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Road bike beginner

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  • March 22, 2017 at 10:41 am #26921
    Bouncetastic

    Hi, hoping you guys can help me. I currently own a mountain bike and am now looking for my first road bike. I have £1000 to spend at evans cycles with the ride to work scheme and just acquired an old bike to trade in so my budget can go up to £1100 before it costs me anything. I also get £60 of accessories which I intend to use for pedals, mudguards etc as I already have clothing and helmet.

    I’m looking at the following 2 bikes. Both the same price both have hydraulic disc brakes. Beyond that I know nothing, the specification may as well be written in Chinese for all the sense it makes to me. The bike would be used for riding with a local club and some of the evans sportives plus obviously going out alone if only for the thrill of risking my life 😉

    So my question is, how do these bikes compare on spec? Obviously I will be visiting my nearest store before making a final choice.

    Also I know the cube has its own specific mudguards from the manufacturer but these are currently unavailable due to a product recall. I can’t find anywhere that someone has used alternatives, does anyone know if this is possible? Would I be able to fit clip ons for example?

    Any other possible options gratefully received but please bear in mind that I know nothing so anything technical will go over my head.

    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-dolomite-4-2017-road-bike-EV275636

    https://www.evanscycles.com/cube-attain-race-disc-2017-road-bike-EV287828

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  • March 24, 2017 at 12:18 pm #889663
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    Bouncetastic

    I’ve just called Leamington
    I’ve just called Leamington and have to say the guy I spoke to was a little easier to deal with than the one in Cheltenham. They have the Arkose in stock in all its orange glory so I’m off over there bright and early to have a go. If I end up grinning like a loon it will be because my brains have fallen out and I’m being carted off to the loony bin or I’ve got myself a bike and Cheltenham will be refunding my deposit. Unfortunately the ladies 2016 bike is now sold out 😀

    March 24, 2017 at 12:13 pm #889661
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    ClubSmed

    I have to completely agree

    I have to completely agree with AdamtheKiwi!
    What is most important is that the bike makes you grin like a loon.
    Women’s geometry is mostly marketing, but that should not put you off getting one. It really just means that you arguably have more range available as you have non gender specific bikes plus the woman’s bikes to go at
    Lots of people (some are on here) look down on Halfords bikes, but I completely agree with your assessment. They are not bad bikes, the issue is with Halfords and their set-up and general service because they are not a bike shop, they are a motor shop that also has bikes. I got my first couple of bikes from Halfords and was happy with them and lucky enough that the set up was OK. When I got a bike from Evans though the experience was completely different and I was incredibly happy with the result.
    The process is really a lot of fun, more so when you ask lots of questions and feel that you come out the other end a bit more knowledgeable.

    March 24, 2017 at 11:55 am #889659
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    Bouncetastic

    adamthekiwi wrote:

    adamthekiwi wrote:

    Hi @Bouncetastic – apologies for the long post…

    Bouncetastic wrote:
    OK. I’m actually female which may help understand the complete lack of knowledge
    ?

    You’re new to road biking and fairly new to biking in general: that explains the lack of knowledge. You’re already asking sensible questions, though, which puts you light years ahead of many(/most) internet commentards…

    I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again: the perfect bike for you, or for anyone, is the one that makes you smile the most. It doesn’t really matter what it is about the bike that makes you smile – it’s the smiling that matters. Bikes that make you smile are bikes that you grab to go out for a quick spin even when you don’t really have the time. They’re the ones you long to spend hours on having mini-adventures at the weekend. They get you out riding even when you’re feeling a bit like sitting in on the sofa watching rubbish telly in front of the fire.

    ‘Feminine Geometry’ is largely marketing guff. It is true that, at a population level, women tend to have slightly longer legs relative to their torsos than men do, but there is much more variation in geometry across bikes than there is across humans. I know many women (including my wife) who ride and love “men’s” bikes. Don’t assume that just because it’s labelled as specific for a gender that it will (or won’t) be ideal for you.

    I’m not sure that Evans are right about the Arkose not fitting your riding pattern, based on what you’ve said so far – my wife has just test-ridden one (the Arkose 3) and loved it – although it is moderately heavy (10.4kg, I think). @davel is right in saying that you’re generally going to get a lighter, quicker bike (although the main determining factor in the quickness of a bike is the engine and the overall system weight)– but to counter that, CX/all-purpose bikes tend to have a more comfortable riding position and a more ‘relaxed’ and stable geometry. When you’re starting out, that may be more important.

