Road bike advice & info please...
Discussion
Morning all 
I've decided I need to buy a new bike to compliment my Orange Msisle. I had planned to upgrade forks/wheels/brakes etc. on the Msisle but realised I could get a decent road bike for the amount I was ready to spend on, lets face it, tarty bits I don't really need...
I had attempted to get a new bike in 2008, using the Ride 2 Work scheme to help fund it, but typically my company didn't want to partake in it
I've just fired off a follow up email to see if that position has changed. I was also previously advised we did have a 17.5% discount scheme running, which seems to be via what is now Cyclelife, so namely Raleigh. Again I'm waiting to hear of that's still running...
So that brings me to where I am now - trying to decide what bike I want/need. Like so many toys, there seems to be a wonderful choice. Which makes the procees enjoyable but somewhat harder.
The main reason I want a road bike is for fitness, fun and general excercise. I'm in the gym regularly but never do any cardio, and want to do something to change that. That idea of sitting in the gym on an excercise bike seems pointless when I can do it for real.
Now, whilst looking at the tarty MTB goodies I happened upon a link to the Boardman Pro Carbon, and got all excited. Seems pretty decent, and I've seen the reviews for the Team Carbon. Looking on here the Boardman bikes seem to get a mixed reception, but I think the Pro C looks good, with decent kit, and would possibly be a good place to start...
Of course, being a new toy, I've started to do a bit of research
The Cannondale Six Carbon 105 looks quite good, and is of a similar price. And the Raleigh Avanti Race could be had for a similar amount if the 17.5% scheme is still running.
So given this, I'm looking for a carbon road bike, £1500-£2000ish, and was wondering what top advice the PH PP chaps could give?
Again, being new (or is that reborn?) to this type of bike i'm still trying to figure out a lot...
Would a compact or triple be best? What pedals/shoes would I need? Do I need to buy lycra? Can you recommend a decent computer?
Aplogies for the long and, I'm sure, rather rambling post but I'm at work and keep getting distracted.
All help & advice appreciated.
I've decided I need to buy a new bike to compliment my Orange Msisle. I had planned to upgrade forks/wheels/brakes etc. on the Msisle but realised I could get a decent road bike for the amount I was ready to spend on, lets face it, tarty bits I don't really need...
I had attempted to get a new bike in 2008, using the Ride 2 Work scheme to help fund it, but typically my company didn't want to partake in it
I've just fired off a follow up email to see if that position has changed. I was also previously advised we did have a 17.5% discount scheme running, which seems to be via what is now Cyclelife, so namely Raleigh. Again I'm waiting to hear of that's still running...
So that brings me to where I am now - trying to decide what bike I want/need. Like so many toys, there seems to be a wonderful choice. Which makes the procees enjoyable but somewhat harder.
The main reason I want a road bike is for fitness, fun and general excercise. I'm in the gym regularly but never do any cardio, and want to do something to change that. That idea of sitting in the gym on an excercise bike seems pointless when I can do it for real.
Now, whilst looking at the tarty MTB goodies I happened upon a link to the Boardman Pro Carbon, and got all excited. Seems pretty decent, and I've seen the reviews for the Team Carbon. Looking on here the Boardman bikes seem to get a mixed reception, but I think the Pro C looks good, with decent kit, and would possibly be a good place to start...
Of course, being a new toy, I've started to do a bit of research
The Cannondale Six Carbon 105 looks quite good, and is of a similar price. And the Raleigh Avanti Race could be had for a similar amount if the 17.5% scheme is still running.So given this, I'm looking for a carbon road bike, £1500-£2000ish, and was wondering what top advice the PH PP chaps could give?
Again, being new (or is that reborn?) to this type of bike i'm still trying to figure out a lot...
Would a compact or triple be best? What pedals/shoes would I need? Do I need to buy lycra? Can you recommend a decent computer?
Aplogies for the long and, I'm sure, rather rambling post but I'm at work and keep getting distracted.
All help & advice appreciated.
Edited by Johnny on Tuesday 27th April 11:29
Edited by Johnny on Tuesday 27th April 13:16
The Cannondale Six Carbon 105 recently won the bike of the year award from Cycling Plus, but the geometry is much more "race inspired" with low headtube and a high saddle to bar drop for better aerodynamics, but this is not necessarily conducive to all-day-comfort in the saddle
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cycling-plus...
