What Road Bike?

LordSplodge · 11 Jul 2007 at 20:23

Dragging my GT Mountain Bike to work each day as a commuter is getting to be a right royal drag. So, I was thinking of getting a roadie to get to work as well as to go on longer road runs for enjoyment.

I will put aside some cash, probably about the same as I put aside for the GT. So around £500-£600

The only problem I have is I am clueless when it comes to road groupsets etc. I know my XT from my LX, my Trutativ from my Suntour.

Any roadies care to help a confused MTB'er out?

Raymond Lin · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:42

Rather than getting a roadbike, have you tried slicks on your MTB already with a lock out forks ?

LordSplodge · 11 Jul 2007 at 22:49

Raymond Lin said:
Rather than getting a roadbike, have you tried slicks on your MTB already with a lock out forks ?

I tried slicks and locked out the fork. Although that did help to some extent I'd still rather have two dedicated bikes doing the best job rather than one that has to do both jobs.

It also becomes a pain in the backside to swap the tyres at the weekend when I want to hit the rough stuff.

Also, I fancy having a go at the open time trials here in Derby. The club may look at me a bit odd if I turn up on a MTB with slicks and the fork locked out.

Besides if I don't spend the cash the wife may try to get her hands on it!

Shmo · 12 Jul 2007 at 09:08

Only have a couple tips, I'd recommend checking out www.bikeradar.com/forums for good advice if you haven't already.

I only know Shimano groupsets which go Sora, Tiagra, Ultegra, Dura Ace in order of expense. Think the best you'll get for your budget is Tiagra which is very nice and has the shifters positioned behind the brake lever which is best for racing. Sora shifters are are up on the hoods and can't be reached from the drops.

I'd seriously recommend getting a bike with clearance for full length mudguards if you're commuting. Nothing worse than getting to work with a soggy ass from a constant stream of water flying off the back wheel. Trek 1000 and Giant SCR 2.0 jump to mind for bikes that fit full length guards in your budget. Only takes 2 mins to take them off if the weather is good (if you use cable ties like me

).

Also unless you live on a mountain you probably don't need a triple front chainring. Double is better as it's one thing less to clean but not a huge deal.

6thElement · 12 Jul 2007 at 11:57

Shmo said:
I only know Shimano groupsets which go Sora, Tiagra, Ultegra, Dura Ace in order of expense.

Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace.

There's also SRAM and Campagnolo groupsets to look at.

radikal_dj · 12 Jul 2007 at 12:44

Genesis Flyer

£499

Simply gorgeous!

Constructed using a close clearance Reynolds 520 double butted Cr-Mo tubeset and no-crimp chainstays, the Flyer has a highly efficient drive-train response whilst the specification of a gently raked carbon fork ensures an overall ride that's truly sublime. A flip-flop rear hub makes it easy to switch to 'fixed' and the 48/18 transmission gives a real-world useable gear. Shimano Sora brakes stop you as fast as the Flyer can accelerate.

Size-specific geometry maintains rider position and wheelbase equilibrium to keep the ride as lively as possible while maintaining accurate and consistent cornering traits.

Sprinting out of corners rewards with a lively response whilst steady riding benefits from added comfort and smoothness.

Spec.

radikal_dj · 12 Jul 2007 at 12:50

Bianchi Chameleonte II

£500

My Bike

Frame - Sport Aluminium V-brake specific
Fork - Alloy crown & blade, forged drop outs with one eyelet, gloss black finish
Stem - Adjustable Ahead Alloy Stem, angle: 95°-145° sandblast Black
Handlebar - 580mm 3° Sandblast Black w/laser Bianchi logo with alloy bar ends
Brake lever - Shimano Intergrated
Crankset - Shimano Sora Triple 52/42/30t
Bottom Bracket - Shimano Sora
Headset - FSA ZS4
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Sora RD-3300 8sp
Front Derailleur - Shimano Sora FD-R443
Shifters - Shimano ST-R225/221 Flatbar brake and shifter units
Sprocket - Shimano Sora HG50 8s 12/23
Rear Hub - Joytech F192SB ALLOY 28H polish anodized
Front Hub - Joytech A141SB ALLOY 28H polish anodized
Rims - Ambrosio Aluminium 6060T ; silver anodized ;Height 24mm; 2X14; single stainless steel eyelet
Tire - Continental ULTRA SPORT 25x622 black rigid
Seatpost - SP-222 ; 6061 alloy tube, 31,6 mm L350mm sandblast black
Saddle - Selle Royal VIPER 8546/C
Seatpost - QR Fac Michelin F205R Racing
Pedals - VP-516A Aluminium
Waterbottle - Bianchi CK
Waterbottle Cage - Aluminium black

radikal_dj · 12 Jul 2007 at 12:56

Shwinn Fastback

RRP £519.00 but on offer at the mo for £399.99 at JE James Cycles

Get this if you want my honest opinion, you'll have a few quid to treat yourself to some mods etc then, or take the wife for a top meal?