    So, check out the Fuji. If you grin like a loon, it’s probably the right bike. If not, try another. You only get a 15 minute test ride with Evans – not really enough – try to take someone along to chat to about how the bike feels. If you can, find a hill and go up it and down it. Try to take notes as soon as you’re done. If they have another bike in store that is approximately what you’re looking for and in your size, take that out too, if only for the comparison. Order in another if you’re not ecstatic with the ones you try – you can always come back to them. Don’t let anyone else tell you that a bike is or isn’t for you – only you can decide that.

    Enjoy the process. Buying a new bike rocks!

    Adam I think I love you 😀

    When I got my MTB I wasn’t sure if I would take to it so I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I settled on the voodoo maji full suss which is ladies specific (not something that particularly worried me). It was reduced from £900 to £650 and I got another 10% off so £585. I’ve had a few snarky comments about it being a halfords “special” and apparently rubbish. My local bike shop disagrees and said it was a good bike for what I paid and the problem is halfords don’t set them up correctly. I love that bike. It’s been on all terrain for miles, it’s stormed down gravel trails on cannock chase and never missed a beat whilst a friends lapierre was all over the place (tyre issues). That bike has done so much for my confidence when out riding because there has never been a time that I didn’t feel completely safe and I never stop smiling because it’s just so much fun. OK so it’s got pink on it, it’s apparently heavy at 14.5kg and it came from halfords but for my first mountain bike I could have done a lot worse. Did I mention how much I love it? 😀

    I may just call evans back and ask them to get the Arkose in for me too and test them both.

    Sorry, the comment about me being female and basically clueless is because so many women are not technically minded about these things. I know there are many who are but generally most seem to be like me. Of course it could be the ones I’m mixing with. It doesn’t mean I am not open to learning, I managed to do brakes on my old car just from following a Haynes manual although it took me twice as long 😉

    March 24, 2017 at 11:45 am #889657
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    ClubSmed

    Just out of curiosity

    Just out of curiosity Bouncetastic, where abouts in the world are you going to be cycling?

    March 24, 2017 at 11:38 am #889655
    0
    ClubSmed
    unconstituted wrote:
    Are you stuck with Evans for some reason? I’ve ordered online using cyclescheme before and had the bike delivered. It’s nice to be a able to test ride a bike, I get that, but all you want is a relaxed geometry bike in a certain frame size. The rest of the fit can be dialed in after. I’d rather shop around for a great discount on a tidy bike + get cyclesheme on top of it. And places will do it.

    Not all cycleschemes are equal and if you read previous posts you will see that the OP’s cyclesheme is run by Evans so is very much limited to Evans.

    March 24, 2017 at 11:31 am #889653
    0
    adamthekiwi

    Bouncetastic wrote:

    Hi @Bouncetastic – apologies for the long post…

    Bouncetastic wrote:
    OK. I’m actually female which may help understand the complete lack of knowledge
    ?

    You’re new to road biking and fairly new to biking in general: that explains the lack of knowledge. You’re already asking sensible questions, though, which puts you light years ahead of many(/most) internet commentards…

    I’ve said it before, but it bears saying again: the perfect bike for you, or for anyone, is the one that makes you smile the most. It doesn’t really matter what it is about the bike that makes you smile – it’s the smiling that matters. Bikes that make you smile are bikes that you grab to go out for a quick spin even when you don’t really have the time. They’re the ones you long to spend hours on having mini-adventures at the weekend. They get you out riding even when you’re feeling a bit like sitting in on the sofa watching rubbish telly in front of the fire.

    ‘Feminine Geometry’ is largely marketing guff. It is true that, at a population level, women tend to have slightly longer legs relative to their torsos than men do, but there is much more variation in geometry across bikes than there is across humans. I know many women (including my wife) who ride and love “men’s” bikes. Don’t assume that just because it’s labelled as specific for a gender that it will (or won’t) be ideal for you.

    I’m not sure that Evans are right about the Arkose not fitting your riding pattern, based on what you’ve said so far – my wife has just test-ridden one (the Arkose 3) and loved it – although it is moderately heavy (10.4kg, I think). @davel is right in saying that you’re generally going to get a lighter, quicker bike (although the main determining factor in the quickness of a bike is the engine and the overall system weight)– but to counter that, CX/all-purpose bikes tend to have a more comfortable riding position and a more ‘relaxed’ and stable geometry. When you’re starting out, that may be more important.

