. Including these beauties...

http://www.primera-sports.com/products/cannondale-road-bikes-259/cannondale-2013-supersix-sm-105-11791.aspx

http://www.primera-sports.com/products/cannondale-road-bikes-259/cannondale-2013-synapse-carbon-sm-5-105-11829.aspx

I have Cannondale history in my mtb days and also happy with 105's so these seem like a serious contender? Might be able to nab some pedals off the shop too.

Seriously tricky price point, especially at a time when there are plenty of deals to be had.

^ not a great value for money ..

Thanks for all the help, Smallfurry.

My old local bike shop has thrown a spanner in the works and just offered 20% off EVERYTHING. Including these beauties...

http://www.primera-sports.com/products/cannondale-road-bikes-259/cannondale-2013-supersix-sm-105-11791.aspx

http://www.primera-sports.com/products/cannondale-road-bikes-259/cannondale-2013-synapse-carbon-sm-5-105-11829.aspx

I have Cannondale history in my mtb days and also happy with 105's so these seem like a serious contender? Might be able to nab some pedals off the shop too.

Seriously tricky price point, especially at a time when there are plenty of deals to be had.

Stay focused on the sort of frameset you want in terms of fit and ride. Its not an ideal way of picking a bike but it does simplify things.

If thats a local store. Test ride them, and then buy the one that you like most.

Fretting over a better component here or there, or a 100 notes saved or extra, is irrelavent if you considering spending over 260* hours in the saddle over a year.

(*5 hours a week)

Things are reduced for a reason and are generally sold for what they're worth.

You can only spot a good deal if you actually know the value of something.
+1

I'd add the value to yourself. No point buying a 80% off Lotus, when you need a van.

I agree but then how would online only retailers survive? Canyon, ribble, PX etc.

No? Comes in at £1440 after discount.

if we are talking PURE value, you cannot beat something like this

Sounds fine to me. Depends on wether you can afford it, or consider a pedal bicycle to be worth the investment.

Test ride.

Things are reduced for a reason and are generally sold for what they're worth.

You can only spot a good deal if you actually know the value of something.

Yep, in my line of work you come across a LOT of bullshit gear, mainly because people do not know what they're doing whether they be customer or manufacturer.

It's a good thing we have forums!

I've got to admit, some of the incentive to go with one of the Cannondale's is that I know the shop well and have faith that I can speak to an actual human being who knows what they're doing.

Project X looks like a great bike though and I discovered it through recommendation.

Gonna head back to my stomping ground tomorrow and pop in the shop, take both those Cannondale's out for a try.

+1

I'd add the value to yourself. No point buying a 80% off Lotus, when you need a van.

This so much.

It's not a good deal if you don't need it!

Also, online may be cheaper but there's always a value in being able to test ride stuff and speak to staff - it also means you've got a place you can deal with in person if there's any issues.

Yes, totally agree. I'm sure the shop would give me the online discount and yes I can just rock up and talk to someone if there are any problems. Plus, we should all do what we can to support our local shops, whether they're a butcher, grocer or bike shop otherwise one day they'll be gone! That discussion is for another time and place though!