[ydrol]

Hi, being inspired by a friend, and challenged by my partner, I’ve agreed to do a triathlon next year, if I’m ‘allowed’ to buy a new bike. I hate swimming, I hate running (mainly because I’m fat), I enjoy cycling and commute 12m each way to work on the rare occasions I go into the office.
I currently have a Halfords Carrera 2, and I was toying with the idea of cruising the classifieds for a road bike.
Just remembered we have a Cycle-To-Work scheme , so lovely jubbly , I have 1k to spend at Evans.

I do like the idea of hydraulic brakes, so I’ve shortlisted http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-11-le-2015-road-bike-ec108532 (assuming I can talk them down £40) and http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/equilibrium-disc-10-2015-road-bike-ec073925

I think I definitely want strong wheels 32spokes + and something that can take 28mm tyres. (or wider??)

I realise I have PLENTY of body weight to lose (My fighting weight would be about 15st 7lbs but I haven’t seen that for years!)

Thoughts?

Topic

[ydrol]

Thanks for the input – I may
Thanks for the input – I may start looking at Rim brakes again. I am buying from Evans through our Cycle-To-Work scheme (42% off essentially)

[Markopic]

Absolutely agree about the
Absolutely agree about the concern regarding the strength of rear disc brake wheel. I have DT Swiss R23 DB on my road bike, and in about 1500 miles rear wheel has gone out of true several times. I’m considering other options, but I can not find any proper disc braked wheel that is not too heavy (above 1800g) or too pricey.

[freebsd_frank]

ydrol writes:

I like that
ydrol writes:

I like that bike but I think I should have 32 spokes on the rear due to my current weight. (110kg) I wonder if I’m focusing too much on this?

I think you’re right to focus on that.

The problem with disc-brake wheels is that they’re weaker than the equivalent
rim-brake wheels. That’s because the disc pushes the hub flange on that side
of the hub closer to the centre of the dropouts. Hence, less of a bracing
angle for the spokes on that side of the wheel and reduced lateral strength.

This is a real problem on the back wheel. It’s already compromised by having
the hub flange on the drive side pushed in by the cassette. If you then stick
a disc on the non-drive side, you’ve then pushed in the hub flange on that
side of the wheel aswell. What you end up with is a wheel that has very little
lateral strength.

I had a look at the Genesis bike and IMO the wheels are too weak for a heavy
rider like you. I also had a look at the wheel manufacturers website but they
don’t say what weight those wheels are good for. The link you gave for the
other bike is broken.

If I were you, I’d get a bike with rim brakes and I’d specify 32h hubs and
rims handbuilt with DT Competition/Sapim Race spokes. It will probably mean
spending more on the wheels than those usually supplied but if they’re well
built you shouldn’t have problems with them.

Also check out Ribble and Planet X if you haven’t already. They offer better
bang-for-buck than Evans and will probably let you specify handbuilt wheels if
you email them. Tell them your weight and they should be able to advise what
frame to go for etc. within your budget.

Disclaimer: I bought my bike from Planet X and they were fine. I’ve read that
Ribble are fine also.

[ydrol]

I like that bike but I think
I like that bike but I think I should have 32 spokes on the rear due to my current weight. (110kg) I wonder if I’m focusing too much on this?

[Discocuzzy]

I’m was in the same boat and
I’m was in the same boat and decided on a cannondale synapse disk for £850.
Mine is the tiagra group set but I see a 105 version has now been released for just under £1000.
I’m no expert and haven’t ridden a road bike for a long time, but for me these are great bikes, good mix of speed and comfort.
I’ve lost 16lb in 6 weeks using it every other night so well pleased.

[ydrol]

Thanks, looking forward to
Thanks, looking forward to the training (I think) just wanted to know thoughts on these bikes before I pull the trigger. In fact I just realised the rims on the Genesis are 21 spoke. I suspect I might break spokes at my current weight? Si I’m gravitating towards the Fuji…

[Daveyraveygravey]

Good on yer! I can’t comment
Good on yer! I can’t comment on either bike other than I would plump for the Genesis just because they are more British than Fuji.
I find with commuting do it 2-3 times a week, if you do it every day it can become a chore, try and keep it fun. Make time to try different routes too.
Look into intervals, these can make a big difference to your fitness and weight without having to spend hours and hours a day in the saddle.
You could try riding fasted once or twice a week; go out in the morning before breakfast and ride for 60-120 mins. I find it helps me keep the weight off, but as with all these things build up to it and don’t try and do too much straight off.

[Author]

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