Best road bike for my R20k budget

[TheWolfofLiberty]

Ultegra better than 105s?

[fanievb]

Ultegra better than 105s?

yes

[madbradd]

Was looking into the giant tcr 1 comp, what do you think?

 

I ride one (tcr composite). Very lekker. Look at geometries though. A bit tough as you're a novice but the right bike size and fit is very important. Remember you also need a bit for helmet, kit, shoes etc. Don't skimp here as it also makes a big difference.

 

I'd look at and carbon frame 105 bike. I think you can get the scott foil or cr1, canondale caad10 (alu) or supersix (carbon) which might be a little more. Giant tcr composite, spez tarmac, trek madone 3.1. See if you can ride a few before you buy.

 

Also see if you can find someone with last year's model. Usually can pick up a good deal, plus the exchange rate was better last year.

 

Edit. I assumed you meant composite. You get 2 carbon TCR frames. The composite and advanced. Advanced is lighter and stiffer. TCRs have been around for ages as well, great bikes.

Edited April 29, 2014 by madbradd

[TheWolfofLiberty]

 

 

I ride one (tcr composite). Very lekker. Look at geometries though. A bit tough as you're a novice but the right bike size and fit is very important. Remember you also need a bit for helmet, kit, shoes etc. Don't skimp here as it also makes a big difference.

 

I'd look at and carbon frame 105 bike. I think you can get the scott foil or cr1, canondale caad10 (alu) or supersix (carbon) which might be a little more. Giant tcr composite, spez tarmac, trek madone 3.1. See if you can ride a few before you buy.

 

Also see if you can find someone with last year's model. Usually can pick up a good deal, plus the exchange rate was better last year.

 

Edit. I assumed you meant composite. You get 2 carbon TCR frames. The composite and advanced. Advanced is lighter and stiffer. TCRs have been around for ages as well, great bikes.

 

Yes I was talking about the TCR comp not the advanced, looking at the price diff, I dont think I will be going for the advanced.

 

I am really leaning towards the giant tcr 1 composite. A really good bike with good components. And room to upgrade wheels etc

[dev null]

Around that price range you will find some good bikes to start off with. In the end the difference comes in to which of the frames you prefer, which components you get for your money, and last, but not the least, how beautiful the bike looks to your eyes. After all, when you spend a lot of money, your want something that says: "Ride me please!".

 

I myself have an older BMC SLX01, and I love it to bits. I got the frame in a good deal for R6700, so always look around for deals on some old stock of last year's bikes. Road bikes have not changed as much in the past few years compared to MTBs.

[Pusher]

Bike fit go to Cycle Fit in Northcliff. Highly recommended.

http://www.cyclefit.co.za/

[T-Bob]

Bike fit go to Cycle Fit in Northcliff. Highly recommended.

http://www.cyclefit.co.za/

 

 

They are a good reason for Cape riders to go north.

[Noshow]

Getting the right size is essential but you also need to get the right frame geometry, depending on your shape (long legs / short torso or vice versa), your age and flexibility (bearing in mind this will improve as you get fitter), and what sort of riding you want to do. A bike fit is important but there's a limit to what it can achieve if the frame just doesn't suit, and you start to look odd with piles of spacers under an inverted stem.

 

Most manufacturers have different models ie. race vs sportive (more upright position and often smoother ride) geometry which is generally a variation of the height of the head tube and length of top tube.

 

Eg Giant TCR vs Defy

Specialized Tarmac vs Roubaix

Cannondale Supersix vs Synapse

Scott Foil vs CR1

 

The geometry also varies between manufacturers i.e Giant and Cannodale are generally more stretched out with lower handlebars than Spec and Scott.

 

Try a few out first, especially if you are buying new.

 

I agree with the above 'though, get a carbon frame and 105 spec (maybe UItegra if it is still in budget) from whichever of the above fits best, and consider upgrading wheels, crank and maybe bar/stem to get it lighter when you feel like it.

Edited April 30, 2014 by Noshow

[Wez-O]

Scott Foil 20 - full carbon bike - shim components

Giant TCR 1 comp - alloy all round -Shim components

Cannondale - alloy frame - carbon fork - sram components

All three of these bikes would be a good bet...

I may be Cannondale biased, but despite the fact that its alloy, I'd go for the CAAD 10 with Shimano 105 in that range. Its said to be one of the lightest alloy bikes on the planet and lighter than a lot of carbon bikes.

[Wez-O]

Ride all three though and see what you feel comfortable on... As far as I know, Cycle Lab in Fourways stock all three of the above mentioned brands.

Also remember that Cannondales sizing is different to most brands and a 56cm normal would be a 54cm Cannondale.

 

AND once you have made you decision and collected your new bike, do yourself a favour and most definitely go for a bike fit. Cycle Fit are good.

[lukelockie]

What about Bergamont? Sister brand to BMC and the bikes are great. Check out the Bergamont Dolce Ltd for R21,649

[Audible Anarchy]

If it was my 20k i would buy a full carbon Silverback / Merida with 105 for around 13-15k and upgrade the wheels. If you have budget you can look at lighter saddle, bars etc… as well. Most bike stores will trade in the parts on a new bike for client upgrades.You could also buy a new groupset and find a good used frame , wheels etc.

[Wez-O]

What about Bergamont? Sister brand to BMC and the bikes are great. Check out the Bergamont Dolce Ltd for R21,649

Actually this is a very good bet! Shimano Ultegra components and carbon frame... I'd actually take this over the 105 CAAD.

[Terminator]

I've got a brand new 2013 large frame Merida Reacto 904 on the floor @ R16k. Full carbon frame and Shimano 105 groupset. Just I'm not in Gauteng tho.....

[Ozzie NL]

Scott Foil 20 - full carbon bike - shim components

Giant TCR 1 comp - alloy all round -Shim components

Cannondale - alloy frame - carbon fork - sram components

 

The Giant TCR used to come with Ultegra driver train (and 105 brakes) which I reckon would make it the best buy

[carrera4s]

What would be a good price for this Cervelo R3 Ultegra? It's been advertised since January but only one enquiry. Is it way overpriced?

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/76716-cervelo-r3-with-factory-fitted-ultegra-56cm-new/

 

I know the wheels are a bit heavy, but I do not know the 3T components or the FSA Gossimer Crank?

 

According to bicycling.co.za, a 2012 R3 Ultegra cost R 51 000. Elsewhere R3 second hand frames are advertised for around R 11 500. So why does this one not sell?

 

How would this one compare to the others mentioned in this thread?