Best road bike for my R20k budget

[TheWolfofLiberty]

If you shop around you should be able to get a decent enough carbon frame with Shimano 105 components for R20K. I am told carbon generally gives a more comfortable ride than aluminium but can't vouch for that.

 

The Scott Foil 20 is a carbon frame with Shim 105s

[dev null]

Giant TCR 1 Comp also good

[TheWolfofLiberty]

I would definitely look at a Cannondale CAAD 10 with 105.

 

Lovely bike, not too familiar with Sram components? Used to Shimano...

[TheWolfofLiberty]

Giant TCR 1 Comp also good

 

Rate it a better buy than the cannondale?

[dev null]

Lovely bike, not too familiar with Sram components? Used to Shimano...

 

Which is why I said 105. SRAM cheap groupsets not nearly as good as the more expensive Red.

[TheWolfofLiberty]

Scott Foil 20 - full carbon bike - shim components

Giant TCR 1 comp - alloy all round -Shim components

Cannondale - alloy frame - carbon fork - sram components

[dev null]

Rate it a better buy than the cannondale?

 

No, first the CAAD 10, then the TCR. The CAADs are legendary, hence why they had such a long run. They have a staunch following.

[dev null]

You should be able to get a CAAD 10 with 105 though.

[TheWolfofLiberty]

 

 

Which is why I said 105. SRAM cheap groupsets not nearly as good as the more expensive Red.

 

Point taken, thanks a lot sir, learning my way around a bicycle

[TheWolfofLiberty]

You should be able to get a CAAD 10 with 105 though.

 

If not, I will find one!!!

[TheWolfofLiberty]

Who sells cannondales in JHB

Edited April 29, 2014 by TheWolfofLiberty

[Eugene Oppelt]

How important is a proper bike fitting?

 

Almost as important as a helmet

It's like buying a shoe without getting the right size.

[shaper]

Who sells cannondales in JHB

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

[T-Bob]

TCRs are great bikes. TCR Advanced is the one you want to go for. Second hand you'll get a some very high spec'd, 'as new' ones for that kind of coin. Really good frame sets and very underrated.

 

The Foils are awesome bikes but super stiff. That's great for a power transfer and getting the most for the ride but you'll feel every bump, stone and rough surface. If you're cool with that you'll be fine or you might want something that keeps a lot of the stiffness but absorbs a bit of the agro.

 

Carbon is what you should go for but a good frame not any old thing. The Cannondale Caad mixes are great and well respected but if you're new to the sport try to think of the resale value if you don't like it. A lot of no name carbon frames (inc China imports) are great but will depreciate like a lead ballon if you punt the sport.

 

Bike fitting is all important. You're new to it so you'll get a std fitting 1st off and then I'd guess you'll go back and get refitted after a season or so once your body has adapted to the general position, hopefully your flexibility will have increased and you'll have strengthened in the key areas.

 

Have a look at the current classified there are some great bikes in your size... and haggle.

 

Groupset: Minimum shimano 105. Don't listen to everyone who says you need ultegra or SRAM Red. 105 is bombproof, perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike. You can upgrade.

 

Frame: it's the heart of your bike. Best frame you can get, then when you have coin upgrade wheels and on through the rest of the components as they wear out.

 

Remember to put aside coin for:

 

- Good shoes. Not crappy plastic sole ones. If you can get some nice carbon soled ones. good investment. No point having massive oversized power BB if every time you stamp on the pedals your shoes bend and bow.

 

- Pedals: you new bike might not come with good ones... or even come with any

 

- Helmet: don't skip out on a good one and they are expensive.

 

- Clothes: If you're serious about it then 2 pairs of good quality bib shorts (don't be seen in waist ones that are such a hassle) and a jersey or two... or 1 pair of assos shorts. Jerseys are the mystery of cycling, chances are that after the 1st on you buy you'll never buy one again and just slowly 'acquire' them and not have much of a clue who or where they came from.

 

Others:

 

- Wheels. 1st thing to upgrade later when you have money and will change the ride in a number of ways.

 

- Tyres: generally rip off what's on there after a few months and get some GP4000s and love them! Keep an eye on online shops for crazy deals.

 

- Glasses: always good to have the photocromatic ones are all time for riding and racing in all conditions.

 

- Gloves: If you want. Personally I hate them but I'm sure I'll regret that the next time I am forced to do a tarmac handstand @ 30kmh.

