Spec me a road bike

wez130

wez130

wez130

Soldato
Joined
31 Jan 2004
Posts
11,308
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
 
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
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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
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I like the look of that too. But at 10kg, it's a bit lardy.
 
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.
 
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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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
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So i just bought that. It's getting delivered on Monday or Tuesday.
 
I've just tried some northwave scorpius srs shoes on which are SPD shoes, I like the idea that I can walk in them too without being too uncomfortable. What are they like to own? Are they good value at £62.49?
 
I bought them after reading up on them, they were £59.99 reduced from £100 from Evans. Got a helmet and some CBoardman pedals too to get me going (which were priced up wrong in Halfords :p (£24.99 instead of £29.99)).

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Well my bike arrived this morning nice and early :D

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I went for a quick mile ride and i was knackered! I really need to get fit quick. I don't think my saddle is quite right. I definitely need lycra as riding in jeans isn't clever! The shoes seem good and the pedals / shoes work as the should, never had any accidents haha. Think i'll go for a few short rides today to get used to it / play with seat settings etc. Don't think i'm ready for the 10 mile commute to work yet, i just don't have the right clothes for it yet so i'll wait for the stuff i ordered online to be delivered. Next i need to look at nutrition and a water bottle.
 
Roady said:
Looks awesome! Couple of decal/design style changes to my Defy 1's which really make it pop! Like the seattube to the seat stays bit... Drool! ;)

I'm using 2 cheap Lifeline cages on mine (white), although a black one on your seattube may work better.

I use the SiS bottles as I like 800ml & cheap again. The High5's are ok but the plastic top (rather than the rubbery one on the SiS) hurts my teeth... I have a camelback and it's ok but a fiddle to open when riding (twist top).

How mine looks with white cages (& guards):
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A black rear bottle cage may work better on mine too! ;)
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Picked upo a SiS bottle from halfords today with three sachets of powders for £5.99. I really need a phone holder so i can check my progress though.
 
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