Recommend Me: A Push Iron (Commuter) [Archive] - SV650.org

Owenski

19-03-13, 09:36 AM

For a while now there has been talk of getting a shower installed at work but it seems to have hit a stalemate. The idea with having a shower is that it would allow employees to cycle to work as part of the ride2work scheme which we've recently signed up for.
Anyway with talks at a standstill I'm hoping that by getting a bike on that ride2work scheme and pedaling my tubby butt to work I might be able to give the shower plans a kick in the right direction.

So people of the ORG I put it to you to help me choose a good bike for riding to work (entirely road/cycle way).

Things to consider:
Our Ride2work scheme is through evans cycles
I'm very familiar with my mountain bikes (used to compete at downhill),
I've never owned a drop handle - not too sure I want to,
Maintenance/upkeep is not a problem,
Budget is capped at about £900

So... what are your thoughts?

Owenski

19-03-13, 10:32 AM

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/74-fx-disc-2013-hybrid-bike-ec040366#features

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/85-ds-2013-hybrid-bike-ec042146

a couple of reasonable suggestions

andrewsmith

19-03-13, 11:20 AM

You using it for commuting for bit of everything (I'm expecting you to have a garage full of mountain bikes)

Could always go for something like this http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tricross-sport-2012-road-bike-ec030753

But best wait for what Fizz and the latex warriors say ;)

Owenski

19-03-13, 11:55 AM

Far from it, i sold my DH to put towards the house deposit at our old gaff. Since then I gave away my hard tail as it was beyond economical repair and for the last 2 years I've not even owned a bike :(

This will be used for commuting only as a direct replacement for my motorbikes as both the SV's go up for sale. (Only the GSR is been kept)

I'd not looked at the cyclocross bikes so I'll give those a nosey :)

Dipper

19-03-13, 12:08 PM

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 12:12 PM

How far is the commute? how hilly? what are the road surfaces like? How fit are you?

I know what you are saying about maintenance not being a problem, but just 10 miles each way in all weather and I can destroy a chain and cassette in about 6 weeks on average, and rear mech about twice a year and new chainset every 18 months. Higher end stuff is a little more economical (last proportionally longer for the cost).

I know its "fashionable" now, but singlespeeds are really good for commuting. Much cheaper to buy about 2-300 less for same spec. Maintenance is much cheaper, the parts a bigger, more robust and cheaper. If you are heavy the rear wheel should last much longer, as the spokes do not need to make space for the sprockets.

I seem to remember Specialised did a Singelspeed cyclocross for around £600, and I am sure you could ask them to replace the drop bars with flats, if not its a peice of piddle to do it yourself.

Owenski

19-03-13, 12:16 PM

Owenski

19-03-13, 12:32 PM

How far is the commute? how hilly? what are the road surfaces like? How fit are you?

Commute will be 11miles, its almost a straight road from my house to work but plenty of round about and junctions along the way to slow me down. Then chaos when I hit Leeds center.

Hills, yes, lots. Its about 60% downhill on my way into work. Obviously that translates as 60% uphill on the return. At no point is it flat, in brief you're:
Up hill 1miles
Down 1mile,
Up 3miles,
down 4miles
up 2miles.

Road surfaces are reasonable they're not new and are often broken due to former road works but nothing too uneven.

For me I'm currently unfit, but I'm not unfit by the standard of most.
I used to box, used to compete downhill and I've consistently played competitive football a few times a week since puberty. The boxing and biking has left me but I still play competitive football twice a week. Fittest I will have ever been was when boxing where I hovered just under 10 stone. I'm now 12.5 stone, the biggest I've ever been was 13 (I'm 5ft7)

Wow I had no idea the chain sets would die so quick, is that because you're been overly keen?

Singlespeed I don't think single speed is an option purely due to the elevation changes on the route in/out. I live 3 valleys over from where I work, they're not welsh valleys but they're still sizable. On a fixed ring pedaling up hill would certainly free spin down the other sides.

Runako

19-03-13, 12:34 PM

Specialised Allez - £600 on Bike to work scheme, light as a feather. Maintenance? What maintenance? They chain gets the odd clean and lube once or twice a year and I leave it outside in the elements. Only rust is to the foot pedal frame and its minimal (cause I don't clean it like). Get better tyres, better footholder thingy's and abuse it for a couple of years, It can handle it believe me.

maviczap

19-03-13, 12:35 PM

Latex warrior here....

For winter commuting it's probably best to have mudguards, they protect you and the drivetrain, most hybrids have room for them. I'd avoid anything with suspension it saps power. One thing to consider is most people who are used to flat bars who start riding on the road end up buying a flat bar bike, then replace it with a drop bar bike when they realise the advantages.

This (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-4-2013-road-bike-ec044212) would make an ideal commuter plus be good for leasure cycling too.

