Road bike help, again!
Discussion
Morning Chaps
Can you help me along with a decision please?
I'm a fairly recent Roadie convert, riding for the last 4 years or so on an old Giant Defy 4 (XL) which is too big for me. I bought it just to try road riding, and I love it so want to get my first 'good' bike.
My activity is out 2 or 3 times a week for 2-3 hours, generally covering 30-40 miles (I've done a few 100km's as well) averaging round 15mph. My routes are around East Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Wolds so some hilly areas. I'm not, nor never will be, a racer. I'm 52, 5ft 11" and 15.5 stone. I spend my working life WFH or travelling, so cycling as well as the local gym is my outlet.
I have been looking at bikes constantly, and can't make my mind up. My non-negotiables are 105 or Ultegra, disc brakes and carbon frame.
I keep coming back to Merida as offering good value and decent kid, but I also like the new Orro bikes.
Can I get thoughts on these....
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Scultura-Disc-6000... - this seems good value with full Ultegra groupset, but it's green!
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Reacto-Disc-4000-2... - I like the look of this but will an aero bike be right for me?
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orro-Pyro-Evo-Disc-105-Hy... - good looking bike but 105, which makes the Ultegra Merida look value?
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orro-Venturi-Evo-105-Hydr... - another good looking Orro aero bike
Or, should I stick with Giant https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-Advanced-1-202... - crap colour though
Any suggestions around the £2k mark.
Can you help me along with a decision please?
I'm a fairly recent Roadie convert, riding for the last 4 years or so on an old Giant Defy 4 (XL) which is too big for me. I bought it just to try road riding, and I love it so want to get my first 'good' bike.
My activity is out 2 or 3 times a week for 2-3 hours, generally covering 30-40 miles (I've done a few 100km's as well) averaging round 15mph. My routes are around East Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Wolds so some hilly areas. I'm not, nor never will be, a racer. I'm 52, 5ft 11" and 15.5 stone. I spend my working life WFH or travelling, so cycling as well as the local gym is my outlet.
I have been looking at bikes constantly, and can't make my mind up. My non-negotiables are 105 or Ultegra, disc brakes and carbon frame.
I keep coming back to Merida as offering good value and decent kid, but I also like the new Orro bikes.
Can I get thoughts on these....
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Scultura-Disc-6000... - this seems good value with full Ultegra groupset, but it's green!
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Reacto-Disc-4000-2... - I like the look of this but will an aero bike be right for me?
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orro-Pyro-Evo-Disc-105-Hy... - good looking bike but 105, which makes the Ultegra Merida look value?
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orro-Venturi-Evo-105-Hydr... - another good looking Orro aero bike
Or, should I stick with Giant https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Giant-Defy-Advanced-1-202... - crap colour though
Any suggestions around the £2k mark.
I would go for the Reacto as they look pretty good. From a functional perspective, you would feel no difference between 105 and Ultegra.
Agree that you aright to go for carbon and disc brakes. Much better in the rain and the winter months IMO.
If you can creep up the budget, I would also look at the Giant Propel Disc. They start at £2k I think.
Don't forget to maybe allow for a decent set of wheels. Can make a big difference to how a bike feels. Also many bikes come with wheelset that is about £100 tops, so always worth looking at an upgrade in that area. I'd rather have decent wheels over Ultegra Vs 105.
Agree that you aright to go for carbon and disc brakes. Much better in the rain and the winter months IMO.
If you can creep up the budget, I would also look at the Giant Propel Disc. They start at £2k I think.
Don't forget to maybe allow for a decent set of wheels. Can make a big difference to how a bike feels. Also many bikes come with wheelset that is about £100 tops, so always worth looking at an upgrade in that area. I'd rather have decent wheels over Ultegra Vs 105.
One to bear in mind is the geometry differences between the Scultura and the Reacto.
How flexible are you? The head tube length on the 54 frame (which is prob right for you) is 10mm shorter on the Reacto and stack height is 23mm less so it’s putting you in a more aggressive position.
You could resolve the difference with spacers but then no one wants an aero bike with a massive stack of spacers under the stem.
How flexible are you? The head tube length on the 54 frame (which is prob right for you) is 10mm shorter on the Reacto and stack height is 23mm less so it’s putting you in a more aggressive position.
You could resolve the difference with spacers but then no one wants an aero bike with a massive stack of spacers under the stem.
bakerstreet said:
I'd rather have decent wheels over Ultegra Vs 105.
Agree also. Have ridden/owned bikes with Soar to DuraAce, yes DuraAce is fab, shifts nicer but up a hill the limitations isn't the groupset it's my legs, taking half a crank longer to shift up or even miss shifting really doesn't slow anyone down. 105s are as good on the shifting bit as anyone needs.Wheelsets on the otherhand you feel the difference all the time, from free wheeling to climbing. I would take 105 groupset (even Tiagra) + better wheels over Ultegra + cheap wheels.
I have a cube agree and if you dont mind previous models then Pauls cycles usually have some stock.
