Road Bike Spec

Posted by: Lontano on 01 January 2009

I am thinking of getting a new road bike and am closing in on a Cannondale Synapse Carbon Fibre Bike. I think the geometry will suit me as it gives a slightly more upright position and is meant to be comfortable for long all day rides. I still need to do a little road testing to be certain this is the one for me and am waiting for it to arrive at the store in my size.

The big question I have on the bike spec is do I go for a Compact Double Crankset (34/50) or a Triple (30/39/50).

Now we are not in a big hill district here but I do want to be comfortable going up them when I encounter them. I am lead to believe that the Compact Double should be fine as long as I am not cycling the Alps.

It's another £300 to get the triple with better spec components on the bike as well but I would prefer not to spend that additional cash.

So will I be happy with the compact double? I welcome any thoughts.

Bike One Spec with Compact Double

Frame: Synapse SL Carbon S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale SL Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano 105 front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano 105
Crankset: Cannondale Carbon BB30 Compact 34/50 Tooth Chainrings
Brakes: Shimano 105
Wheels: Mavic Aksium Race wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Pave Sport
Seatpost: Cannondale C3 16mm offset 31.6 x 300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals.

Bike Two spec - another 300 quid.

Frame: Synapse Carbon SL S.A.V.E.
Fork: Cannondale Synapse S.A.V.E.
Gears: Shimano Ultegra front and rear derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano Ultegra
Crankset: Shimano Ultegra Triple 30/39/50
Brakes: Shimano Ultegra
Wheels: Mavic Ksyrium Equipe Wheelset
Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 700x23c
Handlebar: Cannondale C3
Stem: Cannondale C4 31.8mm
Saddle: Fizik Aliante Delta
Seatpost: Cannondale C2 31.6x300mm
Pedals/Extras: Look Keo Classic Team Liquigas pedals

Posted on: 03 January 2009 by JAB

thanks Dave

Posted on: 03 January 2009 by Lontano

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Bull:
I bought a Synapse carbon back in May - 105 with a compact double. It's been a great bike which has taken me to work and back every day, around the Isle Of Wight, New Forest, Purbecks and from London to Paris. There have been a few times that I've thought a triple would have been a big help but I've managed with the compact and not had to push up too many hills.

You can find a review of the 2008 model here.

As for whether you want a triple or a double, it's a bit hard to answer for someone else. How do you get on with hills generally? How fit are you? What ratios do you have any existing bikes and how do you find it?

That London to Paris sounds like fun (and hard work). I want to do London to Brighton (with the Ditchling climb) this year and then might go for London to Paris next year.

Thanks to all for all the bike info. Got to make sure I don't take it all too far with the spec and may go for the cheaper version with better wheels if I can get them.

Bruce, good luck getting the bikes on the Caterham. Sounds like a great trip.

Cheers

Posted on: 03 January 2009 by Steve Bull

quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
That London to Paris sounds like fun (and hard work). I want to do London to Brighton (with the Ditchling climb) this year and then might go for London to Paris next year.

It was a great trip. Foul weather made it harder than it might otherwise have been but we had a fantastic time and the sense of achievement at the end was unbelievable. I travelled with Discover Adventure on one of their open challenges, they are also the organisers behind a lot of the charity-branded London/Paris rides you see advertised. Superb organisation, can't recommend them highly enough and will certainly be doing another tour with them in the future. If you want to know more, just ask.

Steve.

Posted on: 04 January 2009 by davereay

JAB - Top Screw - adjusts inner travel. Bottom Screw adjusts outer travel.
Hope this helps. Dave

Posted on: 04 January 2009 by RichardM

If comfort for long all day rides is a prioirity, have you considered a titanium frame?

My top bike is titanium and I have used it for long sportives (including the Etape), racing and club rides and I have never had any discomfort from the bike.

These are worth looking at http://www.enigmabikes.com/

I have the previous version of the Effusion, but I would have thought that the Echo or Eclipse would do the job.

The Echo can be custonm built to your exact measurements and you can spec it to your requirements - comes out at £2,499 with Centaur.
The Echo comes in at £1,799, but no custom size option.

On the groupset, Campag Centaur with carbon cranks is excellent vfm

Posted on: 04 January 2009 by JAB

Thanks Dave, that does indeed help - like a genius i adjusted the mech without paying attention to what i was doing, so now need to stop the chain jumping off when i select the large ring!

Posted on: 04 January 2009 by northpole

This web site isn't bad for guidance on derailer adjustment:

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

One more for an alternative take on this:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#front

Peter

Posted on: 04 January 2009 by JAB

Cheers Peter - didn't know you were a bike man too (besides being a celebrity!)
what do you ride?

Posted on: 05 January 2009 by PJT

Why not CAMAPGNOLO ???

Posted on: 06 January 2009 by JAB

I presume that question was directed at me - if so, have you tried using their website? Tis hardly a model of clarity!