Bike Testing

[Deleted]

As some of you know I work on Men's Health, well the new website will be launched soon and I've put myself forward to test some bikes for the site, however I don't know where to start. Obviously if we all had unlimited cash we'd probably go for a nice piece of Italian handmade exotica. What I need to do is come up with a shortlist of say 10 road bikes which all either have a USP or are great value for what they deliver.

Here are a few I've come up with:
Giant OCR4 - sub £300 entry level bike
Focus Variado - sub £700 full 105 equiped bike
Focus Cayo - sub £1000 carbon and C+ bike of the year '06
Felt F55 - £1500 Dura-Ace bike C+ gives it 10/10
Pinarello Dogma - just to blow the bank...

Your suggestions gratefully received... and i'll try to get a mention for DP
Scott

[Kenneth Foreman]

Specialized Roubaix and Tarmac frames seem to get very good reviews, and offer excellent value for money compared to Itailian exotica. And no, I don't own either model.

[Deleted]

Have just bought a Condor Leggero, fantastic bike (though only been out on it once so far...).

[Deleted]

It maybe more worthwhile to mention the importance of sizing and give some pointers - I think most people who are new to the sport buy the wrong sized bike or don't set their bikes up properly.

Most bikes aren't bad, it generally will come down to how the dealer set it up and again this is a good thing to put on a webiste - plus you could build a search engine into it for independant cycle shops, health clubs, personal trainers etc and sell advertising space.

[Deleted]

Hi Andy,
Totally agree and it there will be a whole section on buying the right bike for you and getting a proper bike fit at the time of purchase. I won't be recommending Evans.

Any other bike recommendations??
S

[Deleted]

Don't forget the pros & cons & relative costs of different frame materials.