Upgrade or new bike?

[MockingJay]

A few months ago I got back in to cycling after maybe 10 years and grabbed myself a cheapo Carrera TDF from gumtree for £100. I'm really enjoying riding and I'm doing around 80 miles a week now.

There's nothing fundamentally wrong with the bike, I'm quite happy with it but the tyres are rubbish and sometimes I struggle on hills which may be due to gearing (or me being unfit..)

I'm no expert but I've looked in to what others have done with the Carrera to bring it up to scratch but it seems to me that it's fairly pricey. I've seen it suggested that new wheels, tyres and a 105 groupset are the way to go, but for the money I could buy something like a Specialized Allez Sport off Ebay for less than £400.

I'm just looking for opinions really, and if you feel that upgrading the Carrera is the way forward could you recommend wheels?

Many thanks.

[Coolbanana]

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes...

https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes...


Both bikes get good reviews, so you made a decent first choice. The next one is harder...you could upgrade the Carrera and better wheels will most certainly help but I'd most likely go down the Specialised route and then upgrade that over time.

I've literally just done a similar thing, my 2012 road bike is a fine bike but ready for a wheelset upgrade but instead, I bought a new bike and keep the older one for Winter use and indoor. Next will be even better wheels for the new bike next year...

It won't end, you'll always want to upgrade if you really get into and enjoy your cycling.

[g7jhp]

The correct number of bikes for you to own is n+1. N equates to the number of bikes you own, therefore you should always be looking to acquire your next pride and joy.

I'd opt for another bike.

Edited by g7jhp on Sunday 29th September 12:25

[MockingJay]

Thanks both, I think another bike makes more sense than putting money in to the Carrera.

On that note, whilst perusing eBay last night I found this, which I think looks pretty smart.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Road-bike-Cannondale-Sy...

I'd be grateful if somebody with a bit of experience could take a look and let me know what they think, but for under £600 I think it looks decent.

Thanks

[lufbramatt]

That Synapse looks good. Solid spec with 105 and the mavic wheels. The Synapse has quite a relaxed riding position (compared to the CAAD and supersix frames) but you can adjust all that with stem position etc. I have a CAAD8 with virtually the same spec and I don't feel like the bike holds me back at all and it's been very reliable. I think that bike is about 5 years old- looks in good condition but might be worth budgeting for a new cassette, chain and possibly cables, that will get it running as new.

Edited by lufbramatt on Tuesday 1st October 08:24

[leyorkie]

Good spec looks in good condition tyres etc BUT what size is it ?
No point in getting the wrong size.

[MockingJay]

Thanks, I'm 5ft 10 and it's a 54 so should be right for me.

[MockingJay]

As an update to this, I ended up with an Allez Elite for £450 off Ebay.

https://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/product/...



The guy bought it in July and hardly used it so I think I grabbed myself a bargain. I just bought myself some SPD pedals, can anyone recommend a decent pair of shoes for winter?

Edited by MockingJay on Monday 14th October 08:12

[leyorkie]

Shoes for winter.
What do you have for summer?
You can buy overshoes for winter to keep your feet dry and warm but if you are riding regularly then some proper winter boot are best, but you would be spending over £100 for anything worth having
I have some Shimano winter boots and I got them in a larger size to accommodate thick socks but their not cheap.

[wobert]

Northwave Celsius or Fahrenheit boots are generally accepted as being the best.

I have a pair of the former and they are ace, feet are kept warm and dry irrespective of the conditions.

As above, expensive, in more than £100, I dropped lucky and managed to get a deal and got a pair for £98

[Usget]

That Allez Elite is a bit of a bargain! Good result. That's all the bike you'll need to be honest. As and when you decide you've fully got the bug and want to lighten your wallet, it's a frame that's worth putting some decent wheels on.