Considering you're not planning on racing, the Synapse Carbon 105 might be better for you as the geometry is more relaxed
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/eng/Products/Bikes/R...
At that price point, you have a lot of choice so best thing to do would be to test ride as many as possible. If it was my money I would be looking at Giant TCR Advanced 3 / Defy 3, Specialized Tarmac Comp / Roubaix Comp, Scott Addict R3 & R4 / CR1 and Trek Madone 4.5 with outsider possibilities from Bianchi, Wilier, Orbea, BMC, LaPierre
If you fancied building it yourself you could probably cobble together a Look 566 in your price range, but you'd need to be looking at second hand components - or Epic Cycles do a Campag Veloce version for £2099
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cycling-plus...
Considering you're not planning on racing, the Synapse Carbon 105 might be better for you as the geometry is more relaxed
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/eng/Products/Bikes/R...
At that price point, you have a lot of choice so best thing to do would be to test ride as many as possible. If it was my money I would be looking at Giant TCR Advanced 3 / Defy 3, Specialized Tarmac Comp / Roubaix Comp, Scott Addict R3 & R4 / CR1 and Trek Madone 4.5 with outsider possibilities from Bianchi, Wilier, Orbea, BMC, LaPierre
If you fancied building it yourself you could probably cobble together a Look 566 in your price range, but you'd need to be looking at second hand components - or Epic Cycles do a Campag Veloce version for £2099
Johnny said:
Would a compact or triple be best?
How hilly is it round where you live and how fit are you? Where I live it's bloody hilly so I chose a triple, but old school roadies look down on you. Doesn't bother me though!Johnny said:
What pedals/shoes would I need?
Plenty of choice out there. Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo are popular.Johnny said:
Do I need to buy lycra?
It helps as baggy clothing flaps in the wind and slows you down but personal preferences againJohnny said:
Can you recommend a decent computer?
For GPS + mapping then Garmin 705, otherwise I like Cateye Wireless Consider one point for a moment:
At your budget, you're looking at a top end Aluminium bike, or an entry point Carbon bike. (Entry point from one of the big manufacturers anyway.)
I'm going for a top end Aluminium from Cannondale, for similar money to what you mention. (I'm a big fella.) I'm not saying this is the better choice, but something to consider.
At your budget, you're looking at a top end Aluminium bike, or an entry point Carbon bike. (Entry point from one of the big manufacturers anyway.)
I'm going for a top end Aluminium from Cannondale, for similar money to what you mention. (I'm a big fella.) I'm not saying this is the better choice, but something to consider.
itsnotarace said:
louiebaby said:
I'm going for a top end Aluminium from Cannondale, for similar money to what you mention. (I'm a big fella.) I'm not saying this is the better choice, but something to consider.
I fecking love my CAAD9 
itsnotarace said:
The Cannondale Six Carbon 105 recently won the bike of the year award from Cycling Plus, but the geometry is much more "race inspired" with low headtube and a high saddle to bar drop for better aerodynamics, but this is not necessarily conducive to all-day-comfort in the saddle
http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cycling-plus...
Considering you're not planning on racing, the Synapse Carbon 105 might be better for you as the geometry is more relaxed
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/eng/Products/Bikes/R...
At that price point, you have a lot of choice so best thing to do would be to test ride as many as possible. If it was my money I would be looking at Giant TCR Advanced 3 / Defy 3, Specialized Tarmac Comp / Roubaix Comp, Scott Addict R3 & R4 / CR1 and Trek Madone 4.5 with outsider possibilities from Bianchi, Wilier, Orbea, BMC, LaPierre
If you fancied building it yourself you could probably cobble together a Look 566 in your price range, but you'd need to be looking at second hand components - or Epic Cycles do a Campag Veloce version for £2099
Thanks for that, lots of good stuff in there! I've got a copy of Cycling Plus and am working my way through and looking at your suggestions, and others.http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cycling-plus...
Considering you're not planning on racing, the Synapse Carbon 105 might be better for you as the geometry is more relaxed
http://www.cannondale.com/gbr/eng/Products/Bikes/R...
