Road Cycling Essentials

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Shamrock said:
Looking at TT bikes.

Is there anything out there off the shelf that rivals the Planet X Exocet 2 or Canyon Speedmax AL 9 SL for value?

http://www.canyon.com/_en/triathlonbikes/bike.html?b=3302

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXEXO6800/planet-x-exocet-2-shimano-ultegra-6800-time-trial-bike
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Ribble TT bikes are good value but there doesnt seem to be any decent wheels to choose from.
I'd be tempted to get a ribble ultra carbon tt with sram force and basic training wheels for £1500 then picking up some £400 carbon wheels from planetx next time they have them on offer.
 
Love my Dolan, not sure if it is comparable, the new one looks fantastic in the flesh, don't forget that you'll no doubt get some big dish wheels for it separately so don't worry about what is on there.
 
I can't see a build for the Dolan, Ribble or 'dale that comes in at £2K with deep wheels and 6800 or Force 22.

It's hard to look past the Canyon with Force 22 and Reynolds Strikes! The alloy frame shouldn't really be an issue as long as the tubing is fairly aero?
 
Westbrook Cycles have a medium Scott Plasma 20 (Ultegra) for £1,599 down from £2,899.

Beats everything else listed. Only issue with the Plasma is tyre clearances are tight; 25mm tyres won't fit. Otherwise that's an amazing price.
 
FrenchTart said:
Personally if I were you I'd probably look for something along the lines of:

* Full mudguard mounts
* Sora gearing (Tiagra is better but you may find that 10 speed chains require a bit more TLC than 9 speed chains).
* Optional - rack mounting holes. If you plan to use a rack. I don't.
* Optional - disc brakes. Personally I love discs, especially for commuting. This will increase the costs (and most likely weight) a fair bit though.
* Optional - think about tyres and their sizing. I think 25mm is fairly universally accepted as a nice compromise between performance, comfort and (potentially) grip.

For a general commuting and touring bike I really like the Kaffenback 2 but that is a little beyond your budget. The PlanetX RT-58 doesn't have mudguard mounts so unless you plan to mount some with zip ties (I have done this on my PX XLS) I'd rule it out.

edit: ignore this edit :p
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Thanks for the advice regarding gearing.

I'm not fussed about mud guards etc. as I'll keep my hybrid for using when it is wet and when I ride the muddy country lanes in the winter. That has mudguard mounts so I can stick a set on there.

Really I'm after a nice road bike that I won't clutter up with anything beyond a bottle cage and Garmin mount.
 
Picked up my bike from Withington Cycles. The cones were even more knackered than I thought they were so they replaced them and fixed it all up. Can't complain :) I'll post a pic of the cones later.
 
Finally caved in and got my first bit of Castelli kit. A short sleeve gabba. I didn't even need to try it on to realise the one I got was of poor quality.
IMG_20140528_181602.jpg


Going to ask for a refund and go for another brand. Forgot to add it was bought from cyclestore.co.uk so I don’t think its counterfeit.
 
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lordrobs said:
Thanks for the advice regarding gearing.

I'm not fussed about mud guards etc. as I'll keep my hybrid for using when it is wet and when I ride the muddy country lanes in the winter. That has mudguard mounts so I can stick a set on there.

Really I'm after a nice road bike that I won't clutter up with anything beyond a bottle cage and Garmin mount.
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I have the B'Twin Triban 5 and I am really enjoying it, I would recommend it too. The downside on the Tribans though are the wheels that come with it, they are heavy and people seem to report the bearings don't last the longest. From the looks of things its only around £100 for decent replacement wheels in the future if you did want to.

How about this? Seems cheap for what you are getting.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moser-bikes-speed-sora/
 
One More Solo said:
Disappointing QC there but don't be put off, the Gabba is a fantastic bit of kit.
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Agreed, mine is amazing, so versatile, nothing else in the UK market comes close. Get a new one and have that smug look on your face when you don't need to adjust layers on most rides! :D
 
Shamrock said:
I can't see a build for the Dolan, Ribble or 'dale that comes in at £2K with deep wheels and 6800 or Force 22.

It's hard to look past the Canyon with Force 22 and Reynolds Strikes! The alloy frame shouldn't really be an issue as long as the tubing is fairly aero?
Click to expand...

Ive got the Canyon speedmax AL.
Top tube is round. The rest is flat aero.
 
saitrix said:
I have the B'Twin Triban 5 and I am really enjoying it, I would recommend it too. The downside on the Tribans though are the wheels that come with it, they are heavy and people seem to report the bearings don't last the longest. From the looks of things its only around £100 for decent replacement wheels in the future if you did want to.

How about this? Seems cheap for what you are getting.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/moser-bikes-speed-sora/
Click to expand...

That does look like a good buy but I'm 6'1 so would need one of the larger two sizes.

Shows what is available for the money though :)
 
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