[Sniffer]

I wouldn’t want to hijack
I wouldn’t want to hijack this thread, but I am similarly interested in suggestions for routes in Dorset. Brand new area for me and visiting in April for a sailing event my son has entered. I am keener on bikes than boats and will be looking to escape Weymouth for a cycle.

[Sniffer]

Thanks Dave. The 500 points
Thanks Dave. The 500 points badge appeared, but in the update I lost my top 10 finish for the last Ruta Del Sol stage. Not a big deal, but as it was my first I was quite proud of it!

[Sniffer]

As a man in my mid 40s who
As a man in my mid 40s who does the odd sportive I thought that the sportive bikes might have been for me. That was until I had a bike fit last winter. Apparently my (slightly) proportionaly longer back and shorter legs coupled with reasonable flexibility I was encouraged towards more race orientated geometries even if I don’t race. It was the right advice.

So now I know I am more Tarmac than Roubaix or Supersix than Synapse. ‘Other bike brands are available’.

So if you are spending the kind of money you are thinking about it might be worth getting a bike fit. The guy that did mine gave me a recomended stack and reach which you may find narrows the options and helps inform decisions if nothing else.

[Sniffer]

Fair enough. Good luck with
Fair enough. Good luck with new bike when you make your choice.

[Sniffer]

Buy the bike that fits you,
Buy the bike that fits you, not the one on special offer – or in this case the one available now.

If a 58 is right for you OK, but if it is really a 56 that is right for you then don’t do it.

[Sniffer]

There is a review of the Trek
There is a review of the Trek on this site.

The big brands are generally good value and if you like the look of it and it suits you I doubt you will feel dissapointed.

This might be worth a read if you have not done so already.

http://road.cc/content/buyers-guide/121928-10-best-road-bikes-under-£1000

[Sniffer]

I used to ride Mavic Aksiums,
I used to ride Mavic Aksiums, damaged the front rim and replaced them with a set of Fulcrum Racing 3s a couple of years ago. They definitely feel stiffer, I used to get brake rub when out of the saddle I don’t on the 3s. They feel like they accelerate up to speed quicker. I doubt it has made a huge difference to the speed I cycle at, but they are just nicer to ride with.

It is alot lumpier where I live than Suffolk so I would go for the Fulcrums, but each to their own.

[Sniffer]

giobox wrote:Scoob_84

giobox wrote:

Scoob_84 wrote:

Speaking as an actual engineer, I’d like to point out that Engineering is not a protected status… People who fix photo copying machines are allowed to call themselves engineers

Not to be rude, buy you’ve kinda proven why engineering is not a protected status. What kind of engineer are you (software, mechanical, civil, etc, etc)?

“Actual engineer” is surely just as meaningful or meaningless as photocopying engineer.

No I don’t think you are rude, but probably not that informed on the subject. Germany and other countries seem to have no problem who to define as engineers and therefore have protected status. Chartered status for engineering disciplines is also a good way of separating engineers from technicians and the like.

Whether they are any better drivers is another matter.

[Sniffer]

Been interested following the
Been interested following the posts. I am going to be in Pwllheli for a fortnight in August while my son is competing in sailing events and was thinking about routes. Doing something like the etape eryi route looks good.

[Sniffer]

Sniffer
I have considered a
Sniffer

I have considered a retul fit actually, as well as specialized bg fit. Does retul encompass all fitting processes? Cleats an all? Did you find you needed long and low geometry to be comfy?[/quote]

There is a good review on this site about Retul. Look in Sam Shaw’s blog. I went to the same place and my experience was very similar. My cleat position was checked and the fit seemed to be very comprehensive. There was also a flexibility and core strength test done (plank).

I did go longer from my fit. My stem length was increased to 120mm and my saddle was originally too high. This position does appear to be more comfortable.

[Sniffer]

I had worked out you were a
I had worked out you were a tall lad.

After a lot of prevaricating I went for a Retul bike fit in December. Not only did I get my existing bike set up better, but the fitter gave me a recommended stack and reach for any new bike I was looking at. It changed my view on what would work for me. I learnt that my proportionally slightly longer back didn’t suit the ‘endurance’ road bikes as well as I thought it might. Something like that may be worth a try.

I agree with the comments on stack and reach really being about fit, but fit is probably the most important aspect as riding a bike that fits you makes you happier to ride.

[Sniffer]

I agree with Nixster. Of all
I agree with Nixster. Of all the stats, I would look at stack and reach.

Cannondale Synapse Stack 631 Reach 402
Canyon Stack 598 Reach 406

if I have worked out the right bike sizes you were looking at.

I suspect you are comparing two different style of bikes. The Cannondale Supersix would be nearer the Canyon geometry. Why not have a go on the two Cannondales and you would know what style of bike would suit you.

[Sniffer]

Sniffer wrote:Thought you

Sniffer wrote:

Thought you might like the Whyte Suffolk. Let us know how it works out for you.

I commute on the A-530 pedals mentioned a couple of times. Work well for me. I think the issues of one sided pedals are overstated and you will get the hang of them very quickly.

Good luck with the new bike.

I realised on reading your comments I should have said that I ride A-520s rather than A-530s. Same principle applies though. The A-520s are unsuitable for riding without cleats, but are slightly sleeker.

[Sniffer]

Thought you might like the
Thought you might like the Whyte Suffolk. Let us know how it works out for you.

I commute on the A-530 pedals mentioned a couple of times. Work well for me. I think the issues of one sided pedals are overstated and you will get the hang of them very quickly.

Good luck with the new bike.

[Sniffer]

Thought you might like the
Thought you might like the Whyte Suffolk. Let us know how it works out for you.

I commute on the A-530 pedals mentioned a couple of times. Work well for me. I think the issues of one sided pedals are overstated and you will get the hang of them very quickly.

Good luck with the new bike.

[Author]

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