Its a carbon slightly aero bike with relaxed geom - works well for me (I am looking at the propel for next yr but may find it too agressive).
Wheels are first upgrade though - I havent ordered new ones yet.
Its a carbon slightly aero bike with relaxed geom - works well for me (I am looking at the propel for next yr but may find it too agressive).
Wheels are first upgrade though - I havent ordered new ones yet.
Matt_N said:
One to bear in mind is the geometry differences between the Scultura and the Reacto.
How flexible are you? The head tube length on the 54 frame (which is prob right for you) is 10mm shorter on the Reacto and stack height is 23mm less so it’s putting you in a more aggressive position.
You could resolve the difference with spacers but then no one wants an aero bike with a massive stack of spacers under the stem.
This is maybe why I favour the Scultura.How flexible are you? The head tube length on the 54 frame (which is prob right for you) is 10mm shorter on the Reacto and stack height is 23mm less so it’s putting you in a more aggressive position.
You could resolve the difference with spacers but then no one wants an aero bike with a massive stack of spacers under the stem.
I have 31 inch inside leg, so a longer body.
halo34 said:
I have a cube agree and if you dont mind previous models then Pauls cycles usually have some stock.
Its a carbon slightly aero bike with relaxed geom - works well for me (I am looking at the propel for next yr but may find it too agressive).
Wheels are first upgrade though - I havent ordered new ones yet.
Now you have thrown a spanner in the works, I like this.. https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/330/products/cube-ag...Its a carbon slightly aero bike with relaxed geom - works well for me (I am looking at the propel for next yr but may find it too agressive).
Wheels are first upgrade though - I havent ordered new ones yet.
I've got a Cube (it's an Attain GTC Pro from 2017) with Ultegra groupset. The GTC is more endurance than the C62. Was lucky and paid only 850 quid rather than the full 1,600 from Rutland Cycles. Upgraded from a 2011 Sora Specialized at the time and although I did notice the difference in Groupset it was the difference in comfort/ride from the full carbon frame (the Specialized was aluminium), better wheels and 25cc tyres that were most noticeable straight off.
Edited by towser44 on Thursday 21st May 22:02
Edited by towser44 on Thursday 21st May 22:02
Edited by towser44 on Thursday 21st May 22:03
Edited by towser44 on Thursday 21st May 22:04
£100 over budget but the Trek Emonda SL 6 is reduced to £2100
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
I tested an Emonda when bike shopping in 2018 and thought for a "race" bike, it was surprisingly comfortable. I rode it back-to-back with a Domane, having gone to the shop with the opinion the Domane was the better option for me (love long rides but have never raced) but actually left preferring the Emonda.
All Terrain have it in a choice of colours for £2100 - https://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/trek-emonda-sl-...
There's also the Emonda SL 6 Pro for £2650 - adds carbon wheels, so you might as well go for this and save waiting for the inevitable future wheelset upgrade!
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
Another one a bit over budget (can you tell me and budgets don't get on?), Cannondale Synapse with Dura Ace - £4000 down to £2500 in 54cm.
https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/brands/cannond...
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
I tested an Emonda when bike shopping in 2018 and thought for a "race" bike, it was surprisingly comfortable. I rode it back-to-back with a Domane, having gone to the shop with the opinion the Domane was the better option for me (love long rides but have never raced) but actually left preferring the Emonda.
All Terrain have it in a choice of colours for £2100 - https://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/trek-emonda-sl-...
There's also the Emonda SL 6 Pro for £2650 - adds carbon wheels, so you might as well go for this and save waiting for the inevitable future wheelset upgrade!
https://www.trekbikes.com/gb/en_GB/bikes/road-bike...
Another one a bit over budget (can you tell me and budgets don't get on?), Cannondale Synapse with Dura Ace - £4000 down to £2500 in 54cm.
https://www.wheelbase.co.uk/product/brands/cannond...
I recently had a similar equation to deal with, eventually the man maths calculator / cycle to work scheme got the better of me and I went for an Orbea Orca Aero.
However, my initial searches were focused on the Orro Venturi. Seems to have good write ups, British brand and they seemed super helpful when I contacted them to discuss tyre clearances.
I noticed this (£1,500) :
https://www.triuk.com/Triathlon-Bikes/ORRO/Venturi...
I know it's the Tri version but it's the same Evo frame / spec but the whole lot for £500 less. I'm sure you could take the (clip on) aero bars off. Even it needs a new saddle/stem that really isn't a biggie to deal with.
However, my initial searches were focused on the Orro Venturi. Seems to have good write ups, British brand and they seemed super helpful when I contacted them to discuss tyre clearances.
I noticed this (£1,500) :
https://www.triuk.com/Triathlon-Bikes/ORRO/Venturi...
I know it's the Tri version but it's the same Evo frame / spec but the whole lot for £500 less. I'm sure you could take the (clip on) aero bars off. Even it needs a new saddle/stem that really isn't a biggie to deal with.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff