HHHHEEEELLLPPPPP!

For your money I'd be looking for a full tiagra groupset if not 105. I'd avoid the bigger brands as they all have spec compromises compared to a good quality but better value bike like those you've seen at Ribble.

The R872 has a good reputation - it's from the same mould as a far more expensive De Rosa bike, but it has quite an aggressive racing geometry. If you're looking for something for weekend club runs and sportives (ie a bit more comfortable) I'd consider the Ribble Sportive or Gran Fondo. Also worth considering is whether you're a fair weather rider or you like to get out in the rain or ride in winter too - most carbon bikes and many ally bikes are difficult
To fit with mudguards due to poor clearance around the wheels - if you think you'd like to be able to fit mudguards then have a look at the Ribble 365 - a full carbon bike designed for year round use that comes fitted with guards.

Another tip with Ribble is to buy from the special editions section of their website - there's less choice on the build options but the prices are way better! Also it's worth popping along to their showroom - they don't do real bike fits as such but they will put you on the right size frame, stem length and handlebar width, which are the most important elements aside from adjusting cleats and saddle height etc - you can get a proper bike fit for them afterwards.

It's important to point out that if you buy a big brand off the peg bike you won't be able to choose your own stem length etc, you'd have to buy the right frame size then take it for a bike fit and buy new parts as advised by the fitter and stick the originals on eBay or something - not the most economical way to go about getting a precise fit!

Also, don't rule out a good aluminium frame - they can certainly be just as good as a lower end carbon one and at your price point you'll get a carbon fork that'll help reduce road buzz.

Finally, have a look at Planet X bikes and Dolan too. In a similar vein to Ribble you can choose your frame and build up your spec and they're both British outfits with very good reputations.

Hope that helps!

Hargroves in Chichester have always seen me all right. Bought two bikes from them now and they do all my service work as well.

Second Hand Carbon?

I wouldn't.

Also look at buying 2nd hand and maybe you'll pick up a real bargin? I was lucky to find a giant TCR composite with full dura ace and hope wheels for £750.
Lots of people buy bikes because they like the idea of cycling but realise its not for them when they have to ride in crap weather or up hills!!! I know loads of people who have bought bikes on the cycle to work schemes and now the bikes are just an expensive ornament gathering dust.

Quest Adventure in Worthing.

Go to any decent bike shop and they will fit you, at least give you a semi detailed fit, for free to any bike they have.

Spesh and Trek are overpriced. If you are after Alu look at the Felt f85 or z85 depending on the geometries you want and style of riding you will be doing.

Good alu frames, superb carbon forks and seapost. f85 comes with tiagra for £800, z85 with 105 for £925. Get a relationship with a local shop, you should get servicing and a bike fit (a proper one, not an evans style stand over thing) along with the bike.

Most importantly dont buy any bike without riding it first. You dont need to guess.

The Ribble R872 with shimano 105 seems to be about the same price as a Canyon Ultimate AL.

Ultimately, it's your decision. Noone can choose for you. The choice out there is overwhelming which never helps.

Would be quite happy for you not to buy a Canyon. I like being the only one out there on the road with mine.

That's what you think now, just you wait a year or two. Don't say that you haven't been warned! You can't go wrong with a Canyon at your budget, they are exceptional value for money.

Also dont forget the cycle to work scheme (if your employer offers it). For the price range you may be able to stretch your budget further as you would make a reasonable saving on the purchase price

If you're riding AL, you are a hard man.

Having said that, I've just got a Carbon Team bike...

STILL LURV MA S1.

Seriously though, AL bikes are the taste.

Look at Jake Martin.

Or check out the Merida Race Lite 900 for £999. Awesome frame and fork, with excellent spec (i.e. spec is good right across the bike, with nothing compromised just so there can be one stand out component).

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2013/225/Road_Fitness/Race+Lite+904

Or the Ride Lite 93 for less money and a slightly different frame style.

Don't know any specific ones.

But basically buy an Aluminium bike.

Just do.

Either an S1 or an Ultimate AL.

You won't regret it.

Just go.

Pull out your credit card.

And buy one.

An Aluminium one.

TRUST ME YER

Just remember that it never hurts to ask for a bit of discount. It may appear that your bike shop will be more expensive than online, but in my experience if you ask they'll usually knock some money off if they think you could be a valuable customer.

If you buy at a good local bike shop (lbs) they may not fit you for free but they'll make sure it's going to be a great option and let you test it.

I bought online, I somewhat regret it. I got exactly what I wanted, but lbs could have gotten me pretty close to the same price after the assembly fees and everything.

Calm down dear and just buy one! Seriously the difference between bikes at this level is going to be minimal and the sooner you get it, the sooner you'll enjoy it.

Try and get something with shimano tiagra or 105. Specialized, trek or giant are all good value brands

Any bike you can buy at the level you're looking at will be fine. Specs between models will be similar, and were they aren't the differences won't be significant enough to matter. Buy a reputable brand and you'll be fine.

Your priority is that it fits. Set aside some budget for a proper bike fit. Seriously, it matters more than anything else you might question on brand or spec.