    So, check out the Fuji. If you grin like a loon, it’s probably the right bike. If not, try another. You only get a 15 minute test ride with Evans – not really enough – try to take someone along to chat to about how the bike feels. If you can, find a hill and go up it and down it. Try to take notes as soon as you’re done. If they have another bike in store that is approximately what you’re looking for and in your size, take that out too, if only for the comparison. Order in another if you’re not ecstatic with the ones you try – you can always come back to them. Don’t let anyone else tell you that a bike is or isn’t for you – only you can decide that.

    Enjoy the process. Buying a new bike rocks!

    March 24, 2017 at 11:29 am #889651
    0
    ClubSmed

    Bouncetastic wrote:

    Bouncetastic wrote:
    ClubSmed wrote:

    Evans currently have the 2016 Pinnacle Arkose 3 Womens Adventure Road Bike available in Medium which may just fit you. You could always ask to get it sent to store to see if it does, Evans are very good on this front.

    It is increadibly well equiped and come in at only £950.00, that would leave you with £185 to spend on accessories and upgrades (Trade in + savings + voucher) which is really easy to do once you start looking.

    I have had the 2015 mens Pinnacle Arkose 3 for nearly 3 years and absolutely love it!

    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-3-womens-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV244113

     

    The issue I would have with the Hoy and the Saracen is that it does not have mounts for a pannier rack, but then again maybe you would not want to go down that route anyway?

     

    I’m not sure if I would want a pannier….. but it is possible so having the option at least is always good :-/ I did spot the ladies arkose but wasn’t sure if it would suit my needs? I know the newer model is £200 more which evans say is due to better quality components. The size guide says the medium is up to 5′ 6″ so I will see what they say on the phone

    If you plan on commuting at least part of the way I would say that a pannier rack is a must. I would say the same if you decide to do any touring. There are altenatives like frame bags of course but for me they are not as easy to take on and off, crumple clothes quite badly and act like a sail in side winds making keeping on your bike quite hard.
    Of course if you don’t intend to do touring and/or at least some of your commute on the bike then this is all irrelevent.

    The newer model Arkose is £200 more but doing a quick analysis (see attached pic) you could upgrade the 2016 to be better spec than the 2017 for under £112! That means that even with the upgrade (including your £75 trade in) the bike will come in under your £1k.

    March 24, 2017 at 11:22 am #889649
    0
    tritecommentbot

    I wouldn’t go for the Fuji,

    I wouldn’t go for the Fuji, not convinced by the mechanical disc brakes on it. Better off with a higher end rim brake. 

    Are you stuck with Evans for some reason? I’ve ordered online using cyclescheme before and had the bike delivered. It’s nice to be a able to test ride a bike, I get that, but all you want is a relaxed geometry bike in a certain frame size. The rest of the fit can be dialed in after. I’d rather shop around for a great discount on a tidy bike + get cyclesheme on top of it. And places will do it.

     

    Just having a quick look, two class carbon bikes:

    Cool frame, hydro discs,

    https://www.rutlandcycling.com/376584/products/giant-defy-advanced-2-2017-ex-demo-road-bike-small-red.aspx

     

    Cute frame, Ultegra rim brakes

    https://www.rutlandcycling.com/318899/products/2016-specialized-amira-sl4-comp-carbon-ladies-road-bike—blue.aspx

    Bet there’s tons of cracking deals around. 

    It’s your money, but I’m tight with mine. If I’m going to throw a gran dat something, it better be really worth it. To be frank, your Fuji isn’t worth it to me. 

     

    This time last year I was shopping for the missus’ first bike and I made a mistake. She liked the bike for a month, then started to realise it was pants. Mid summer I was buying her a new bike. Get a good carbon bike on sale with 105 level rims brakes or up. Or hydro disc brakes. You can actually get it. Just look around. 

    If you want I’ll have a look at the weekend for a cracking deal if you’re not tied to Evans. Need your height and inseam though.

    Yah I’m pervy like that.

    Oh and to be clear, you don’t need a ‘women’s bike’. I got the missus a ‘women’s bike’ and it was pants. She’s on a ‘bike’ now. Fits great, loves it. Yes, at the start the position may seem aggressive on some bikes you jump on, but you will very quickly progress and it becomes normal. Do not doubt that. Buy for where you want to be, not where you’re at now. 

