Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daniel Lynch on June 16, 2012 at 16:48

I think I can rule out the Focus, now to decide on DeRosa or Fuji!

It seems the DeRosa is better value

Permalink Reply by Matt "Boz" on June 16, 2012 at 18:41

Why have you ruled out the Focus out of curiosity?

Permalink Reply by Daniel Lynch on June 17, 2012 at 15:03

Too far over my budget, sadly. I can push the $200 for a possible DeRosa, but not the $200 on top of that for the Focus

Permalink Reply by Paul Mc on June 16, 2012 at 18:52

compare the wheels they offer on each, some manufacturers put some pretty ordinary wheel sets to keep the price down.  Google the wheel types and reviews

Permalink Reply by greg looyestyn on June 18, 2012 at 11:59

what about the bmc slx 01 advertised in the top corner of this page. $1999 with ultegra.

at least half of it is carbon!

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on June 18, 2012 at 13:03

You could also try that XDS brand that Star cycles is advertising too. Don't know anything about them, but heard they are based off a Fondriest. The XDS is carbon and with Ultegra for $1700. 

I would also chat with Noel at the Bike Station to see what he can do for you too. He sells Focus, TIME and Orbea. I hear the Orbea Onix has lifetime warranty on the frame with 105's for 2k. Certainly worth at least asking. 

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on June 18, 2012 at 13:04

the more bikes you look at the list of possibilities just grows....more importantly go for fit....oh and a hint to find the right bike shop is if their first question asks about what kind of riding you want to do :) Remember the bike is for you and not for the bike shop owner.....lol....also sometimes if they cant budge on the price see if you can get a swag of accessories instead :)

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on June 18, 2012 at 13:07

+1. That is one of the main reasons I went with the Bike Station in Hove. Noel was great at setting me up correctly and was able to provide priceless advice as well as coming to within a budget I could afford. I cannot recommend him and the team highly enough.

Permalink Reply by Rob (Chewbacca) on June 18, 2012 at 13:20

+1 Shav

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on June 18, 2012 at 14:41

Hi Scott. I am by no means an expert so take this experience how you will. It is limited.

This is my first road bike, and basically I have found the bike to be sure footed, Very well crafted and put together. Noel told me, that I needed to get the frame choice correct from the beginning. There was no pressure to buy from him and he was very patient with my noob questions.

I liked the Cayo from the start as soon as I walked in the shop. He pretty much told me it was the frame Katusha rode a few years ago in the Giro and TDF and said if it's good enough for them, it would be well and truly good enough for what I had intended for it, which was for Sportive and the occasional race for fun. 

Depending on what your intentions are for your riding style will determine your final outcome. I could convince you till your blue in the face that Focus is the best, but the fact of the matter is there are plenty of other brands out there that fit the style of riding I do.

What sold it for me, was the LBS, the custom bike fit, and continual support from the LBS for advice, professional servicing and discount accessories. The looks, equipment level and design of the bike was an added bonus. 

The bike itself is excellent coming from someone who has only ridden and owned this road bike. It's strong, light, stiff when it needs to be. Absorbs bumps, doesnt rattle, steers well enough for what I do, changes gears fast and reliably and will be the bike I keep for many years.

When I went to look for a bike, I wanted a) to be carbon, b) to have a groupset I wasn't going to want to upgrade in a short amount of time, c) it to look good, d) be reliable, e) find an LBS that I gelled with that had my best interests and f) fit within the budget I had in mind. Noel ticked every box.

Most bikes out there will do the job you want it to, but its the level of service, sound advice and over all exciting buying experience from the LBS that will complete the purchase.

I travel over 20mins out of my way to go to The Bike Station. I didn't have to, but I think it was worth it and definitely nothing to regret about it.

Orbea are another brand Noel deals with too and also recommends. They are another very worthy brand and in the end you will need to do some research on the brands as to how they lay the carbon and what kind of warranty they offer to their customers, to really see if that frame is for you. Again, asking around, going to different LBS's and seeing which LBS gels with you is key.

Permalink Reply by Shav Bird on June 18, 2012 at 14:48

Any time mate. Again Im no expert and some may scoff at the naive way I went about my purchase but at the end of the day, I am a happy Focus owner and havent looked back. I hope you find what your looking for mate, and do let us know what you end up with.

Permalink Reply by Daniel Lynch on June 18, 2012 at 14:17

yup, First thing that Megabike asked me about is what kind of riding I'm doing

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