Bike Expertise Requested
Posted by: Dougunn on 22 July 2006
Dear All
I know many here are dedicated bike users (push not motor) and I would like to ask for your expertise.
Previously I have used a Marin Sausalito and then a Trek 750 - both what were then (at least 5 years back) referred to as Hybrids.
I am now eager to return to cycling (communting to work and for pleasure but not into off road, mountain biking at all). I've looked at what is available and think what I'm after is a what's now referred to as a city bike or road bike i.e light racing frame, flat bars, higher ratio gears, slick tyres etc. Models that look interesting include Marin Lucas Valley, Trek SU600, Cannondale Synapse Flatbar. I am fit and like to ride hard and fast (traffic permitting) and want a bike thats designed for this but is also tough and reliable.
I'd really appreciate any tips anyone can offer (budget up to £1000 max).
Also any suggestions as to good bike shops, places to buy (online?) also appreciated
Many thanks in advance
Doug
I know many here are dedicated bike users (push not motor) and I would like to ask for your expertise.
Previously I have used a Marin Sausalito and then a Trek 750 - both what were then (at least 5 years back) referred to as Hybrids.
I am now eager to return to cycling (communting to work and for pleasure but not into off road, mountain biking at all). I've looked at what is available and think what I'm after is a what's now referred to as a city bike or road bike i.e light racing frame, flat bars, higher ratio gears, slick tyres etc. Models that look interesting include Marin Lucas Valley, Trek SU600, Cannondale Synapse Flatbar. I am fit and like to ride hard and fast (traffic permitting) and want a bike thats designed for this but is also tough and reliable.
I'd really appreciate any tips anyone can offer (budget up to £1000 max).
Also any suggestions as to good bike shops, places to buy (online?) also appreciated
Many thanks in advance
Doug
In Europe, Cannondale prices are much higher than in the USA.
Cyclocross-bikes are a great alternative for commuters.
Ill write more tomorrow. Almost a bottle of Italian red-wine do something for my writing, in a negative way.
Cyclocross-bikes are a great alternative for commuters.
Ill write more tomorrow. Almost a bottle of Italian red-wine do something for my writing, in a negative way.
quote:In Europe, Cannondale prices are much higher than in the USA.
I know (I am just a 'guest' in the US), but you should still be able to get a Cannondale cyclocross bike for under a grand in the UK.
Cannondale road bikes don't suit me. I find them quite a 'harsh' ride (the ones I tried) if that makes any sense, but of course lots of people do like them. I bought my wife a Cannondale 'Bad Boy' for about $700 (not a road bike). Now this is a fun bike and she loves it.
By the way, Bianchi bikes aren't so cheap in the US, so maybe this is the way to go in Europe
I think components are cheaper in the US, so replacing the drive chain and wheels can transform a good bike into a great one. This is of course another option to think about when looking for a bike. Buy a frame set and add the components you need. Having a good releationship with a local bike shop will go a long way to getting you the ride that your after.Hy dougunn!
the most important thing is to have a bike in the right frame size,and that your riding position is correct adapted to your body.
Brands and quality?
personally i own a cube racebike out of alu,
with campa centaure.an absolute good bike
hwich costed nearby 1000 dollar(at seasons- end winter sale).
my second bike is a pinarello carbon.
very beautiful and expensive.(and for sure also an prestige-highlight.)
Quality?
pinarello is alittle bit better,
BUT:imo the cube is for 99,9% of riders
(including myself)far ,far ,far, far enough.
i think also that it will nearby be impossible to find abike in the thousend dollar class of today with bad quality.
they are all excellent,and your taste (and maybe
the marketing of the manufacterer
)will
influence your choice.
O.J.
the most important thing is to have a bike in the right frame size,and that your riding position is correct adapted to your body.
Brands and quality?
personally i own a cube racebike out of alu,
with campa centaure.an absolute good bike
hwich costed nearby 1000 dollar(at seasons- end winter sale).
my second bike is a pinarello carbon.
very beautiful and expensive.(and for sure also an prestige-highlight.)
Quality?
pinarello is alittle bit better,
BUT:imo the cube is for 99,9% of riders
(including myself)far ,far ,far, far enough.
i think also that it will nearby be impossible to find abike in the thousend dollar class of today with bad quality.
they are all excellent,and your taste (and maybe
the marketing of the manufacterer
)willinfluence your choice.
O.J.
Cyclocross bikes are great for commuting - all year round. They rolls good and are a little more solid than pure racers.
Another alternative is a hybrid. A mix between a racer and a mtb. Big gears/wheels and flat bar. Check out Jamis Coda:
It has a steelframe, which makes the ride a little more comfortable than aluminium.
Prices in Europa is about the same as in teh US.
CRC has a put together a Cyclocross bike for £720. Seems to me like fine ride. Shimano 105-group, Kinesis frame and other good "value for money"-parts.
Link
Another alternative is a hybrid. A mix between a racer and a mtb. Big gears/wheels and flat bar. Check out Jamis Coda:
It has a steelframe, which makes the ride a little more comfortable than aluminium.
Prices in Europa is about the same as in teh US.
CRC has a put together a Cyclocross bike for £720. Seems to me like fine ride. Shimano 105-group, Kinesis frame and other good "value for money"-parts.
Link
Bruce
I have been uming and ahing over the disc brakes. They seem like a great idea but as you say are perhaps overkill on a road bike.
Evans, although helpful, were pretty hopeless. They only had the Bianchi in the showroom but not in my size. They had nothing else in any of their stores from my shortlist and told me that they couldn't get them as they were waiting for the 2007 models in October.
It seems they are not planning to sell this kind of bike between now and Oct then!!!
My local bike shop (with a good reputation) does have a Marin Mill Valley in my size in stock - but something makes me feel lukewarm about Marin's. Another nearby shop has a Specialised Sirrus Pro in my size and I going for a ride this week. In my ignorance I thought I would be able to find a shop that had them all and try then one after the other before buying . . . ho hum.
Will report back on the Specialized ride . . .
Doug
I have been uming and ahing over the disc brakes. They seem like a great idea but as you say are perhaps overkill on a road bike.
Evans, although helpful, were pretty hopeless. They only had the Bianchi in the showroom but not in my size. They had nothing else in any of their stores from my shortlist and told me that they couldn't get them as they were waiting for the 2007 models in October.
It seems they are not planning to sell this kind of bike between now and Oct then!!!
My local bike shop (with a good reputation) does have a Marin Mill Valley in my size in stock - but something makes me feel lukewarm about Marin's. Another nearby shop has a Specialised Sirrus Pro in my size and I going for a ride this week. In my ignorance I thought I would be able to find a shop that had them all and try then one after the other before buying . . . ho hum.
Will report back on the Specialized ride . . .
Doug