[AJWatson]

Hi,

Im looking at upgrading my bike in the next few months and I know a lot of people will ask the same question ‘What bike should I go for?’. Im just looking to see if anyone has experience of these bikes and any feedback.

I currently ride a Claud Butler Regent 2011 that has served me well and we have covered a few thousand miles together. Last weekend it did come off the car rack at 50mph and is in the shop having a check over. As yet not too sure if there is any geometry/frame issues. Anyway, Im pretty keen to keep onroad and do some tours/sportives with my new bike. I would like to do LEJOG or London to Paris in 24 hours, those kinds of events along with the usual one day events. It will also be used for the weekly club runs etc. I will use my Claud Bulter for commuting etc. My budget is between £1000 / £1500, maybe more if I can justify it but tops about £1.800.

Im pretty keen on getting a Bianchi, either the Via Nirone or Sempra, they look pretty cool and seem to have some pretty good components. However reading some reviews about it they were scoring 7/10. Other bikes on my radar are Ribble, Cube or Scott

Anyone any advice or other bikes to look at?

Topic

[AJWatson]

Well I have been out on a few
Well I have been out on a few of them and at the moment im waiting on the Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Xenon to arrive in my LBS. Only major difference from my current bike is the carbon forks and the campag gearing.

[Simon E]

russyparkin wrote:i had 2.5k

russyparkin wrote:

i had 2.5k budget, test rode loads of stunning expensive bikes,

ended up paying £899 for the 2011 105 version, put all the bits i wanted on, sold the stuff i removed. its now 7.2kg

Good value and impressively light! Nice one.

But that’s enough teasing! I’ve seen the little photos in the pictures thread. We require detailed specs now please 😉

[russyparkin]

caad10. lighter than carbon,
caad10. lighter than carbon, 1150g frame 410g fork (verified)

fast fun comfortable, buy the 2011 or 2012 model for a whopping discount. job done.

or giant defy again in 2011 / 2012 trim.

buuuut test ride! i had 2.5k budget, test rode loads of stunning expensive bikes,

ended up paying £899 for the 2011 105 version, put all the bits i wanted on, sold the stuff i removed. its now 7.2kg

[Gkam84]

I do believe Mr Fortsermann
I do believe Mr Fortsermann might just be able to flex the frame 😉

[Raleigh]

LOL.
Absolutely love the
LOL.

Absolutely love the ‘photoshop’.

Still won’t be swayed that aero bikes are just for pros.

It will increase your speed by whatever statistic you believe and more. They corner better, and are noticeably easier to push into a block headwind of anything over a force 2.

Not forgetting, the cervelo S1 is well renowned for its stiffness. I think someone once said that you’d need the quads of a shire horse to get any flex out of it.

I’d like to see the quads of the man who thinks its not stiff.

😐

[pjay]

Raleigh wrote:Yep, in the

”Raleigh” wrote:

Yep, in the same way that Anish Kapoor’s orbit sculpture in the Olympic park is ugly

Doesn’t really do it for me, although there is a touch of Moulton in there.

Now add a slightly overweight middle-aged man riding in a distinctly un-aerodynamic position and re-run the wind-tunnel tests 🙂

p.s. I have a Ribble Sportive Bianco and it’s a very nice bike for the money.

[Simon E]

Andrew, there’s no harm in
Andrew, there’s no harm in checking out stock in both shops.

Hope you find something you like… no, something you love riding 🙂

[AJWatson]

Thanks guys,
I have a good
Thanks guys,

I have a good relationship with my LBS and they have said I can take some bikes out for some test rides, just let them know what Saturday and they will let me take them out. They have a good range of Bianchi, Trek and Giant. There is another one in town that does Scotts, Focus and Cube. Might try them at different shops then go back to the LBS and see what they can do and give them the business.

Thanks for the tips and advice. I will let you know in a few weeks what I decide.

Andrew

[Gkam84]

Raleigh wrote:Yeah.
Go to an

Raleigh wrote:

Yeah.

Go to an independent bike shop, ask loads of long and annoying questions expecting them to give full answers, try every bike they have in there and drink some of their coffee which the offer you. Proceed to buy the bike online.

(don’t actually do this)

DO IT

Its what I do, I normally buy some brake pads and inner tubes though…..

BUT, alot of independents will now try and match or at least help you out with the price of bikes if you can find it cheaper online. As long as they are making money off it. They will do their best to match the prices.

They know that if you buy a bike from them, you are more likely to buy parts and services from them in the future.

[Raleigh]

Yeah.
Go to an independent
Yeah.

Go to an independent bike shop, ask loads of long and annoying questions expecting them to give full answers, try every bike they have in there and drink some of their coffee which the offer you. Proceed to buy the bike online.

(don’t actually do this)

[Gkam84]

Simon E wrote:There are no

Simon E wrote:

There are no duff bikes these days, we are truly spoilt for choice. I’d take reviews with a pinch of salt. As regards brands, it doesn’t matter what I think, what he/she thinks and what Fred from Outer Mongolia thinks. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit some shops, have a look at a variety of makes & models.

2. Buy the one that fits you, and that you like best (ideally from a shop that also provides good customer service).

3. Ride your new bike with a big smile on your face, then log on and tell us about it – more than once if you’re so inclined ;-)

I do agree with that, Get out there and try them, Don’t just buy from behind a computer screen.

BUT, What does Fred from Outer Mongolia actually think about this one?

I took his advice once and traded a bike for a Yak……Didn’t help my training. But I sold it to Contador a couple of years ago 👿 👿

[Raleigh]

And upload a picture to the
And upload a picture to the Pictures of your Bike thread 😀

[Simon E]

There are no duff bikes these
There are no duff bikes these days, we are truly spoilt for choice. I’d take reviews with a pinch of salt. As regards brands, it doesn’t matter what I think, what he/she thinks and what Fred from Outer Mongolia thinks. Here’s what to do:

1. Visit some shops, have a look at a variety of makes & models.

2. Buy the one that fits you, and that you like best (ideally from a shop that also provides good customer service).

3. Ride your new bike with a big smile on your face, then log on and tell us about it – more than once if you’re so inclined 😉

[Raleigh]

Oh, and to get rid of road
Oh, and to get rid of road buzz, you could double up your bar tape.

[bashthebox]

Just because the pro’s use
Just because the pro’s use full carbon, does it mean its makes a normal cyclist ride like them? Its the same as going out and buying pro kit……

This is awesome nonsense, I love it!

But there’s logic in going for alu if you’re buying new at your price point. If you’re going second hand though… the world is your oyster. You’ll get a very decent carbon frame with at least ultegra and a decent set of wheels for the mid/top end of your budget.

What size are you after? I’m selling a Condor Baracchi at the moment, 58cm.

[Author]

Replies