Decisions Decisions

[straight dad]

It’s come to the time that I feel my 8 year old Ribble Audax (Tiagra groupset) has started to hold me back on longer rides, I can keep up with carbon bikes for around 65-70 miles. Acceleration on bends and corners leaves me behind and takes an effort to re-join the pack, (I accept that I also need to work on my riding craft too).

I’m keen to make my purchase local, I’m lucky that I live in Lancashire and have three companies I can go to, Ribble, Merlin and The Fell (a more bespoke retailer).

My choice has been whittled down to 2 bikes, pro’s and cons with each, so any advice, or experience would be welcome.

Bike 1
Beacon BF80 (The Fell in Clitheroe)
Cost £2099
Groupset Shimano 105 (not sure if new R7000)
Wheels Fulcrum Racing 7.

Pro’s:
Test ride available.
Personal fitting.
Good after service.

Cons:
Price
Lesser group set
Few online reviews.

Bike 2
Merlin Nirto SL (Merlin Cycles Chorley)
Cost £1750
Groupset Shimano Ultegra ST R-8000
Wheels Fulcrum Racing Quatro.

Pro’s:
Price
Respected frame (Ridley)
Good online reviews
Superior group set.

Cons:
No fitting
After sales questionable
Full test ride unavailable.

[GOATever]

Buy the one you can pull the sickest wheelies on.

[E65Ross]

I'd be going for the Merlin and then paying the difference on a good bike-fit. Better spec for the money without a doubt.

[Mr Ted]

For better acceleration what you want is lighter wheels for your current bike, there's nothing wrong with Tiagra groupset , a different groupset won't make any difference, except for bragging rights , the fit of your current bike must suit you since you are riding reasonable distances do you really want to start again with a completely new bike?

[E65Ross]

Mr Ted said:

For better acceleration what you want is lighter wheels for your current bike, there's nothing wrong with Tiagra groupset , a different groupset won't make any difference, except for bragging rights , the fit of your current bike must suit you since you are riding reasonable distances do you really want to start again with a completely new bike?

Not sure I agree 100%, I was doing 100+ miles on my old bike but it still didn't fit right (frame a bit too big so I have slammed it with an inverted stem but the saddle to handlebar drop is only around 3cm. I got a new bike, much better fit (admittedly a much better bike, too!) and I'm a good 1-1.5mph quicker on it every ride

[straight dad]

OK so I'd made a decision, going for the Merlin Nitro, £1750, I'd also seen the Merlin Malt Hardtail MTB at £995, chat to a guy about them and get around to asking (if you don't you don't get) about discount if I bought the two, he goes off to get some manager. The manager comes out but without addressing me directly but speaks loud enough to the other member of staff so that I hear says "not a chance" then carry's on with some minor job.

If a conversation had been had explaining that margins were tight and that they were good value, not a problem.

Not getting a discount wasn't going to be a deal breaker and was prepared to pay ticket price on both bikes, however the arrogance of the bloke resulted in me walking out, so it's off to Beacon Bikes.

[TheFungle]

I notice the Beacon comes with Fulcrum 7's.

These are entry level wheels and will hamper you in your quest for a snappy accelerating bike.

Well worth seeing what upgrade options they could do for you.

[E65Ross]

straight dad said:

OK so I'd made a decision, going for the Merlin Nitro, £1750, I'd also seen the Merlin Malt Hardtail MTB at £995, chat to a guy about them and get around to asking (if you don't you don't get) about discount if I bought the two, he goes off to get some manager. The manager comes out but without addressing me directly but speaks loud enough to the other member of staff so that I hear says "not a chance" then carry's on with some minor job.

If a conversation had been had explaining that margins were tight and that they were good value, not a problem.

Not getting a discount wasn't going to be a deal breaker and was prepared to pay ticket price on both bikes, however the arrogance of the bloke resulted in me walking out, so it's off to Beacon Bikes.

I really wouldn't be buying the bike with the Fulcrum 7's. Had them on my old bike, they were really slow compared to the RS80s that I replaced them with.

Why not get a bike online from someone like Canyon, PlanetX etc?

[smn159]

E65Ross said:

Why not get a bike online from someone like Canyon, PlanetX etc?

I have a Canyon and there are a few Planet X's in our group. Either seems to get you a lot of bike for the money