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New road bike under 1000 GBP

Hi,

I'm searching for a new road bike under 1000 GBP. I'm looking for a setup with Shimano 105 (the 7000 model), 22 speeds.

The 2 options I'm looking at the moment are:
- Focus Izalco Race 6.9 (2019): https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/95673-izalco-race-6-9
- Scott Speedster 10 (2019): https://www.scott-sports.com/za/en/product/scott-speedster-10-bike

This is my first road bike, I'm looking for a bike which is fast, light, easy to climb hills which will be used for tours of around 40-50 km.
The Focus is lighter and the setup of the sprocket is 11-30 while the Scott has a more comfortable geometry and the sprocket is 11x32.

It's not possible to test any of them because I can't find any of them in a local store. Which one would you prefer and why?

Thank you!

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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16 comments

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NewCycler86 | 4 years ago
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I'm coming back with my impression after testing a Scott Speedster 10, size L. This was the size available in the store. I would need a bike with size M. The guy at the store was very friendly, he has fitted the bike with a pair of mtb pedals, he adjusted the saddle and in a few minutes I was out on the street with it. 

I have immediately tried to switch gears and the 105 changes were very precise. The front derailleur remained at some point touching the chain, probably it needed a bit of adjustment.

What I have noticed were the brakes that weren't quite at the expected level. The braking was performed but I was expecting them to be a little more precise, or to feel a bit stronger. I'm expecting the Shimano 105 brakes on the Focus to feel better than the Tektro SCBR-525 on the Scott.

The riding position was quite confortable while I had 2 fingers on the brakes (I don't know if there is a name for this position). The sprinting position didn't feel unconfortable.

Overall the bike left me a good impression, I have enjoyed riding it and I liked the fact that I didn't feel unconfortable at any point, proably the 28 tires added something to that impression.

At the end of the week I will be able to see the Focus Izalco Race 6.9 as well. What I'm expecting to find will be a slightly different position, a bit more racier. What I understood from a colleague is that the front pipe can be extended, using a different part (extender probably or I don't know how it's called). If you know what this means please explain how this part is fitter. Are there different parts with different angles depending on the rider needs?

By reading some of the available reviews about the Focus is that it feels fast, probably faster that it really is.

I will come back with an impression after I'll see the Focus as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read this long reply.

 

 

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Justnotverygood | 4 years ago
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The 2 speedsters will have exactly the same frames, the numbers just denote the level of all the extra kit. Hope you enjoy the test, Scott make some great bikes

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NewCycler86 | 4 years ago
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@The Sooper thank you for the advice.

I will come back with my impression of the Scott Speedster 20.

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The Sooper | 4 years ago
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Both look like good buys for a first road bike if you're looking for a bit of speed.  There really isn't much to choose between them.  However, the Scott does compromise slightly with the brake callipers but on the other hand does appear to be set up for mudguards which look tricky to fit on the Izalco (might not seem important now but in the winter mudguards are a real benefit both in terms of keeping you clean and also protecting the bike and would also mean this could then become an excellent "winter bike" should you eventually upgrade).  I wouldn't worry too much about the weight difference, it's nominal, weights are often claimed inaccurately anyway and it's likely that the difference lies in the wheels and could be improved with an upgrade.  I don't know either set of wheels so it might be worthfinding more out about them (weight and hub quality are the factors I'd look into).  Wheels are one of the most important components and often where compromises exist in mass market bikes.  The Scott also comes with 28mm tyres which I would say are preferential for general road riding but again this is only a subtle difference and can be easily addressed when you replace the tyres (both frames appear to accomodate up to 28mm although the Izalco comes with 25mm).  If your buying through a LBS and prefer the Izalco, you might even be able to pursuade them to switch the tyres and cassette.  Again, the difference in largest sprocket size is not that significant but clearly, if you're going to ride hills the 32T is preferable (although gearing is a matter of personal choice depending on your physiology, strength and riding style).  Again, you will need to replace the cassette in due course due to wear.  Lots of riders swap cassettes all the time, to suite the type of ride.  I don't think you'll go wrong with either, after all "it's not about the bike"!  However, be aware that whatever you buy, you'll soon be looking for n+1.

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NewCycler86 | 4 years ago
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@Justnotverygood, it's not possible to find the same models in the local stores. For example, inthe following days I'll go test a Scott Speedster 20 because the 10 is not available at the store. I'm thinking that the geometry matters and the two have similar frames if not the same one.

There is another business in town which rents road bikes but the range is limited.

I found also an offer for the Izalco Race 6.7 which comes equipped with Shimano Sora. The price would be 586 GBP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Justnotverygood | 4 years ago
1 like

If you’re going to spend that sort of cash go to a local bike shop and sit on a few bikes. Far better to get a bike that you’ve tested, fits and has been set up for you than saving 1% of system weight (you, the bike and all the stuff in pockets saddlebags etc) cassette can be swapped at point of sale anyway. 

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Kieran0885 | 4 years ago
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Planet X pro carbon evo with 105 is £1000. 

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NewCycler86 | 4 years ago
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I can't use the C2W because I'm not working in the UK.

The budget is set to max 1000 GBP because I would like to buy a 105 7000 group set and I'm trying to get a light bike to be able to cycle easily in the hills and catch some speed on the flats.

Thank you for the suggestion with C2W

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alansmurphy | 4 years ago
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Are you doing the C2W scheme?

 

Why do you need to spend a grand if this is your first dabble. Spend about £300 on a 2nd hand bike with mudguard mounts etc. and see if you get the use out of it. Then you'll know what you need and like and the original bike can become a winter bike. 

 

There's sheds up and down the Country full of good intentions and quickly depreciating road bikes!

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NewCycler86 | 4 years ago
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Thank you for the replies so far.
My weight is 78 kg and my height is 1.78m.
The price for any of the 2 models (Focus and Scott) is 816 GBP.

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IanEdward | 4 years ago
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Also the venerable Specialized Allez, I have mine built up with mudguards and it still comes in lighter than the Scott Speedster above.

 

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Master Bean | 4 years ago
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Another bike to add to your list. This comes with 105 brakes and the 105 crankset. Also you should be able to see this in a bike shop.
https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-attain-sl-2019-road-bike-EV355527

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Hirsute | 4 years ago
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barongreenback | 4 years ago
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NewCycler86 replied to barongreenback | 4 years ago
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barongreenback wrote:

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurac...

Does Canyon apply some special offers from time to time?

 

 

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barongreenback | 4 years ago
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just a thought but if you can’t try then also have a look at direct sale options like Ribble and Canyon to get some very good deals. 

As for the gearing on the back, if you’re big, unfit or simply prefer to spin then go for the 11-32.  Especially if you’re in a hilly area. 

Honestly I would put weight down the list of your requirements unless you weigh under 60kg. 

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