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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.
I commute on a hybrid at the
I commute on a hybrid at the moment, but would like to get a Whyte Suffolk. The model below, the Dorset, was reviewed on this site recently and would be in budget. I like the idea of discs for all weathers, reasonably robust tyres and it would be good for a winter trainer as well as the commute.NeilXDavis wrote:Has to be 11
Has to be 11 speed for me – future proof it or you will be unable to move stuff around in later years…Im stuck in 10 speed world now and although at the moment its no hassle I will have to make the jump soon…You will never be future proofed. Maybe the top end market will move to discs. Maybe you will want electronic shifting. Maybe something else will come along.
A 10 speed bike will ride very nicely for a long time to come.
To answer the 105 over Ultegra question. What do you think Ultegra has over 105? Weight definitely. Shifting not much difference? Would you get a more advantageous weight reduction on wheels?
For the record I am riding 10 speed Ultegra 6700 on my bike at the moment.
Did the Specialized BG fit
Did the Specialized BG fit session suggest an optimum stack and reach? If so, that might be a big help. For example the review of the Infinito 55cm on this site has a comment stating the stack and reach at Stack 380, Reach 567. If the bike fit suggested what would be right for you, you might have something to go on. Maufacturers websites often, but not always, quote these. Even if you don’t have an optimum suggestion from the fit looking at the different bikes this way may help.When I first started road
When I first started road cycling I bought a bike on the internet and made a guess at size. I probably wouldn’t recommend that strategy to anyone else. After lots of humming and hawing and a few years clycling I finally went for a proper bike fit (it used the Retul system that Sam Shaw reviewed on this site, same place actually). It also involved a flexibility test – I am apparently average.The good news, my existing bike was OK for size, but I did have a few changes that have improved my comfort. You just don’t know what you don’t know.
One of the most interesting features was getting a view on my optimal stack (560) and reach (395). When I next buy a bike I can see what is likely to work for me and this will help to narrow the search. It turns out that I have a proportionately slightly longer torso and shorter legs. I had assumed that as a plus 40 year old rider, who does the odd sportive, that the ever expanding range of endurance bikes might be a good option for me. After the fit I can see they don’t.
Tony, in the real world you will be faster and happier with the geometry that suits you rather than a racier bike that doesn’t
Good luck with the search.
When I first started road
When I first started road cycling I bought a bike on the internet and made a guess at size. I probably wouldn’t recommend that strategy to anyone else. After lots of humming and hawing and a few years clycling I finally went for a proper bike fit (it used the Retul system that Sam Shaw reviewed on this site, same place actually). It also involved a flexibility test – I am apparently average.The good news, my existing bike was OK for size, but I did have a few changes that have improved my comfort. You just don’t know what you don’t know.
One of the most interesting features was getting a view on my optimal stack (560) and reach (395). When I next buy a bike I can see what is likely to work for me and this will help to narrow the search. It turns out that I have a proportionately slightly longer torso and shorter legs. I had assumed that as a plus 40 year old rider, who does the odd sportive, that the ever expanding range of endurance bikes might be a good option for me. After the fit I can see they don’t.
Tony, in the real world you will be faster and happier with the geometry that suits you rather than a racier bike that doesn’t
Good luck with the search.
I have used Shimano A520s on
I have used Shimano A520s on my commuting bike for the last 5 or 6 years. They were my first experience of clipless pedals and they have been reliable, maintenance free and feel very stable with the relatively big platform. I have not found the one sided design a big deal. They are great value at £25.You will need a little practice and yes most of us have fallen over at some point on the early days. It is worth the effort to learn though. Recessed cleats are by far the most sensible if you walk more than a few steps around your ride.
I do have SPD-SLs on my ‘best bike’. I like the feel of them, but they are less practical. It also an investment as I ended up with two pairs of shoes and winter boots.
Start with SPDs and there is no compelling reason to make a leap to anything else. I have not tried Speedplays though.
I would echo the previous
I would echo the previous comments. I ride a 2009 Cayo, which is their equivalent of the bikes you have referred to as possibilites. The bikes major on the value stakes, but they make good bikes. I have a Shimano (Ultegra) rather than SRAM group, but many people like it.It will be a good bike, but is the size and geometry for you?
You will manage fine. I have
You will manage fine. I have ridden the last three, but not intending to go this year. The first time I started as a novice too, and only slightly younger.Route is fairly flat with just the KOM as anything approaching a significant climb. I always wonder where the quoted total climb comes from.
I have really enjoyed the events. It is true that you can ride the roads with very few cars anyway. I rode much of the route on a sunny Saturday in September and I didn’t see a single car on my journey south of Loch Rannoch. It is great fun though to ride in a big goup on closed roads. You get the benefit of drafting and the whole road to play with. Last year I got in some good groups and enjoyed the experience.
Please don’t make the trade
Please don’t make the trade off between these two causes. I want to ride my bike safely and help people in other parts of the world. I’d pick very different areas to reduce spending to afford both.PS Gkam and I live in the part of the country where the established church that the monarch is head of does not have much of a presence.
Thanks for the suggestions.
Thanks for the suggestions. Had a great ride on Sunday and the weather was very kind. I understand when you say it could be a bit bleak in poor weather.Stanhope to Edmundbyers was a great route, although steep coming out of Stanhope. I enjoyed the route across the moor out of Blanchland too.
I’ll definitely bring the bike if I am down again.
Yes, frequently go to sailing
Yes, frequently go to sailing events with my bike. My son wants wind and I don’t!Thanks guys. Looks
Thanks guys. Looks interesting especially if I can get a nice summers day. It will be interesting to compare the climbs etc with my normal routes in Scotland.Aksium were on my bike at
Aksium were on my bike at purchase. Good reliable wheels, absolutely nothing wrong with them. I did crack a front rim after a few years use, probably the road not the wheel to blame and bought Fulcrum 3s which make me feel faster (I have read the other thread). They do accelerate faster, whether my top speed is quicker is another matter. I wouldn’t bother upgrading your Giant wheels unless you are going to go beyond the Aksiums as I don’t think you will get enough out of it to warrant a change.Not a silly question, but the
Not a silly question, but the dinghy is a Topper which is a kids dinghy and a bike would not fit in. There is a box below in which I can put the front wheel though.