SCHWINN Fastback Sport Racing Bike 07 Frame Schwinn Custom Drawn 'N'Litened' Silver label TIG welded aluminum with Schwinn Race geometry, IS standard head tube, forged dropouts w/ replaceable hanger, 2x H2O bottle boss and pump peg. Forks Schwinn Black Label Carbon Comp carbon fiber blades w/ 1 1/8" Cr-mo steerer & forged dropouts. Rear Derailleur Shimano RD-4500 Tiagra Front Derailleur Shimano FD-Sora 31.8 down-pull Shifters Shimano Sora STI Chainset Truvativ Iso-Flow Road 52-42-30 Cr-Mo chainrings Bottom Bracket Truvativ Cartridge square taper 68 x 113 Chain Shimano HG-50 Freewheel SRAM PG-830 8-speed 12-26 Headset FSA integrated sealed Stem Road Tuned melt forged 31.8 clamp Handlebars Road Tuned 31.8 alloy Front Brake Tektro 510AG dual-pivot caliper w/ DIN pads Rear Brake Tektro 510AG dual-pivot caliper w/ DIN pads Brake Levers Shimano Sora STI Rims Alex R500 semi aero 32* ft/rr Front Hub Formula RB-31 328 Rear Hub Formula RB-32 32* Spokes Stainless Steel ED Black Tyres Schwalbe Blizzard Sport 700x23 Saddle Selle San Marco Ponza Seatpost Road Tuned 27.2x350mm Pedals Cycle Magic resin pedals with toe clips and Escape Claws toe strap safety release device Grips Schwinn gel tape with embossed star logo

LordSplodge · 12 Jul 2007 at 15:05

I was looking at this. Specialized Allez

Spec said:
Frame: Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium fully manipulated tubing compact road design frame with integrated headset and hourglass speedstays
Fork: Specialized carbon fork with carbon fibre legs and Aluminium steerer
Gears: Shimano Sora front and Shimano Tiagra long cage rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano Sora
Chainset: Shimano Sora triple crankset
Brakes: Dual pivot forged alloy brakes with cartridge multi-condition pads
Wheels: Jalco GX460 alloy triple wall rims with machined sidewalls and indicator grooves built on Specialized alloy hubs
Tyres: Specialized Mondo 700x23C wire bead tyres
Handlebars: Specialized Comp 6061 alloy short-reach drop bars
Stem: Specialized Sport 3D forged alloy stem
Saddle: Specialized Comp Road saddle
Seatpost: Specialized carbon fibre post
Pedals/Extras: Composite body alloy cage pedals with toe clips and straps

radikal_dj · 12 Jul 2007 at 15:24

Looks decent to me. Cycle Surgery have it for £499 - i'd still go for the Schwinn.

LordSplodge · 12 Jul 2007 at 15:44

radikal_dj said:
Looks decent to me. Cycle Surgery have it for £499 - i'd still go for the Schwinn.

My LBS has the Allez for £499 as well. I want to make sure I get the right fit as I have quite long legs for my height. So, unless I find a real bargain on-line, I will be buying from an LBS or Almost LBS!

I don't think the Schwinn looks as goos as the Specialized though...

squiffy · 12 Jul 2007 at 15:48

Raymond Lin said:
Rather than getting a roadbike, have you tried slicks on your MTB already with a lock out forks ?

Lol.

Still way slower than a true roadbike. Heavier, higher rolling resistance, low gearing. For that budget you'll get Shimano Tiagra, or Campagnolo Mirage equipped bike, Carbon fork.

These forums are aimed at roadies (unlike here as most are mtb'ers)

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/down.asp

Look for last years models at discounted prices (I got 25% off)

monkeypants · 12 Jul 2007 at 16:48

If you're just using it for commuting and stuff, go to Halfords and get a Carrera. That's what I've done, they've got some really good deals on at the moment too.

