Spec me a road bike

wez130

wez130

wez130

Soldato
Joined
31 Jan 2004
Posts
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Location
Matakana New Zealand
Hi, i'm new to road bikes, i've had a few mountain bikes, my last was a Trek 4300. I am looking for a road bike for comfort for a 10 mile commute when i feel like riding to work,

My budget is somewhere around a grand give or take. I think i definitely want a carbon frame, but with that, i don't think i'll get other good components within my £1k budget (+/- £200ish). Though, i have the fact that 2016 bikes are being released in a few weeks on my side, so 2015 bikes will be going cheaper.

Any other advice you can offer, what to avoid, other kit etc?

I tried the Specialized roubaix SL4 today, but that has Sora gears, i'd prefer Tiagra or 105's. I've got the Felt Z6 in my watch list on Wiggle, which seems to fit the bill, Carbon + tiagra. What other brands should i consider as there are so many!

Thanks
 
Hmm, was gonna suggest you headed to Planet X in Sheffield but that's chuffing miles away from you. You can get a lot of bike for your money there. Dolan in Ormskirk are a good bet. Ribble likewise, except it's no good worrying about going there as they won't let you sit on a bike they're trying to sell you :rolleyes:

Now is indeed a good time to buy, as 2015 bikes will be coming down in price, yes.

If you're confident you can fit yourself right, then ordering online can get you a great result, but there's a very strong argument for going to a local bike shop and accepting a bit less bike and getting it fitted properly. A decent bike is no use if you're not comfy on it.

In terms of other kit... Shorts, jerseys, rain jacket, gilet, shoes, pedals, tool bag, bottle cages, bottles, computer/Garmin... The list goes on. And on. And on. :D
 
Vonhelmet said:
If you're confident you can fit yourself right, then ordering online can get you a great result, but there's a very strong argument for going to a local bike shop and accepting a bit less bike and getting it fitted properly. A decent bike is no use if you're not comfy on it.
Click to expand...

I think that's only really a strong argument if you have reason to believe that your local shop is reputable in that regard, and the member of staff you happen to talk to is too. A lot of the time bike shops will just set your saddle based on standover height and send you on your way :(

Shame the Canyon Endurance CF 7.0 is officially out of stock now. Still, it's hard to look for end of year deals if you don't know what size you need.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28498...ced-2-carbon-road-bike-black-white-green.aspx
 
Vonhelmet said:
Hmm, was gonna suggest you headed to Planet X in Sheffield but that's chuffing miles away from you. You can get a lot of bike for your money there. Dolan in Ormskirk are a good bet. Ribble likewise, except it's no good worrying about going there as they won't let you sit on a bike they're trying to sell you :rolleyes:

Now is indeed a good time to buy, as 2015 bikes will be coming down in price, yes.

If you're confident you can fit yourself right, then ordering online can get you a great result, but there's a very strong argument for going to a local bike shop and accepting a bit less bike and getting it fitted properly. A decent bike is no use if you're not comfy on it.

In terms of other kit... Shorts, jerseys, rain jacket, gilet, shoes, pedals, tool bag, bottle cages, bottles, computer/Garmin... The list goes on. And on. And on. :D
Click to expand...

I really like the look of this, and it seems like a hell of a lot of bike for the money. What options would be good to choose on this?

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/bbd/r...do?part=BB15RIBGRFONDO&sub=conf_BB_ALL&bike=1

I went to Scotby cycles in Carlisle today and was fitted, i needa 52cm frame.
 
PermaBanned said:
I think that's only really a strong argument if you have reason to believe that your local shop is reputable in that regard, and the member of staff you happen to talk to is too. A lot of the time bike shops will just set your saddle based on standover height and send you on your way :(

Shame the Canyon Endurance CF 7.0 is officially out of stock now. Still, it's hard to look for end of year deals if you don't know what size you need.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28498...ced-2-carbon-road-bike-black-white-green.aspx
Click to expand...

I like the look of that too. But at 10kg, it's a bit lardy.
 
The gran fondo is well regarded. Put 105 on and some decent wheels, maybe fulcrum 5s or whatever your budget permits and some decent tyres, maybe the gp4000s ii that they offer. You'll need pedals as well, as they won't include any. Pedals and shoes is a whole other discussion.

Is £1,000 (+£200) budget to include all clothes and kit and so on or just the bike?
 
I'm playing with specs for it, and apart from 105's, i wouldn't know what was good / poor, i've added fulcrum wheels though, Conti ultra sport 2's, carbon bar and stem, Fizik seat and Exustar pedals and it comes in at £1085. No idea on the weight though.
 
I wouldn't rush into it. It sounds like you've not really got a great idea for what will be the best bang for buck so you will be better off getting more advice on exactly what to order.
 
That was tongue in cheek tbh, I might go to Preston next Monday and check them out, and Evans, while I'm there, but I have to admit, a carbon frame and forks with campagnolo all round for a grand seems too good to be true.

Edit, after your reply von, maybe I should steer clear, though, 105 is still a good bet.
 
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Ribble's carbon bikes are just produced from a mould, rather than some of the more advanced techniques bigger names might use. They share some of the characteristics but there is debate as to whether it's better to go for high end aluminium or low end carbon. You can do it for the money, but personally i would hold out for an offer from someone else.
 
PermaBanned said:
I think that's only really a strong argument if you have reason to believe that your local shop is reputable in that regard, and the member of staff you happen to talk to is too. A lot of the time bike shops will just set your saddle based on standover height and send you on your way :(

Shame the Canyon Endurance CF 7.0 is officially out of stock now. Still, it's hard to look for end of year deals if you don't know what size you need.

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/28498...ced-2-carbon-road-bike-black-white-green.aspx
Click to expand...

So i just bought that. It's getting delivered on Monday or Tuesday.
 
Great choice! Totally jealous as you'll effectively have my ride but with discs! ;)

I did have problems with the P-R2 wheels after around 900 miles (spokes coming loose & needing buckles removing - easy for the LBS to 'fix' but kept happening), but I was a heavier rider (85kg+) commuting with a pack in all weathers on some pretty miserable roads. I spent £100 on a cheap wheelset which are getting towards the same mileage (755) with no problems so far...!
 
Match SPD cleats and shoes with SPD pedals, SPD-SL with SPD-SL etc etc.

Depending on your usage will depend on the 'recommended' type, I went SPD as I was new to clip-ins and they are a good starting point - cheap, easy to unclip and don't wear much with clipping or walking. Also being more MTB orientated the MTB shoes have a better grip and walking surface with lots of choice of shoe type - even GTX boots.

Now I ride more I'm looking at SPD-SL for some fancy stiff/light road shoes, but i'll probably continue to use SPD in the winter for ease and durability (and the fact I have shoes & boots).

Many more exotic types - Look/Speedplay/Time but they wouldn't be a good stating point.
 
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