Road Cycling Essentials

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collisster said:
looking into buying a road bike, got about 600 to 650 to spend on a bike. Had a look at the specialized allez in their store.
I've not got a clue over the groupsets available for road bikes, the allez comes with a shimano 2300 I think, I take it this is their entry level set? what is the next one up?

There is a Bianchi available on evans cycles in 57cm (I'm just about 6 foot tall) looks a bit of a bargain if it fits

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/via-nirone-7-xenon-2010-road-bike-ec021257

Look any good?

Advice and pointers would be very appreciated.

cheers
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2300 is the bottom of the range shimano so I'd try and get at least sora(newest model) to get 9speed.

I'd look into the Felt Z100,Felt F95, Cannondale Caad8 sora double/triple or the Cannondale Synapse sora triple.

The Z100 and Synapse will have a more upright and comfortable position then the F95 and Caad8.

The Felts run microshift STIs which you like or you don't, they do have a reassuring clunk to them in my opinion. Shifting is done using two seperate levers whereas shimano shifts up using the full brake lever as a shift lever.

Cannondales will be running shimano Stis but run a FSA chainset rather than a two piece shimano but I doubt there is much in it other than the shimano lasting a little longer.

Shimano goes 2300(8 speed) > Sora(9speed)>Tiagra(9speed)>105(10speed)>Ultegra(10speed)>Dura ace(10speed).

To get 105 on a bike your looking at ~£1k.
 
collisster said:
looking into buying a road bike, got about 600 to 650 to spend on a bike. Had a look at the specialized allez in their store.
I've not got a clue over the groupsets available for road bikes, the allez comes with a shimano 2300 I think, I take it this is their entry level set? what is the next one up?

There is a Bianchi available on evans cycles in 57cm (I'm just about 6 foot tall) looks a bit of a bargain if it fits

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/via-nirone-7-xenon-2010-road-bike-ec021257

Look any good?

Advice and pointers would be very appreciated.

cheers
Click to expand...

Do yourself a favour - buy one of these. Less than £600 and much better IMHO than either of the bikes you've linked to. If you can add £70 or so to your budget you could have full 2011 105 throughout...
 
Out of curiosity, what glasses do you wear when you're on your bike?

I really like the look of the Oakley Jawbones and Flak Jackets, but don't know any where in London where I can try them on. Anyone help?

Also happy to consider other glasses if you've tried or own some you like.

TIA.
 
Some cheapie dhb ones from Wiggle with interchangeable lenses. At the moment I only bother taking the clear lenses. £20 I think they were. They do the job and fit me very well, though I have the feeling you're after something more!
 
Robbie G said:
Some cheapie dhb ones from Wiggle with interchangeable lenses. At the moment I only bother taking the clear lenses. £20 I think they were. They do the job and fit me very well, though I have the feeling you're after something more!
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I'm not sure I actually need more at the moment; the weather's not exactly great is it? They sound pretty good actually, I may have a look and get a pair to keep the bugs and rubbish out of my eyes, and then get a nice pair in late Spring/early Summer.

Thanks :)
 
Velo Rapide said:
Out of curiosity, what glasses do you wear when you're on your bike?

I really like the look of the Oakley Jawbones and Flak Jackets, but don't know any where in London where I can try them on. Anyone help?

Also happy to consider other glasses if you've tried or own some you like.

TIA.
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Velo Cycly surgery do all the Oakley glasses to try one, there is a shop in Chiswick.
 
I've got Flack Jackets with prescription lenses. If you want to try them on then I got mine from Vision Express, so you can try them on there.

If you are in London then try 20:20 on Tottenham Court Road, who have a massive selection of sunglasses in.
 
Any recommendations for a tiny CO2 pump to keep in the saddle bag?
Or should I just go for cheapest ebay jobbie..
 
[DOD]Asprilla;18529008 said:
I've got Flack Jackets with prescription lenses. If you want to try them on then I got mine from Vision Express, so you can try them on there.

If you are in London then try 20:20 on Tottenham Court Road, who have a massive selection of sunglasses in.
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That's not too much of a diversion on my way home. Thanks :)
 
Velo Rapide said:
Do they protect against UV? There was a pair which looked similar from a builder's supplier which were a similar style and price and which protected against UV. I'll have a look and see if I can find a link.
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Here they are. That's not the only option though. If you Google 'UV Safety Glasses', you'll get loads of options - some are quite sporty.

Good enough for the Winter.
 
Velo Rapide said:
Do they protect against UV? There was a pair which looked similar from a builder's supplier which were a similar style and price and which protected against UV. I'll have a look and see if I can find a link.
Click to expand...

They've just arrived and I can confirm that all the lenses have a "UV 400 Protection" sticker on them, and the glasses tag says "100% UV Protection".

Now, which colour lens (or more importantly, how to get the stock lenses out?!).

Edit: Sorted :p.
 
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They're actually not bad at all. Nice and light, and the end of the frame arms are rubber so nice and flexible and sit comfortably on my face. Crazy how bright the outside looks with the yellow lenses in as well.
 
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