preferred-google-button
log in
register

New road bike

  • Creator
    Topic
  • August 17, 2012 at 6:44 am #16594
    wjputt

    I am looking to buy a new bike. I intend, probably being a bit optimistic here, up to £2500. I already have a 20 + year old Brian Rourke 531 frame road bike [it is a tourer really] and a 20 + year old Specialized mountain bike. I prefer the road to the off road. I am cycling to get fit and I hope to cycle to work occasionally [not on the new bike yet though] with a train journey as well. Not sure if now is the time to get the new bike or wait until the spring/summer. I want to have everything included for the £2500 not just frame. My plan is to try and ride as much as possible during the autumn winter and also to get on some sportives next year. Any advice is welcome. Which is a good frame, which is best group set etc please. Thanks in advance for any advice offered.

  • Creator
    Topic
Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 27 total)
1 2
  • Author
    Replies
  • August 23, 2012 at 7:40 pm #696109
    0
    wjputt

    Thanks for the advice folks –
    Thanks for the advice folks – going for the Cervélo! Aaargh! Decisions.

    August 23, 2012 at 11:32 am #696107
    0
    TheHatter

    wjputt wrote:Been ‘shopping’

    wjputt wrote:
    Been ‘shopping’ today & had a look at Cannondale, Giant & Cervélo carbon bikes. Going for a test ride later this week. Advice suggested maxing on the frame as this is the deal breaker rather than the group set, wheels and equipment. I’d appreciate folks’ thoughts on that.

    2.5 big ones should be plenty to get a top frame along with a great groupset and everything else. The idea of spending that kind of money and still have to upgrade later sounds like a salesman seeing pound signs when you walk in.
    Keeping in perspective the bikes you’re coming from and that you’re looking at sportives and audax rather than cat 1/2 racing then any upgrades to a 2.5k bike is more likely to be bling than anything that contributes to a better ride.
    Nothing wrong with bling of course – I’ve spent silly money placing an order for titanium skewers oblivious to the irony that I was eating a mars bar as I typed in my credit card info (and in doing so more than negating the weight saving of the skewers).

    August 23, 2012 at 8:22 am #696105
    0
    Raleigh

    Klier said something
    Klier said something like:

    The RS is the very very very very very best bike Ive ever ridden.

    And Klier IS a beast.

    I’ve heard they’re pretty good at descending.

    May be a little late, but see if you can try an S series just for comparison (S1 or 2 in your price range).

    August 23, 2012 at 8:08 am #696103
    0
    Super Domestique

    With 2012 bikes in the sales
    With 2012 bikes in the sales already the 2011 should definitely have something off.

    Enjoy the test rides.

    August 23, 2012 at 6:30 am #696101
    0
    dave atkinson

    sounds like a tough day
    sounds like a tough day 😉

    August 23, 2012 at 3:57 am #696099
    0
    wjputt

    Looking to test ride the
    Looking to test ride the following today:
    Cervélo RS
    Cannondale High Modular Synapse
    Giant Advanced
    Any thoughts? The RS is a 2011 bike. Should I get a reduction on that? Cheers John

    August 20, 2012 at 8:30 pm #696097
    0
    zzgavin

    Do get a decent frame that
    Do get a decent frame that fits you, get 105 or ultegra as a groupset, buy some nicer wheels later. I bought a 2010 CAAD10, with 105 and added some nice wheels (seeing a pattern) it’s lovely and it fits me well. Wheels are the easiest and quickest way to get a big upgrade to a bike, I took 700g off my bike through changing wheels and tyres.

    Once you get your first thousand odd miles done you’ll work out which bits of you need some work, for me it’s inflexible lower back and hyper flexible upper back. So money is now going on physio and not kit, but that’s all part of the joy of cycling.

    Investing in a decent frame that fits is key though, mid or low-end models like the 105 CAAD10 which also comes in a dura-ace version do this well.

    Make sure you like the look of the bike too, it’s annoying to think after buying that you don’t like the paintwork. =)

    August 20, 2012 at 8:18 pm #696095
    0
    meehaja

    A lot of money to play with
    A lot of money to play with there…

    I’ve just bought a Giant TCR comp 1. I can recommend it for the type of riding I do, being club rides of 60 miles or so and thrice weekly blasts usually lasting about 2 hours. Occasional sportives thrown in the mix too. RRP £1800 but bargains can be found.

    If I were in your position Id buy a £2k bike and spend £500 on some nice shoes/bibs/jersey/jacket etc Comfort on a bike is about more than just a comfortable bike!

    August 20, 2012 at 7:21 pm #696093
    0
    wjputt

    Been ‘shopping’ today & had a
    Been ‘shopping’ today & had a look at Cannondale, Giant & Cervélo carbon bikes. Going for a test ride later this week. Advice suggested maxing on the frame as this is the deal breaker rather than the group set, wheels and equipment. I’d appreciate folks’ thoughts on that.

    August 20, 2012 at 9:01 am #696091
    0
    Mostyn

    £2500 budget is very nice;
    £2500 budget is very nice; and you could get yourself a very nice top end bike if you shop around.

    Canyon do some very nice frames; and personally; I’d buy shimano groupset before any other (Tried and tested) G/Set

    A complete bike purchase, I’d suggest looking at the Cube Range or maybe Ridley. Hey, what-ever you decide, just enjoy the search.

    August 20, 2012 at 7:30 am #696089
    0
    Raleigh

    Online?
    Tristore is quite
    Online?

    Tristore is quite good, a little expensive, and you have to deal with triathletes.

    Just type in the frame you want on googleshopping and it should come up with a list of responses.

    Actual shops?

    Condor in London (they don’t sell the S1 but could probably get one in)

    Elmy cycles in Ipswich. IMO, this is the best local bike shop in te world, and worth a trip up to from London.

    There’s also a place in Fincheley, and Norwich off the top of my head

    August 20, 2012 at 6:39 am #696087
    0
    wjputt

    Which stores are the best for
    Which stores are the best for Cervélo please?

    August 20, 2012 at 6:35 am #696085
    0
    wjputt

    That sounds like a very good
    That sounds like a very good offer. I am keen to get a new one though as my current bike is second hand. Why are you selling?

    August 20, 2012 at 6:33 am #696083
    0
    wjputt

    Thanks Andy. What about
    Thanks Andy. What about going to get a technical ‘fit’ in order to get the right size etc. If one goes somewhere is one obliged to buy from the ‘fit’ folk or can one take the measurements elsewhere?

    I like the look of the Audax and I’m tempted to get that through C2W [Planning this for a couple of days a week – we’ll see] and then something ‘nice’ for a significant birthday.

    I certainly intend spending some time looking & trying out bikes!!

    Looking forward to some more hints, tips & advice from you and others. Cheers John

    August 18, 2012 at 9:25 pm #696081
    0
    imaca

    When it comes to Cervelo, I’m
    When it comes to Cervelo, I’m afraid I agree with this guy:
    http://roguemechanic.typepad.com/roguemechanic/2010/12/whats-the-difference.html
    To me Cervelo seem like the Apple of the bike world.

  • Author
    Replies
Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 27 total)
1 2
  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.