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Have a look at Canyon –
Have a look at Canyon – canyon.com – their bikes are outstanding value for money and among the best there are around. At your price the Ultimate AL would be a sensible purchase – outstanding modern frame (Bike if the Year 2012) and you will get a full group set and quality wheels. The ultimate AL 9.0 with full Ultegra and Ksyrium Elite wheels is currently £1569, for example. You could get with Ultegra Di2 for just £1743.Or shop around: eg I saw the Cube Agree GTC at Cycle Surgery yesterday with a partial Ultegra group (cheap cranks, FD, brakes) for £1,599 on special.
The problem with your Giants or your Spesh bikes is you’ll only get a partial groupset and cheap wheels at this price range.
I’ve got an old Ultegra group
I’ve got an old Ultegra group on my winter/commuting bike. Works brilliantly. Feel a bit guilty about all that salt getting in though.
Competitive Cyclist provide a
Competitive Cyclist provide a useful online fitting tool:http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
No substitute for a proper bike fit though.
+1 for Shimano RS80s – 500kms
+1 for Shimano RS80s – 500kms over rough roads and still sweet and so smooth spinning I’m always grinning+1 for Fulcrum Racing 3s – really outstanding stiff light wheels made by Campagnolo
Both available for slightly north of £300 or so.
If you’re not racing, you
If you’re not racing, you probably don’t need aero wheels.Also, consider that you should match a classic frame with classic modern components. Thing polished alloy not carbon or black anodised. It will look great!
The wrench needs to be
The wrench needs to be accurate at relatively low torques – from say 2.5kN (front mech band) through 6-8kN (stem bolts) to 12kN (crank bolts). If it’s aimed at higher torque range then it won’t be as accurate at low torque settings as a bike torque wrench.
Yes I failed to unclip when
Yes I failed to unclip when having to stop unexpectedly at a roundabout on my new Planet X pro carbon a few years ago – result was a cut knee and scratched left shifter. Think of them as battle scars!
Yes, try the Ridgeback
Yes, try the Ridgeback Flight, I had one and it was great!Also don’t overlook Planet X’s inexpensive carbon flat-bar bike:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPFBFOR/planet_x_pro_carbon_sram_force_hybrid_bike
A bit over your budget but so much superior, and under the Cycle To Work Scheme limit so you can get it tax-free if your employer is in the scheme!
I got mine from Hargroves
I got mine from Hargroves online. Make sure you pick the right model for your STIs.
Quite like this idea.
Quite like this idea.
Carbon frames are resilient
Carbon frames are resilient and durable. Just don’t drop a brick on them and you’ll be fine. Damaged frames can be repaired by various specialists in the UK. I’ve had a couple of carbon bikes and not had a problem. You’ll like the low weight and smooth ride.Aluminium frames are good too, but tend to brittle fractures over time. They can’t be repaired easily due to the high strength aluminium and special welding techniques.
Hate to be the odd one out,
Hate to be the odd one out, but it has to be Specialized All Condition Armadillo Elite for me. Not the lightest, but no p***tures in 2,500 miles for me, including a lot of glass-strewn city streets. You can get 2 for £50 at Webster’s Cycles online.
You can run up to a maximum
You can run up to a maximum 28t big cog with a standard short cage rear Shimano derailleur. Bigger than that and you need a new RD.
Beam racks aren’t great by
Beam racks aren’t great by all accounts.What about a Tubus Fly? 330g and easily fitted via the QR and a Salsa seat clamp with rack boss. Even fits my road bike.
And it’s only 8.82kg.
And it’s only 8.82kg. Bargain!