sportpaddy

Hi all,
Im new here and hopefully to road cycling. Im looking to spend around £600 - £800 on a first road bike and have narrowed it down to four (not very good narrowing I know!) They are: Cannondale CAAD8 which I love the look of straight away, Giant Defy 3 again a great looking bike, Fuji sportif 1.1 compact and a Scott Speedster 40. I know going off looks alone is not the way to choose here but I want to be excited about the bike I buy and that’s the feeling I get when I look at the Cannondale and Giant but whereas they come with Sora Shifters the Fuji comes with Tiagra(Which apparently is better?) Is it true you need long thumbs(which I don’t) to change gear when in the drops with Sora? Out of the four I look the look of the Cannondale and Giant but know Fuji is also a quality bike. Ive only seen these online so haven’t tried any yet. No doubt when I go to the shop ill have my head turned by something else! Im initially just riding for fitness and with friends so nothing too serious. Im not a big guy about 5ft 8in and 12stone if this helps. Any advice would be great please.

10 Wheels

Look for a bike with 105 components.

qcpmsame 

Hello, welcome to BF. 10 Wheels has a good point about component level, 105 is where most people planning on a lot of miles and/or faster riding start. Sora gets a bad rap from the thumb triggers and Shimano is phasing that out with some newer components that are styled like the 105/Ultegra/D-A parts. Bike fit is more important and a good LBS (Local Bike Shop) is where that will happen. We can tell you everything we hear or experience but your riding the bikes and a shop that will work with you and listen to you will get you the best bike. I understand the UK has the Bike to Work programme that gives you a tax break, I believe, for the purchase of a bike if you use ot to commute. This may allow you to step up a level in components. I ride a CAAD 10 4 (2012) so I am a Cannondale proponent, the CAAD 8 Sora is a good entry bike as are the others you mentioned. You will need to ride them on test rides and decide which is the best fit and meets your needs. Cheers.

Bill

sportpaddy

Thanks for that bill it's a big help i think I've settled on a bike then I see something else. What's your opinion on Ribbble bikes. Seems like a lot of bike for the money? Thanks. James.

BruceHankins

Go with the CAAD8. If you love the look, you'll want to ride. It's a nice road bike by any standard even with Sora components, so you'll still enjoy it.

qcpmsame 

Ribble has an excellent reputation for their bikes and their other bike equipment/accessories they sell, in store and on-line. The models I have read reviews on, mainly in Cycling Plus, have been very good buys for their prices. I've noted several models at Ribble that have a level higher component line used than the same price point for the big name mfgr. You should ride any bike you are considering and use a shop that will listen to what you need and want to do with your bike. The fitting will be the most important thing you need when you make a decision. The CAAD8 is my favourite at that price point, try and get a Tiagra level of components if you can, that gets you into a 10 speed rear cassette and better brifters than the Sora or 2200 level components. Best wishes on your search, use the Visitor message feature on my profile page if you need.

Bill