At that price point, you have a lot of choice so best thing to do would be to test ride as many as possible. If it was my money I would be looking at Giant TCR Advanced 3 / Defy 3, Specialized Tarmac Comp / Roubaix Comp, Scott Addict R3 & R4 / CR1 and Trek Madone 4.5 with outsider possibilities from Bianchi, Wilier, Orbea, BMC, LaPierre
If you fancied building it yourself you could probably cobble together a Look 566 in your price range, but you'd need to be looking at second hand components - or Epic Cycles do a Campag Veloce version for £2099
Johnny said:
Would a compact or triple be best?
How hilly is it round where you live and how fit are you? Where I live it's bloody hilly so I chose a triple, but old school roadies look down on you. Doesn't bother me though!Johnny said:
What pedals/shoes would I need?
Plenty of choice out there. Shimano SPD-SL or Look Keo are popular.Johnny said:
Do I need to buy lycra?
It helps as baggy clothing flaps in the wind and slows you down but personal preferences againJohnny said:
Can you recommend a decent computer?
For GPS + mapping then Garmin 705, otherwise I like Cateye Wireless Not too hilly where I am, so maybe a double will do.
My main thing with pedals/shoes was wondering if all are compatable? I've seen mention of 2 or 3 bolts?
I'm
Oh, and as for carbon/aluminium... I've just deciced carbon is the way forward for me, but do understand the poing being made, thanks.
I'll aim to get to Evans tomorrow for a chat and look about.
I'm sure I'll have more questions...
Just to throw a spanner in the works, if you are spending that amount of cash it might as well be a bike for life - so have a look at Lynskey Cooper
http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/pages/frames-_...
Frame UK RRP is £999 which would leave you a grand for a groupset/wheels and other bits. You can get complete 105 or Campag Centaur for under £500 from Ribble
WRT pedals - you want 3 bolt for road, it will be obvious in the shop
http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/pages/frames-_...
Frame UK RRP is £999 which would leave you a grand for a groupset/wheels and other bits. You can get complete 105 or Campag Centaur for under £500 from Ribble
WRT pedals - you want 3 bolt for road, it will be obvious in the shop
itsnotarace said:
Just to throw a spanner in the works, if you are spending that amount of cash it might as well be a bike for life - so have a look at Lynskey Cooper
http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/pages/frames-_...
Frame UK RRP is £999 which would leave you a grand for a groupset/wheels and other bits. You can get complete 105 or Campag Centaur for under £500 from Ribble
WRT pedals - you want 3 bolt for road, it will be obvious in the shop
Cheers, that Lynskey is lovely... Looks like I'll be spoilt for choice... which is no bad thing. http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/pages/frames-_...
Frame UK RRP is £999 which would leave you a grand for a groupset/wheels and other bits. You can get complete 105 or Campag Centaur for under £500 from Ribble
WRT pedals - you want 3 bolt for road, it will be obvious in the shop
£2023 gets you a carbon Colnago
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Colnago_Ace_2010...
This Battaglin has a great spec
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Battaglin_C11_Co...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Colnago_Ace_2010...
This Battaglin has a great spec
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Battaglin_C11_Co...
Update!
After much (much!) searching, reading reviews, trips to bike shops and boring Gretch to tears with specs & bike related useless facts and trivia... I have finally ordered a bike...
A Boardman Pro Carbon.
I was very close to ordering a Trek Madone 6 Series or Orbea Orca and had been to look at both. However they were both coming in around £4.5k and after weeks of not getting round to putting an order in I realised it was probably because I didn't really want to drop that sort of cash on a bike I'm not sure I'll get on with. So sense prevaled and I went to Halfords to sort the Boardman this morning
For me the dealing with Halfords was the main thing putting me off. They weren't great, but I'm happy and confident enough I've got the right size that I'm not too bothered, I hope to not use them again in relation to the bike. I'm going to take it somewhere else to get it professionally fitted (probably Twenty3c or Phil Corley) before I ride it so hopefully it will be spot on when I do.
As I saved somewhere in the region of £3k by being sensible, a first for me
, I ordered some rather spanking Look Keo Blade pedals and lovely Mavic Infinity bib shorts/jersey/gloves and Zxellium shoes. In yellow
The only thing I still need to get is a 'puter. I've found a Garmin 705 deal with European map that seems pretty decent so my well go for that.
I appreciate the info. and advice chaps, may thanks
The bike should be with me a week tomorrow. Pics will, of course, follow.
I'm a very happy chap at the mo'
After much (much!) searching, reading reviews, trips to bike shops and boring Gretch to tears with specs & bike related useless facts and trivia... I have finally ordered a bike...
A Boardman Pro Carbon.
I was very close to ordering a Trek Madone 6 Series or Orbea Orca and had been to look at both. However they were both coming in around £4.5k and after weeks of not getting round to putting an order in I realised it was probably because I didn't really want to drop that sort of cash on a bike I'm not sure I'll get on with. So sense prevaled and I went to Halfords to sort the Boardman this morning
For me the dealing with Halfords was the main thing putting me off. They weren't great, but I'm happy and confident enough I've got the right size that I'm not too bothered, I hope to not use them again in relation to the bike. I'm going to take it somewhere else to get it professionally fitted (probably Twenty3c or Phil Corley) before I ride it so hopefully it will be spot on when I do.
As I saved somewhere in the region of £3k by being sensible, a first for me
, I ordered some rather spanking Look Keo Blade pedals and lovely Mavic Infinity bib shorts/jersey/gloves and Zxellium shoes. In yellow The only thing I still need to get is a 'puter. I've found a Garmin 705 deal with European map that seems pretty decent so my well go for that.
I appreciate the info. and advice chaps, may thanks
The bike should be with me a week tomorrow. Pics will, of course, follow.
I'm a very happy chap at the mo'
Johnny - you won't be disapointed with the Boardman. In terms of bang for buck there is nothing that touches them. I've just bought a Boardman Carbon Comp and it just flies. Sod the snobs who wouldn't have one cos it's from Halfords. OK I'm not a fan of the store either, and if I could have bought it elsewhere I would have done. At the end of the day 'it's not about the bike' Enjoy.
Enjoy.Cheers guys... The pedals are bloody lovely
I went for a bike fit over at Velomotion in MK today... I have to say I thought it was money thoroughly well spent. I was there about 2 hours and feel I now have a bike perfectly set up for me that should allow me to ride without causing myself too much pain! I have a herniated L5/S1 disc and wanted to minimise the chances of aggravating things any further.
www.velomotion.co.uk
Unfortunately I didn't have time to get out for a ride after the fitting and I'm now at work for a couple of nights so, again, won't get chance.
Roll on Thursday! Really can't wait to try it out!
I went for a bike fit over at Velomotion in MK today... I have to say I thought it was money thoroughly well spent. I was there about 2 hours and feel I now have a bike perfectly set up for me that should allow me to ride without causing myself too much pain! I have a herniated L5/S1 disc and wanted to minimise the chances of aggravating things any further.
www.velomotion.co.uk
Unfortunately I didn't have time to get out for a ride after the fitting and I'm now at work for a couple of nights so, again, won't get chance.
Roll on Thursday! Really can't wait to try it out!
Tis a thing of beauty!!
I am pretty much set on picking up a Team Carbon tomorrow. I desperately want the Pro but cannot justify the extra money for what will likely only be recreational rides with friends (albeit fit ones with serious bikes). Both bikes are available near to me and I have a Friends and Family discount card, which makes the decision for a Boardy even easier.
Should I bite the bullet and get the Pro or am I right in saying the Team is more than suitable for my needs?
I am pretty much set on picking up a Team Carbon tomorrow. I desperately want the Pro but cannot justify the extra money for what will likely only be recreational rides with friends (albeit fit ones with serious bikes). Both bikes are available near to me and I have a Friends and Family discount card, which makes the decision for a Boardy even easier.
Should I bite the bullet and get the Pro or am I right in saying the Team is more than suitable for my needs?
Johnny said:
Update!
After much (much!) searching, reading reviews, trips to bike shops and boring Gretch to tears with specs & bike related useless facts and trivia... I have finally ordered a bike...
A Boardman Pro Carbon.
I was going to suggest that - you could almost get two of them for the price of the original machines you were looking at!After much (much!) searching, reading reviews, trips to bike shops and boring Gretch to tears with specs & bike related useless facts and trivia... I have finally ordered a bike...
A Boardman Pro Carbon.
The urge to upgrade my 19 year old Spesh Cirrus is strong...
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff