Which road bike (cycle)
17 July 2009, 02:23 PM
#92
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,025
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I ride approx 2 to 4 times a week.
at least twice a week, its a group of between 3 to 6 of us. I reckon the off road biking we do is as tough as it can be really- coz of where we live - Yorkshire.
you really can do climbs of 20-30 mins of horrible steepness that gets yr lungs burning.
we'd have done 3 hrs solid monday night, did 2 1/2 hrs solid in all this awful rain last night.
we differ from say late 20's to late 40's.
bikes will vary from a £500 never heard of full sus job to a £4000 whyte. (that I must admit is a heap of unreliable crap)
I'd say a few things are critical.
the riders weight.
the riders technical ability and nerve
tyre choice and inflation- depending on terrain.
ability to fix a bike in the middle of nowhere, in the dark/rain/mud.
fitness comes with progression.
we also road cycle and its the same there- a right mix match of racers/tourers and hybrids.
I would buy the bike that you like- the one with the colour scheme that sparkles, the one thats on offer, the one that makes you smile.
cycling comes down to personal ability----- its hilarious passing people clad in team colours, struggling away....... on our range of sh!te, clad in a collections of clothes that make us look like we've just come from rwanda.
just don't buy a bike that you've no chance of using to its ability- you'll look like a tit when someone passes you.
at least twice a week, its a group of between 3 to 6 of us. I reckon the off road biking we do is as tough as it can be really- coz of where we live - Yorkshire.
you really can do climbs of 20-30 mins of horrible steepness that gets yr lungs burning.
we'd have done 3 hrs solid monday night, did 2 1/2 hrs solid in all this awful rain last night.
we differ from say late 20's to late 40's.
bikes will vary from a £500 never heard of full sus job to a £4000 whyte. (that I must admit is a heap of unreliable crap)
I'd say a few things are critical.
the riders weight.
the riders technical ability and nerve
tyre choice and inflation- depending on terrain.
ability to fix a bike in the middle of nowhere, in the dark/rain/mud.
fitness comes with progression.
we also road cycle and its the same there- a right mix match of racers/tourers and hybrids.
I would buy the bike that you like- the one with the colour scheme that sparkles, the one thats on offer, the one that makes you smile.
cycling comes down to personal ability----- its hilarious passing people clad in team colours, struggling away....... on our range of sh!te, clad in a collections of clothes that make us look like we've just come from rwanda.
just don't buy a bike that you've no chance of using to its ability- you'll look like a tit when someone passes you.
17 July 2009, 02:26 PM
#93
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mars
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Austin - heard many horror stories about Whyte bikes - and the owner is apparently a complete ****.
Bike computers with HRM?
This is well regarded. Having a HRM does whack the price right up though.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ca...er/5360011895/
I have three cycle computers (on different bikes) - the road one has a Catye Strada. Very neat little thing but no HRM. I just know when my HR is high!
Bike computers with HRM?
This is well regarded. Having a HRM does whack the price right up though.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Ca...er/5360011895/
I have three cycle computers (on different bikes) - the road one has a Catye Strada. Very neat little thing but no HRM. I just know when my HR is high!
19 July 2009, 06:46 PM
#94
Scooby Regular
after reading this thread i manged to get a bike and it was free nothing special its a kona nunu its been in my mates garage for a few year he never uses it and said i can have it had to buy a new saddle the one on it was horrible!! it has a few bits on it that dont look standard and i just went out for my first ride only did 3-4 miles and cut back thu the woods which was injoyable
19 July 2009, 07:03 PM
#95
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Some country and western
Posts: 13,488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
...our washing machine has broke....might put paid to this idea for a month or so.
..unless a bargain pops up.
Done 57 miles this weekend on my bike, not fast, but considering my knee pretty good going.
..unless a bargain pops up.
Done 57 miles this weekend on my bike, not fast, but considering my knee pretty good going.
31 August 2009, 10:37 AM
#97
Scooby Newbie
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i just went out for my first ride only did 3-4 miles and cut back thu the woods which was injoyable
demande taux pret personnel en ligne credit simulation Faire un pret immobilier en ligne avec un bon creditdemande taux pret personnel en ligne credit simulation
demande taux pret personnel en ligne credit simulation Faire un pret immobilier en ligne avec un bon creditdemande taux pret personnel en ligne credit simulation
31 August 2009, 11:07 AM
#98
My current CTW payments finish in December, can start a new one then so have a grand to spend, dont know which way to go as mentioned as I would like a road bike and a hardtail MTB seeing as my carrera is no more, rather than spending all of it on one bike, do you think it would be possible to do both for a grand or just over, two £500 bikes rather than one for a grand, ok neither will be the last word in cycling but its still a fair price for something workmanlike and to be honest I am not Lance Armstrong !
Currently have my Cannondale Hybrid that gets used every day and I have just resurrected my brothers old diamond back rigid mtb as a bike I can leave outside the leisure centre, its now sporting some Cateye halogen lights and a rack, looks quite retro !
Currently have my Cannondale Hybrid that gets used every day and I have just resurrected my brothers old diamond back rigid mtb as a bike I can leave outside the leisure centre, its now sporting some Cateye halogen lights and a rack, looks quite retro !
31 August 2009, 03:02 PM
#99
I dont quite get the whole cycle to work scheme. In my organisation (public sector) the cheapest bike I have seen offered is just a shade over £400, the majority are buying bikes at £500+
Those who are taking up the offer know as much about cycling as I know about astral physics. I bought my mountain bike around 5 years ago, it is a Giant GSR FS - I ride only on the road / pavement.
http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.010.000.asp?year=2004&model=10034
With a small amount of DIY care and maint it has been trouble free, it gets ridden in all weathers, and is always washed and dried after use.
This cost me £200 when I bought it new and in my non-expert opinion is as up to the job as many of the bikes I am seeing people using on the cycle to work scheme at over twice the price.
I dont need a £500 bike, and I would suspect if many of those buying into our cycle to work scheme were buying their bikes from the local bike shop they would be buying much cheaper bikes that are equally well suited to thier needs.
From my colleagues who have taken up the offer, there seems to be little on offer to them by way of buying advice, in terms of what is suitable. I have heard that the majority of bikes on display at the chosen suppliers shop are in the same price bracket as a small family car.
The other thing that made me laugh was an email circulated informing everyone they were not to try and negotiate any discount with the supplier. I fail to see the attraction or any benefit in the cycle to work scheme, other than the interest free HP arrangement.
Those who are taking up the offer know as much about cycling as I know about astral physics. I bought my mountain bike around 5 years ago, it is a Giant GSR FS - I ride only on the road / pavement.
http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.010.000.asp?year=2004&model=10034
With a small amount of DIY care and maint it has been trouble free, it gets ridden in all weathers, and is always washed and dried after use.
This cost me £200 when I bought it new and in my non-expert opinion is as up to the job as many of the bikes I am seeing people using on the cycle to work scheme at over twice the price.
I dont need a £500 bike, and I would suspect if many of those buying into our cycle to work scheme were buying their bikes from the local bike shop they would be buying much cheaper bikes that are equally well suited to thier needs.
From my colleagues who have taken up the offer, there seems to be little on offer to them by way of buying advice, in terms of what is suitable. I have heard that the majority of bikes on display at the chosen suppliers shop are in the same price bracket as a small family car.
The other thing that made me laugh was an email circulated informing everyone they were not to try and negotiate any discount with the supplier. I fail to see the attraction or any benefit in the cycle to work scheme, other than the interest free HP arrangement.
31 August 2009, 08:10 PM
#100
What apart formt he 40 to 50% reduction in price ?
01 September 2009, 09:04 AM
#101
Moderator
Join Date: Dec 1998
Location: Staffs
Posts: 23,573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I dont quite get the whole cycle to work scheme. In my organisation (public sector) the cheapest bike I have seen offered is just a shade over £400, the majority are buying bikes at £500+
Those who are taking up the offer know as much about cycling as I know about astral physics. I bought my mountain bike around 5 years ago, it is a Giant GSR FS - I ride only on the road / pavement.
http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.010.000.asp?year=2004&model=10034
With a small amount of DIY care and maint it has been trouble free, it gets ridden in all weathers, and is always washed and dried after use.
This cost me £200 when I bought it new and in my non-expert opinion is as up to the job as many of the bikes I am seeing people using on the cycle to work scheme at over twice the price.
I dont need a £500 bike, and I would suspect if many of those buying into our cycle to work scheme were buying their bikes from the local bike shop they would be buying much cheaper bikes that are equally well suited to thier needs.
From my colleagues who have taken up the offer, there seems to be little on offer to them by way of buying advice, in terms of what is suitable. I have heard that the majority of bikes on display at the chosen suppliers shop are in the same price bracket as a small family car.
The other thing that made me laugh was an email circulated informing everyone they were not to try and negotiate any discount with the supplier. I fail to see the attraction or any benefit in the cycle to work scheme, other than the interest free HP arrangement.
Those who are taking up the offer know as much about cycling as I know about astral physics. I bought my mountain bike around 5 years ago, it is a Giant GSR FS - I ride only on the road / pavement.
http://archive.giant-bicycles.com/uk/030.000.000/030.010.000.asp?year=2004&model=10034
With a small amount of DIY care and maint it has been trouble free, it gets ridden in all weathers, and is always washed and dried after use.
This cost me £200 when I bought it new and in my non-expert opinion is as up to the job as many of the bikes I am seeing people using on the cycle to work scheme at over twice the price.
I dont need a £500 bike, and I would suspect if many of those buying into our cycle to work scheme were buying their bikes from the local bike shop they would be buying much cheaper bikes that are equally well suited to thier needs.
From my colleagues who have taken up the offer, there seems to be little on offer to them by way of buying advice, in terms of what is suitable. I have heard that the majority of bikes on display at the chosen suppliers shop are in the same price bracket as a small family car.
The other thing that made me laugh was an email circulated informing everyone they were not to try and negotiate any discount with the supplier. I fail to see the attraction or any benefit in the cycle to work scheme, other than the interest free HP arrangement.
A £200 bike might get you to / from the shops or work. It wouldn't be my first choice for a long ride of 60+ miles.
I would say it's similar to buying a car. A £250 Fiesta will get you pretty much everywhere, so why do a lot of people spend hundreds or thousands more? More comfort? Better performance?
19 September 2009, 12:12 PM
#102
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Some country and western
Posts: 13,488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I never did get a road bike, my FCR will do until spring......but today I did get these today.
2009 Specialized Rockhopper Disc
2010 Giant Talon W 2
2009 Specialized Rockhopper Disc
2010 Giant Talon W 2
19 September 2009, 12:25 PM
#103
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: LIVERPOOL THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Posts: 8,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This thread is lacking in pictures, I need pictures to form an opinion....a picture paints a thousand words...which is a long time on a type text BBS. 
19 September 2009, 12:40 PM
#105
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: LIVERPOOL THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Posts: 8,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is an extremely ironic question coming from me, but here goes...
Why do you need two mountain bikes that look the same but for the colour ?
Why do you need two mountain bikes that look the same but for the colour ?
19 September 2009, 01:26 PM
#109
BANNED
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: LIVERPOOL THE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Posts: 8,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I like to get out on my bike down the local towpaths, take in some air, and get the blood circulating.......but lets be honest, I dont use it enough.
03 May 2010, 10:16 AM
#110
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Some country and western
Posts: 13,488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, as it happens we bought 2 of these last weekend. A 54 for her, and a 58 for me. Both have had Shimano 105 pedals fitted.
Really enjoying riding it.
Really enjoying riding it.
Definitely the Allez.
Got this three weeks ago (the model up - 2010 Elite) and it's a cracking machine. Not ridden a road bike for about 15 years so taking some adapting but loving the speed.
Short top tubes though so best if you are after a fairly compact (and accessible) frame.
Reflectors and bell all been taken off now...
Got this three weeks ago (the model up - 2010 Elite) and it's a cracking machine. Not ridden a road bike for about 15 years so taking some adapting but loving the speed.
Short top tubes though so best if you are after a fairly compact (and accessible) frame.
Reflectors and bell all been taken off now...
03 May 2010, 11:01 AM
#111
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: There on the stair
Posts: 10,208
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I tried the Allez (and Kuota Kharma) but didn't like the shorter top tube and ended up with the Trek Madone (only the 4.5) as it felt much more comfortable to ride.
Good choice as I've done some 60 milers on it and not had any back issues
Good choice as I've done some 60 milers on it and not had any back issues
Last edited by Kieran_Burns; 03 May 2010 at 11:04 AM.
03 May 2010, 10:23 PM
#112
I got the Allez Elite in 58 flavour a couple of months back and love it, preferable to my previous Cannondale Hybrid which is languishing in the shed now, dont think for normal mortals with a sensible budget you can do much better than the Allez.
04 May 2010, 10:52 AM
#113
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Some country and western
Posts: 13,488
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
They are good bikes, there is no doubt about that.
However, I realy wanted a pair of Bianchis, but could not find them for love nor money.
You should think about putting your old bike on ebay - we just sold ours for £500, and we only paid £700 for them 24 months ago.
However, I realy wanted a pair of Bianchis, but could not find them for love nor money.
You should think about putting your old bike on ebay - we just sold ours for £500, and we only paid £700 for them 24 months ago.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
