Road bike recommendations

You could get that Planet X looking very serviceable with a few changes to the finishing kit. The killer price is down to the new Ultegra being so unbelievably cheap.

I think that's tremendous value considering up until now they've been doing that frame for the same price with 6700 - but with non-series cranks and brakes.

And it won't look nearly as "gash" with the bars and levers levelled and the spacers eradicated.

This is bonkers cheap no?
£999

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPULT6800/planet-x-pro-carbon-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike?utm_source=The+Planet+X+and+On-One+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=3627bb7278-25%2F04%2F2014+Pro+Carbon&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_561486488b-3627bb7278-272228313&mc_cid=3627bb7278&mc_eid=dd41eb6147

Yes. It's been my default recommended-bike-to-people-who-want-a-nice-bike-but-don't-want-to-spend-money-on-bike-porn bike for a while now. I know two people who've bought one, and they both love them.

Still think Canyon are the go to brand for bikes on a budget.

Not as cheap. But so much betterer.

is there still a canyon showroom in kingston?

If I'm looking at a 1k to 1.5k road bike with a racier feel than my Equilibrium is there any real competition to Canyon or Rose in terms of value? Focus Cayo Evo 4? Am I right in generalising that the Rose is meant to be slightly more aggressive than the Canyon? I'd be looking at the entry level crabon versions of both.

Another contender is the CAAD 10 but it's right at the top of my price range and the spec isn't fab for the price. Then again, thebikeshop.de offers it for around 1250.

If there is a Canyon showroom in Kingston (Google isn't enlightening) then that might swing it...

Another consideration is whether to hang on for sales of bikes with 10 speed 105 (seems to be the most common option at this price range) or just go for 11 speed for future proofing...

Thoughts? :)

Caad 10 frame for £800, Ultegra for £500, try and find a bargain on some wheels and finishing kit.

Are you keeping the Genisis?

Otherwise, I would get a Canyon Al with a better spec, over a CF with a lower spec.

Since you mentioned 'racier' you need to visit shops near Regents/Richmond park and do a fast test ride. If its Richmond there is Sigma (Hampton), VeloSport (Putney), Pearsons (Sheen), Evans (kingston) and Putney cycles (Upper richmond road). If its Regents you have range of shops but for Focus bikes you will have to go to Kinoko.

I think that covers all the brands you mentioned except direct sell; Canyon and Rose. If you are after value then yes they beat all other brands but you cant test ride them. In which case I'd use that extra leftover money book myself for a fit and get the bike the fitter suggests.

Thanks for the pointers!

@Hugo - yes, the Genesis would grow mudguards and become a winter milemuncher/bike I can ride from my parent's house.

Amey and Satoshi - yes I was in Sigma today and drooling over their CAAD 10 (stock version) and chatting about the option of buying the Black Inc frame then getting groupset etc myself - I think that is a surefire way of breaking the bank, though, too much temptation out there! I might get a stock one into the Kingston Evans to take for a test ride.

The "racier" comment is relative - I doubt I would ever get round to actually racing, I just would like something that climbs and accelerates quicker than my stately 520 Steel / Sora Genesis. Even with better wheels it is still damn weighty.

The fact that you can't test Canyon or Rose is a big issue, I def don't want to drop a ton of money on something that turns out not to fit.

Fit services in/around London range from £80 to £250+. If you JUST want to make sure of the size you can go for a cheap fit.

Kingston Evans (and Specialized Concept Store; which is Sigma) is at great location with access to park. I'd say test ride and decide for yourself if not the Fit > Canyon/Rose way. Evans also sells BMC exclusively ; )

You could just buy a bike that's a size you know fits you.

^ nice one

Just get a CAAD10 with 105, or if you're feeling flush, Genesis Volare to match the fleet.

The "racier" comment is relative - I doubt I would ever get round to actually racing, I just would like something that climbs and accelerates quicker than my stately 520 Steel / Sora Genesis. Even with better wheels it is still damn weighty.

A racier bike will feel quicker, but the biggest difference is you, just work at it more, eat differently, core body strength etc. and you'll be surprise how much easier it is to climb on the 520 Genesis.

Didn't that have a steel fork instead of a carbon?

^ nice one

I just mean that I'm not sure it's necessary to get a fit if you're happy you fit on a bike with Xmm toptube and Ymm headtube.

I just mean that I'm not sure it's necessary to get a fit if you're happy you fit on a bike with Xmm reach and Ymm stack.

Yah

Of course but OP is saying he is unsure about size in Canyon or Rose

Anyone would be considering how big the headtube is in the Canyon range.

Yah

I thought about writing that... but a most people don't even bother with that, they just move the saddle on the rails if their bikes geo is weird.

Just get a CAAD10 with 105, or if you're feeling flush, Genesis Volare to match the fleet.

A racier bike will feel quicker, but the biggest difference is you, just work at it more, eat differently, core body strength etc. and you'll be surprise how much easier it is to climb on the 520 Genesis.

Didn't that have a steel fork instead of a carbon?

Yep, it's all steel. The other possible option is getting a carbon fork fitted (maybe Columbus Hiver so I can still run my guards), applying some HTFU and saving a lot of money.

I'm 6ft and 10.5 stone, and already look "too skinny" according to my GF so I'm not sure there is much more weight to lose :). Core strength (do you even) is another issue though!

Anyone would be considering how big the headtube is in the Canyon range.

They couldn't be more 'normal' Ed. The same as Giant's race bikes but less than all the comfort bikes.

I thought about writing that... but a most people don't even bother with that, they just move the saddle on the rails if their bikes geo is weird.

As far as I'm aware though, it's the only measurement/s that make any real sense for comparing and sizing modern compact and semi-compact frame designs.

+1

It's much harder to measure at the cafe though.

Stack and reach is the only way to do it.

One problem with Canyons is the lack of availability & cost of stems for 1 1/4 inch steerer, making fine tuning position more difficult.