     

     

    March 24, 2017 at 11:09 am #889647
    0
    hawkinspeter

    CXR94Di2 wrote:

    CXR94Di2 wrote:
    I would go with a bike with a threaded bottom bracket. Press fit bottom brackets suffer from creaks and clicking, which although a minor annoyance, it will drive you mad creaking with every pedal turn

    Press fit BBs can suffer from creaks and clicking and there’s usually 2 causes. Either water has gotten into the bearings (which happens easily on the press fits) which means replacing the bearing (not particularly expensive). The other more annoying creaking is when the bearing shell is moving slightly within the frame – this can be fixed by re-installing the bearings with a bit of loctite on the outside (NOT the inside) of the bearing to keep it stuck in place.

    When installed correctly, press-fit bearings can last for years with no creaking, but you just have to be careful with water ingress.

    March 24, 2017 at 10:49 am #889645
    0
    Bouncetastic

    OK. I’ve just had a chat to
    OK. I’ve just had a chat to my nearest evans and they said that the arkosa would not be the best choice for my planned use and that the fuji would be a better option. They’ve ordered one into store for me, it will be arriving Tuesday and they’ve booked the test ride for Wednesday morning (eek!!) I paid a £50 deposit which is refundable either way or I can just add it to my accessories fund.

    You’ve all been absolutely brilliant and very patient with my lack of knowledge. I am incredibly grateful for everyone’s input and advice as I don’t really have anyone I can ask. However, if I test the bike and don’t like it I will be back to drive you all mad again 😀

    March 24, 2017 at 9:58 am #889643
    0
    Bouncetastic

    ClubSmed wrote:

    ClubSmed wrote:

    Evans currently have the 2016 Pinnacle Arkose 3 Womens Adventure Road Bike available in Medium which may just fit you. You could always ask to get it sent to store to see if it does, Evans are very good on this front.

    It is increadibly well equiped and come in at only £950.00, that would leave you with £185 to spend on accessories and upgrades (Trade in + savings + voucher) which is really easy to do once you start looking.

    I have had the 2015 mens Pinnacle Arkose 3 for nearly 3 years and absolutely love it!

    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-3-womens-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV244113

     

    The issue I would have with the Hoy and the Saracen is that it does not have mounts for a pannier rack, but then again maybe you would not want to go down that route anyway?

     

    I’m not sure if I would want a pannier….. but it is possible so having the option at least is always good :-/

    I did spot the ladies arkose but wasn’t sure if it would suit my needs? I know the newer model is £200 more which evans say is due to better quality components. The size guide says the medium is up to 5′ 6″ so I will see what they say on the phone

    March 24, 2017 at 9:35 am #889641
    0
    ClubSmed

    Evans currently have the 2016

    Evans currently have the 2016 Pinnacle Arkose 3 Womens Adventure Road Bike available in Medium which may just fit you. You could always ask to get it sent to store to see if it does, Evans are very good on this front.

    It is increadibly well equiped and come in at only £950.00, that would leave you with £185 to spend on accessories and upgrades (Trade in + savings + voucher) which is really easy to do once you start looking.

    I have had the 2015 mens Pinnacle Arkose 3 for nearly 3 years and absolutely love it!

    https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-3-womens-2016-adventure-road-bike-EV244113

     

    The issue I would have with the Hoy and the Saracen is that it does not have mounts for a pannier rack, but then again maybe you would not want to go down that route anyway?

     

    March 24, 2017 at 8:35 am #889639
    0
    Bouncetastic

    If I could stretch my budget
    If I could stretch my budget to this (or squeeze evans down a little more) would it be worth it? I know it’s a lot of bike but would it be any use for my needs?

    https://www.evanscycles.com/saracen-avro-2-2016-road-bike-EV293204

    Also what about the hoy? I know one was mentioned earlier in the thread but I can’t remember which one. This one has rim brakes

    https://www.evanscycles.com/hoy-aomori-003-2017-road-bike-EV253919

    March 24, 2017 at 8:11 am #889637
    0
    Bouncetastic

    CXR94Di2 wrote:

    CXR94Di2 wrote:
    That’s a great bike. You could upgrade the bottom bracket to a higher quality version, once it starts to creak, easily done. I would certainly look at that bike for a fit and test ride

    I think I’m going to put it on my list, I had looked at it originally but thought it was outside budget. I then bought a kids bike from a friend for £15 which gives me the £100 trade in 😉

    I’m just comparing it to the pinnacle 5 which would cost £150 more but I’m not sure it’s as good. I think the reason for the higher price on the pinnacle is hydraulic brakes….

    March 24, 2017 at 8:04 am #889635
    0
    CXR94Di2

    That’s a great bike. You
    That’s a great bike. You could upgrade the bottom bracket to a higher quality version, once it starts to creak, easily done. I would certainly look at that bike for a fit and test ride

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