new road bike for newbie : 20k

[amoryns]

have a newbie friend who can spend 20k on a new bike. As a 1st timer she is saying she only wants to buy a bike once and never again (I will not let her in on the secret that when the cycling bug bites you need a new bike every year....)

 

so what would you suggest would be a good buy?

 

She is looking at the following but I am not a big fan of aluminium especially if she is looking at doing good times and not just fiffeling around...

Frame CAAD8, Optimized 6061 Alloy, BB30

Fork Cannondale Ultra, Carbon Blades, 1-1/8"

Rims Alex RC24

Hubs Formula RB-51, RB-52

Spokes Stainless Steel, Bladed

Tires Schwalbe Lugano 700x23c

Crank FSA Gossamer BB30, 34/50

BottomBracket FSA BB30

Chain Shimano 105

Rear Cogs Shimano 105, 12-27

Front Derailleur Shimano 105, Clamp 34.9 mm

Rear Derailleur Shimano 105

Shifters Shimano 105

Handlebars Cannondale C3 Compact

Stem Cannondale C3, 31.8 mm

Headset CAAD8 Si, 1 1/ 8

Brakes Tektro R580

Brakelevers Shimano 105

Seat Post Cannondale C3, Carbon wrap, 27.2 mm, 300 mm

Saddle Cannondale Stage crmo Rails

Seatpost Cannondale C3, Carbon wrap, 31.6 mm, 300 mm

['Dale]

have a newbie friend who can spend 20k on a new bike. As a 1st timer she is saying she only wants to buy a bike once and never again (I will not let her in on the secret that when the cycling bug bites you need a new bike every year....)

so what would you suggest would be a good buy?

 

 

That is so true!

[Eugene]

Check out the bike buyers guide on www.bicycling.co.za

 

For R20 000, you can get a full carbon bike with Ultegra.

 

The better quality to price ratio bikes would be the Giant TCR Advanced, The Merida 905 Scultura, the Silverback Space 3 and the Raleigh Blade 10. All in that price range.

 

Bicycling magazine had a review on the 2011 CAAD 10 for R20 000 and it's specs are far better than the CAAD8 you have mentioned above. I also saw the Cannondale super six (full carbon) for R19 999 at a bike shop.

 

Also check www.obike.co.za they have some great deals on 2009 GTs.

 

There is so much to choose from that is within her budget or save a few thounsand and get 105 specced bike for R16 000 odd. There is little difference between 105 and Ultegra anyway.