I am looking to purchase a road bike in the $2k range. LBS has the 2008 Tarmac spec’d with 105 for about $1,900. The Felt F4 is about $2,200 and comes with Ultegra. The Planet X is going to be about $2,000 if I upgrade to the carbon seat post and carbon brakes, comes with Ultegra. Overall I like the look of the Planet X the best, black and simple. The Felt is probably 2nd in looks and the Tarmac is last.
The big problem is the only bike I can ride is the Tarmac being it is in the LBS. I currently have a Felt road bike (F60) and like it, just want to change things up. With Planet X I think I could send them my measurements and Dave can make the bike fit. Plus, it would be nice to have something a bit different.
If you had the choice of the three bikes which would you go with?
Well since you already have a road bike and are looking to change things up, why are you looking at other road bikes? Why not get a tri bike? Unless there is an hidden agenda?
I have no experience with their new carbon road bike, but from the Planet X forums and European riders, it seems to be a hit (especially for the money). If it is anywhere near as nice as their tri bikes/track bikes/cyclocross bikes, then I would definitely go with it over the Felt or the Tarmac (never really liked the Specialized bikes, although I love most of their components likes shoes, seats, etc.) The Felt is a really nice bike as well.
I have a P2SL with H3C front and Renn disc. Tri season is almost over and it is back to road riding with some groups and the wife. The reason I want to change things up is the F60 I have is a triple and I don’t need a triple anymore. This was my first road bike and for me to switch it to a double I think would be a waste of money.
Our team’s sprinter has had the PX Pro Carbon road bike for about 2 months now and loves it. He was riding a Trek which was never stiff enough for him. Watching him from behind the Trek BB would dance all over the place. The PX by comparison is rock solid with no BB flex and is very responsive. It climbs and sprints very well. Also is a good value. I’m getting the bike as soon as I sell my road ride.
I’m curious why you have limited yourself to only these brands. Almost every major manufacturer has a carbon bike in this price range.
I was shopping at the same price target a couple months ago and really liked the ride of the Scott CR1 and was interested in the Raleigh bike at this price as well. The only problem I had between those two frames was the top tube on the Scott. It seemed REALLY wide.
In the end I got a Madone 5.2 because Trek cut the price to $2k (I’m assuming to get rid of the old inventory and make way for the new model). Don’t think there are any left now though.
Not necessarily limiting myself. The Tarmac is at the LBS, but has 105. The Felt F4 has gotten great reviews and is an ultegra, DA mix. The Planet X I can spec out any way I want with all kinds of good stuff Ultegra SL (the new gray color), carbon fiber seat (SLR CR64), carbon tektro brakes, putting me under the wieght of both the Tarmac and Felt. I kind of like the fact that not many people will have a PX as well.
I love the Madones they are awesome bikes, but the nearest bike shop that carries Trek is about 1 & 1/2 hours away. Never ridden a Scott, I will look into that, but will probably be hard to find a bike shop in my area that carries them. If you have any other suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. I have not purchased yet and will be doing so in the next month.
Thanks a ton marcello. I have not even looked into the Looks becuase they are typically expensive. That looks like a really good deal. Any idea on what the wight of the bike is?