Road bikes wanted $1,500

[mikesbytes]

I've been asked to recommend some road bikes for a Hubbie and Wife. It will be their first road bikes and they have a budget of $1,500 per bike.

Any suggestions?

[timyone]

on the net or in a shop? I would say to go to all the local shops, and buy which ever bikes are the best for the price, there might be a sale on some where, I would suggest you go with them and help them decide this

[Staylowe]

Opt 1
Speak to Computer at Happy Wheels, I know he has been doing quite a few entry level Cube & Felt bikes that are really well specd.

http://happywheels.com.au/

Stewy at Happy Wheels gives great personal service an has a wide variety of makes to choose from.

Opt 2
Another option would be to check out Cell Bikes and look at their entry level bikes. Cell Bikes put their brand on generic frames produced in China And offer great value. You are however limited to whatever they have in stock.

Eg. For her: http://www.cellbikes.com.au/BEST-Full-C ... Only-8-2kg

For him: http://www.cellbikes.com.au/2012-CELL-T ... -Road-Bike

Opt 3
If you decide on what you need, then consider buying second hand. There are plenty bargains online to be had.



Groupset quality may also be a prime consideration for intended use: commuting, recreational, training & racing.

Once intended use is established, I'd suggest getting some quotes bearing in mind:

1.
$1,500 is a really grey area. You could get a really good alu or entry level carbon frame. (a budget of say $2k and you would be looking at carbon + 105 gruppo as a minimum).

2.
Nearly all price variations will be around Groupset offered.

[Staylowe]

Also consider cost of:
Pedals, cycling specific clothing, helmets, mitts/gloves,
Lights, water/wind protection, locks, repair kits,
cycle club membership,etc.,,,,

[JoTheBuilder]

I'd stay away from Cell. I had many problems with my entry level road bike I bought from them.

I went to a few shops to get an idea of what I wanted/could afford. I then went on to Bikeexchange.com.au to see what shops were having a sale. It led me, thankfully, as it was nice and close, to Burwood Cycles who were very helpful.

[rhys]

Felt F75 is aluminium with a carbon fork and full 105 for ~$1500. Europa have one, and they also have the magnificent looking F5 which is full carbon with 105 for $2k.

[Stuart]

I'll sell him my 57cm 2008 Alu Merida with Ultegra for $800

[utopia]

1/ In-shop touch and feel, free fitting, 6 months worth of tuning, Celeste green, 105, compacts , $1500
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bicycles ... /102071511

2/ local online, Glossy Carbon 1kg frame + 105 groupset ,compacts , $1400
http://www.cyclingexpress.com/cycle/bik ... e-blk.aspx
- since they are getting 2 bikes, order for the smaller rider and decide on the 2nd size later*. There is a 40day return policy too.
*making my male assumption that they are not looking for a female specified version.

3/ overseas online, Boardman, 105 groupset,compacts , Mavic Aksium wheels, $987 (before delivery)
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/boardman-team/
(possibly order other accessories on separate order)
+ 1x free service at http://www.bikebrain.com.au/services.html in Pyrmont after delivery (*within 8 weeks)


4/ Cell bikes is also an option, I didn't have any issues with performance of my Cell bike.
Their inshop prices are the same as online + you get a fitting and a tuneup of sorts from what I understand.

[timyone]

(I really like Rhys's bike)

[mikesbytes]

Pricing always changes, so the right buy all depends on when you buy.

Historically Felt have used branded parts where it counts and generic parts where it doesn't and I'm guessing this gives them more attractive price points

[rhys]

I couldn't believe the value that I got with my Felt. $5k with sram red, when for the same price I could have got a Colnago with Ultegra. Plus they always look pretty good and more often than not come in the colours of the club.
From what I've heard, the Azzuri's are also pretty good.

A friend of mine bought one of the Boardman's with 105 and he really regrets it. He has had a lot of problems, but that's only one case so not really a good enough sample.