 

- Computers and HRM: Get a little bike computer so you can track all the fun things like how much you ridden, max speed, average speed etc. Good for tracking progress, setting targets, training and for making you feel guilty if you've been slack about turning the wheels. Upgrade to a better computer with a heart rate monitor when you're better. Become a Strava ho' if you have a smart phone or a Garmin / Bryton and pursue KOMs. Read up about HRM training when you're at the level.

 

- Read THE RULES

 

- HTFU

 

- Ride with mates and ride without mates.

 

- Enter fun rides and bury yourself if you want to get good.

 

- Spend 3 weeks in front of the TV in July and annoy everyone in the house as you take over the TV.

[Eugene Oppelt]

There's always great value in the Classifieds.

 

Just insist on

 

A viewing

Or a LBS guaranteed inspection.

 

If you're not in a rush, and the matching / timing is good, you could pick up a good deal

[TheWolfofLiberty]

TCRs are great bikes. TCR Advanced is the one you want to go for. Second hand you'll get a some very high spec'd, 'as new' ones for that kind of coin. Really good frame sets and very underrated.

 

The Foils are awesome bikes but super stiff. That's great for a power transfer and getting the most for the ride but you'll feel every bump, stone and rough surface. If you're cool with that you'll be fine or you might want something that keeps a lot of the stiffness but absorbs a bit of the agro.

 

Carbon is what you should go for but a good frame not any old thing. The Cannondale Caad mixes are great and well respected but if you're new to the sport try to think of the resale value if you don't like it. A lot of no name carbon frames (inc China imports) are great but will depreciate like a lead ballon if you punt the sport.

 

Bike fitting is all important. You're new to it so you'll get a std fitting 1st off and then I'd guess you'll go back and get refitted after a season or so once your body has adapted to the general position, hopefully your flexibility will have increased and you'll have strengthened in the key areas.

 

Have a look at the current classified there are some great bikes in your size... and haggle.

 

Groupset: Minimum shimano 105. Don't listen to everyone who says you need ultegra or SRAM Red. 105 is bombproof, perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike. You can upgrade.

 

Frame: it's the heart of your bike. Best frame you can get, then when you have coin upgrade wheels and on through the rest of the components as they wear out.

 

Remember to put aside coin for:

 

- Good shoes. Not crappy plastic sole ones. If you can get some nice carbon soled ones. good investment. No point having massive oversized power BB if every time you stamp on the pedals your shoes bend and bow.

 

- Pedals: you new bike might not come with good ones... or even come with any

 

- Helmet: don't skip out on a good one and they are expensive.

 

- Clothes: If you're serious about it then 2 pairs of good quality bib shorts (don't be seen in waist ones that are such a hassle) and a jersey or two... or 1 pair of assos shorts. Jerseys are the mystery of cycling, chances are that after the 1st on you buy you'll never buy one again and just slowly 'acquire' them and not have much of a clue who or where they came from.

 

Others:

 

- Wheels. 1st thing to upgrade later when you have money and will change the ride in a number of ways.

 

- Tyres: generally rip off what's on there after a few months and get some GP4000s and love them! Keep an eye on online shops for crazy deals.

 

- Glasses: always good to have the photocromatic ones are all time for riding and racing in all conditions.

 

- Gloves: If you want. Personally I hate them but I'm sure I'll regret that the next time I am forced to do a tarmac handstand @ 30kmh.

 

- Computers and HRM: Get a little bike computer so you can track all the fun things like how much you ridden, max speed, average speed etc. Good for tracking progress, setting targets, training and for making you feel guilty if you've been slack about turning the wheels. Upgrade to a better computer with a heart rate monitor when you're better. Become a Strava ho' if you have a smart phone or a Garmin / Bryton and pursue KOMs. Read up about HRM training when you're at the level.

 

- Read THE RULES

 

- HTFU

 

- Ride with mates and ride without mates.

 

- Enter fun rides and bury yourself if you want to get good.

 

- Spend 3 weeks in front of the TV in July and annoy everyone in the house as you take over the TV.

 

Thank you very much for all the info, this is much appreciated!

 

I have seen some really nice deals on the classifieds here on thehub, however I am one to buy a new ride for myself. Nothing like bringing home the new addition "new bike smell"

 

So I am taking a brief overview that I should look into the giant tcr advanced? With 105s. Good cycling road shoes (pref. Carbon soled)

 

I have a really decent bell helmet which set me back R990? Good enough.

 

Got a pair of rudy sunnies, just need to get photocromatic lenses.