Road Bike - Relaxed Geometry?

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 00:00

I'm looking for a road bike with a relaxed geometry, so I can have a slightly more upright seating position and more comfort on longer rides. I currently have one bike on my list, the Specialized Secteur. What bikes with similar geometry from other manufacturers should I be looking at? No more than £1500 please.

6thElement · 1 Sep 2010 at 03:38

Look for a more touring than racing based bike.

touch · 1 Sep 2010 at 09:38

I had a bianchi with their C2C (coast2coast/touring) geometry that was very comfortable.

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 10:18

6thElement said:
Look for a more touring than racing based bike.

I don't want a touring bike, I want a racing bike with a less aggressive geometry. A touring bike is something else entirely. Thanks for taking the time to post though

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 10:20

touch said:
I had a bianchi with their C2C (coast2coast/touring) geometry that was very comfortable.

Thanks fella, I'll have a look

I found a few other suggestions through Google, so I'll see if I can trial the Look 585 as well. This brings me on to my next question: Does anyone know of a very good independent bike store near Beaconsfield, or a short drive away?

Such a shame the Secteur comes in that boring paint scheme

Bubo · 1 Sep 2010 at 15:07

I have literally just taken delivery of this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/absolute-20-2010-hybrid-bike-ec022193?query= Fuji Absolute 2.0 2010 Hybrid

Will be going for a ride on it in a bit.

Hamster · 1 Sep 2010 at 18:57

The Mad Rapper said:
Thanks fella, I'll have a look

I found a few other suggestions through Google, so I'll see if I can trial the Look 585 as well. This brings me on to my next question: Does anyone know of a very good independent bike store near Beaconsfield, or a short drive away?

Such a shame the Secteur comes in that boring paint scheme

Are you thinking about increasing your budget as the 585 is £1200 for frame and fork? Combining that with a decent groupset and the other parts will be taking you well over £2K.

Bubo said:
I have literally just taken delivery of this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/absolute-20-2010-hybrid-bike-ec022193?query= Fuji Absolute 2.0 2010 Hybrid

Will be going for a ride on it in a bit.

That's not really the kind of thing what the Rapper is looking for!! Enjoy your new bike though

Jonny ///M · 1 Sep 2010 at 20:16

This has been one of our most popular road bikes for people not wanted an aggressive racer. Nice upright geometry,compact chainset and a not too hard 11-25t cassette.

The F series from Felt is the more race geometry with the Z being more of a sportive bike.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/z5-2010-road-bike-ec021689

Last of this years stock though with new stock due in late this month maybe next month. I'm assuming most brands are the same.

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 20:21

JoeMama said:
Are you thinking about increasing your budget as the 585 is £1200 for frame and fork? Combining that with a decent groupset and the other parts will be taking you well over £2K.

I can if I have to, and obviously I'd be looking for a finished bike so will shop around to buy as cheaply as possible.

Just as an aside, there's an Evans Cycles in Canary Wharf so I popped in on the way home. They are offering the Secteur Comp for £1k, a £300 saving. I've put a deposit on one, and a deposit on this - they'll be here next week and I can take them for a spin.

I'd like to identify a few additional options as well. Not having a lot of luck so far. I've sent an e-mail to Ribble to see what they have.

Draeger · 1 Sep 2010 at 20:28

Had a look at the Ribble Bike Builder? :-

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/pu/road-track-bike/bike-builder/bikebuilder/1

Should be able to put either a Gran Fondo or a Sportive together at that budget. Fantastic bikes that both get seriously high ratings when tested.

Gran Fondo :-

Sportive :-

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 20:55

Draeger said:
Had a look at the Ribble Bike Builder?

Yes, and they look amazing...but according to the web, their customer service is patchy at best, dire at worst. Have you any experience with the company?

BTW - I have just designed a custom Fizik saddle to match the black and white livery of the Gran Fondo. Oh yes

Draeger · 1 Sep 2010 at 21:12

The Mad Rapper said:
Have you any experience with the company?

Nope - I ride a Pinarello.

However, a friend at work bought a Nero Corsa from Ribble last year and had no issues with customer service. Deal went smoothly, bike was delivered on time etc. He didn't have any cause to have to phone back CS to sort out any problems though.

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 21:28

Draeger said:
Nope - I ride a Pinarello.

Very nice

Which one?

As I am just making the transition from MTB, that's a little more than I'd want to spend. The Prince of Spain model is stunning however...perhaps one day!

Draeger · 1 Sep 2010 at 21:32

A lowly FP1, had it from new since 2008. Only an entry level model but I love it to bits.

The Mad Rapper said:
As I am just making the transition from MTB.....

I went the other way. Been a roadie for ages and early this year I turned to the "dark side" and went for my first MTB, a Cube Acid hardtail. Wish I had done so earlier. The MTB bug has bitten me hard.

The Mad Rapper · 1 Sep 2010 at 21:41

Draeger said:
The MTB bug has bitten me hard.

Nice

I love doing charity rides and 2/3 day rides with my family at the moment. It's a brilliant buzz starting a ride with 2000 other cyclists, then bombing past loads of them...Zoooooom!

The Mad Rapper · 6 Sep 2010 at 00:56

A quick update:

I've decided to go for a titanium framed bike. I am going to buy the frame on it's own, and then shop around for the parts online and have it built. Huge savings can be made that way.

I'm probably going to buy the frame from Enigma - either the Eclipse or the Echo.

The rest of the spec is probably going to look something like:

Full Shimano 105 Groupset (53/39)
Fizik Aliante Saddle
Fizik Padded Bar Tape
Shimano 105 SPD-SL pedals
Fulcrum Racing 7 Wheels
Continental GP4000 Tyres
Enigma Finishing Kit (Carbon Stem & Seat Post, Triple Butted Bars & Headset)

Any recommendations for a specific model of Shimano SPD-SL shoes?

Hamster · 6 Sep 2010 at 05:40

The prices seem quite reasonable for titanium frames. Are you going for a custom frame or one off the shelf?

Also, please keep your progress with the purchase updated in this thread as i'm looking to get a similar style of road bike sometime next year

BluBallz · 6 Sep 2010 at 08:50

I've got a 2010 Secteur Sport and it's pretty comfortable. Can knock out a good 10 miles without getting sore and I'm no athlete.

The Mad Rapper · 6 Sep 2010 at 10:32

JoeMama said:
The prices seem quite reasonable for titanium frames. Are you going for a custom frame or one off the shelf?

I am going to call them and see if I can go for a test and a proper fitting. If I need a custom geo then I'll get one, but hopefully a standard sizing will be fine

Also, please keep your progress with the purchase updated in this thread as i'm looking to get a similar style of road bike sometime next year

I will do