Road bike Upgrade - recommendations

[SyncSA]

Hey Hubbers,

 

Yip, another post about new bikes, and which one to buy etc.

 

Currently I have a 2010 GT Series 3. Loved this bike and it has treated me very well, but I feel it is time to upgrade.

 

Budget - Max R10k

 

 

GT

 

Looked at the GT 2012 - No stock anymore and 2013 Series 3 is just under R10k.

 

Giant

 

TCR2 for R8850

 

Merida 2012

 

Think it was the lite at about R9800

 

Cannondale CAAD 8 - R11k (nice)

 

I know we don't talk about better, faster specially in the price category - but I only have experience with GT and have no idea what other brands can offer like Scott, Specialised, Felt etc?

 

Recommendations please?

[DaLoCo]

I think they are much of a muchness...the groupsets sometimes make a difference. I have a Merida Road 901 and a Merida Scultura carbon.....I found Merida to be god value for money, but don't throw away the Silverback range either.

['Dale]

CAAD!!

[SyncSA]

I haven't looked at Silverback yet...adding to the list. thanks!

['Dale]

And pick one with a decent groupset and wheels, unless you want a solid quality frame, then upgrade over time.

 

Good luck!

[SyncSA]

CAAD!!

 

Saw on CWC website but it is out of stock, so hope it is still an option. Like it ALOT!

[SyncSA]

And pick one with a decent groupset and wheels, unless you want a solid quality frame, then upgrade over time.

 

Good luck!

 

I understand the groupsets now , but wheels are still a bit of a mystery. Tips?

[RollandBounce]

Felt also nice.. Silverback good value for money.

 

Trek pricing also improved..

 

Best is try and ride a bit with each bike and see how they feel etc

Edited October 29, 2012 by RollandBounce

['Dale]

Saw on CWC website but it is out of stock, so hope it is still an option. Like it ALOT!

 

www.omnico.co.za

 

They distribute. Maybe get in tough with them directly?

[Pusher]

I understand the groupsets now , but wheels are still a bit of a mystery. Tips?

Make sure they are round!

['Dale]

I understand the groupsets now , but wheels are still a bit of a mystery. Tips?

 

Most wheelsets are reliable if you do not weigh more than 90 kgs or so.

 

They become more expensive the lighter they are, without losing strength. Very important if you are a racing snake.

[SyncSA]

www.omnico.co.za

 

They distribute. Maybe get in tough with them directly?

 

Nice!

[Cippo]

IMO, go for the Dale. Much nicer looking bike and built better. Both are specced with Tiagra 10spd and then just upgrade to Ultegra as things need replacing. Shop around, I'm sure you can get the Dale for less than 11000. Like Puncheur said don't worry about wheels. Not much difference at that level. Get some nice racing hoops later on to drop the weight of the bike a little on those special rides for when you wanna whip your mates on the climbs or just improve your PB. The hardest choice is going to be the colour if you have that option.

Edited October 29, 2012 by MCipollini

[SyncSA]

IMO, go for the Dale. Much nicer looking bike and built better. Both are specced with Tiagra 10spd and then just upgrade to Ultegra as things need replacing. Shop around, I'm sure you can get the Dale for less than 11000. Like Puncheur said don't worry about wheels. Not much difference at that level. Get some nice racing hoops later on to drop the weight of the bike a little on those special rides for when you wanna whip your mates on the climbs or just improve your PB. The hardest choice is going to be the colour if you have that option.

 

Thanks. Will check out the dale and a few other models. Might just increase the budget slightly. That always happens.

Edited October 29, 2012 by SyncSA

[Cippo]

Ooh! The CAAD8 is available in black. Another reason to buy.

http://www.cannondale.com/zaf/2013/bikes/road/elite-road/caad8/caad8-6-tiagra-compact-crankset

[alsoran]

http://www.cannondale.co.za/bikes/