There's no point spending £500 when you can get something that performs the same for half that.

6thElement · 12 Jul 2007 at 17:30

~£750

LordSplodge · 12 Jul 2007 at 18:39

monkeypants said:
If you're just using it for commuting and stuff, go to Halfords and get a Carrera. That's what I've done, they've got some really good deals on at the moment too.

There's no point spending £500 when you can get something that performs the same for half that.

Well if it was just a commuter then that would make sense.

However, I am planning on giving some Time Trials a go. Cycling has improved my asthma to the point where it is no longer a problem, and I fancy taking my favourite hobby to the next level!

Also, I get everywhere via bike and at the moment have to cycle from work to the hospital for UV therapy twice a week. The weight and gearing on the GT leaves me maxing out at around 18-20mph.

Road bike for the road and MTB for the trails.

Edinho · 12 Jul 2007 at 20:20

I have a road bike, and I really hate commuting on it. On a road forget kerbs, sharp cornering, snickets... etc. Ive stopped using it for work atm just to dangerous, until I can get a HT MTB. Road bikes are generally for racing not commuting. Dont get me wrong love my road bike but just not commuting.

squiffy · 12 Jul 2007 at 20:48

Edinho said:
I have a road bike, and I really hate commuting on it. On a road forget kerbs, sharp cornering, snickets... etc. Ive stopped using it for work atm just to dangerous, until I can get a HT MTB. Road bikes are generally for racing not commuting. Dont get me wrong love my road bike but just not commuting.

eh? Commuting is roading on roads, not pavements. So why is road bike "bad" riding to work? Apart from the fact they don't carry panniers, and possibly clearence for full length mudguards.

If you want something a little better for commuting, why not a comfort roadie with 28-32mm tyres?

I have a road bike & a fast tourer, apart from not having brakes on the flats, road bikes are fine for travelling to work. I would say you're to blame, not the bike...doesn't sound like you're a profeciant cyclist.

You could look at cyclo-cross, with road tyres on.

LordSplodge · 12 Jul 2007 at 21:25

Edinho said:
I have a road bike, and I really hate commuting on it. On a road forget kerbs, sharp cornering, snickets... etc. Ive stopped using it for work atm just to dangerous, until I can get a HT MTB. Road bikes are generally for racing not commuting. Dont get me wrong love my road bike but just not commuting.

Cycling to work on a Hardtail MTB isn't a lot of fun, even if you change the tyres and lockout the forks. I know I have done it for 3 years on two different Hardtails.

I could opt for a Tourer or Comfort but to be honest the route to work is on road, and I don't need to carry anything. Even if I did I have a seatpost quick release pannier rack that would fit, Don't need to fit mudguards neither...

As I have stated I cycle to 90% of the places I go and the MTB is just too slow and heavy. Plus as stated I want to give Time Trials/Racing a go.

monkeypants · 12 Jul 2007 at 22:16

Go for the Specialized then, they're apparently very nice. Personally I like Bianchis, you can get a 2007 Via Nirone with Veloce group for under £600. Fantastic looking bike.

squiffy · 12 Jul 2007 at 22:28

LordSplodge said:
Cycling to work on a Hardtail MTB isn't a lot of fun, even if you change the tyres and lockout the forks. I know I have done it for 3 years on two different Hardtails.

I could opt for a Tourer or Comfort but to be honest the route to work is on road, and I don't need to carry anything. Even if I did I have a seatpost quick release pannier rack that would fit, Don't need to fit mudguards neither...

As I have stated I cycle to 90% of the places I go and the MTB is just too slow and heavy. Plus as stated I want to give Time Trials/Racing a go.

Yep, MTB'ers don't have a clue about the differences. Mate had a hybrid, locked out the front forks and it's still way way slower. He was continually pedalling, and I was freewheeling with the occasional single turn to keep (down) to his speed. And when going downhill I had to brake to keep to his speed.

Both decided to go fast, and within 1 minute I was out of his sight.

There really is no contest between the two. Of course it'll depend on the rider too, as Lance Armstrong on full suspension will still leave me in his dust.

If you're riding to work I would seriously recommend you buy full length guards (my roadie hasn't got them, tourer has) Unless you like to arrive at work filthy with road much on your face, chest, hair, back and arse. Even if you wear waterproofs you'll be filthy, and not fun.

I've rode in the wet during torrential rain on the tourer and it's not problem. The only water that goes on you is clean rainwater. Do the same on the roadie and different story.