What distance is your commute?

+1 to what Dipper said.

Having drops will give you more hand positions, than flat HB bikes, so you can always get comfortable.

You could also have an extra pair of bake levers on the flat part of the drops by fitting some cyclocross levers for dual controls, a good option for a commuter.

You don't need bigger tyres than 25mm IMHO, anything bigger is going to sap energy.

Make sure its got a compact chainset at the front 50 - 34, it'll get you up anything in the UK.

The one Dipper suggested has all the things I've said.

Also get some proper puncture proof tyres like Continental Gatorskinz, you don't want you ride into work hampered by punctures.

Evans has some dropped handlebar bikes, with disc brakes, which would also make good commuters I think

Get some decent wheels, as they'll take a hammering too

Runako

19-03-13, 12:38 PM

What you need then is a light bike with lots of gears. The Allez fits the bill mate. Just get better tyres like Gators. My chain has been abused and is still going. The main maintenance needed is the occassional lube and adjustment of the cables as they naturally get stretched over time. Brake shoe change takes 5 minutes each. You'll get used to drop bars, should actually help you if you stand up pedal uphill. Can't go wrong.

Edit: And no suspension.

Edit: Mavs beat me to the Gators

trudd

19-03-13, 12:43 PM

My ride2work scheme was through Halfords so I got the Boardman Cyclocross for commuting. The reasons for this were:
- Mounting points for full length mudguards
- Mounting points for a rack
- Not super skinny wheels so they can take some abuse

I swapped the tyres for Schwalbe Marathon Plus and got a set of panniers.

I find it perfect for my 7.5mile around the Bristol ring road cycle path. I like the option of the drop bars and the disk brakes still work in the rain.

maviczap

19-03-13, 12:43 PM

Wow I had no idea the chain sets would die so quick, is that because you're been overly keen?.

Pays to change chains regularly, as its cheaper than replacing the whole drive chain.

If I were commuting, I'd have a stash of chains.

Dead easy to change them these days, with quick link fittings

Dipper

19-03-13, 12:49 PM

Pays to change chains regularly, as its cheaper than replacing the whole drive chain.

If I were commuting, I'd have a stash of chains.

Dead easy to change them these days, with quick link fittings

+1

I use a chain wear gauge and replace the chain at .75% this way the expensive bits will last much longer.

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 12:50 PM

Ahh yes, I can see that a single speed would be a PITA then. You'd get used to the ascents, but get fed up with a 30 mph max on the descents. As dipper said, big things are mud guards. Cyclocross is good, as you can probably replace some of the parts with mountain bike parts and last a little longer.

No, in truth the chainsets died because I was using the cheapest geared chainsets i could get on ebay on a fixie, the constant change in direction of force fatigued the bolt holes for the chainring which snapped on me, which is quite exciting at 25 mph on a fixed wheel bike.

But when you are commuting EVERYTHING is a consumable on a pushbike. If you are riding every day you will rack up about 5000 miles a year, chains will get between 700 miles in winter to maybe 2000 miles in summer.j Tyres, about 1000 rear and 2000 front. Wheels, given your hilliness and lots of stop start, might last a little as 5000 miles if you have rim brakes.

I'd say this would look like a good bet: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/clubman-2012-road-bike-ec035289

maviczap

19-03-13, 01:34 PM

Cyclocross is good, as you can probably replace some of the parts with mountain bike parts and last a little longer.

No, in truth the chainsets died because I was using the cheapest geared chainsets i could get on ebay on a fixie, the constant change in direction of force fatigued the bolt holes for the chainring which snapped on me, which is quite exciting at 25 mph on a fixed wheel bike.

But when you are commuting EVERYTHING is a consumable on a pushbike. If you are riding every day you will rack up about 5000 miles a year, chains will get between 700 miles in winter to maybe 2000 miles in summer.j Tyres, about 1000 rear and 2000 front. Wheels, given your hilliness and lots of stop start, might last a little as 5000 miles if you have rim brakes.

I'd say this would look like a good bet: http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dawes/clubman-2012-road-bike-ec035289

Another good choice, although I'm no fan of Shimano 2300

Replacing group set stuff with mountain bike components isn't going to ensure that they last longer, in fact the cheaper MTB stuff won't last any longer than its equivalent road parts.

The more you pay (up to a point) then the longer the components will last.

Shimano Ultegra will normally last longer than Shimano 2300, because the pivots & bushes have anti friction coatings applied when they're assembled.

Its these little things like this that you can't see or generally know about, that makes these components better in the long run. But of course it makes them more expensive!

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 02:06 PM

Another good choice, although I'm no fan of Shimano 2300

Replacing group set stuff with mountain bike components isn't going to ensure that they last longer, in fact the cheaper MTB stuff won't last any longer than its equivalent road parts.

The more you pay (up to a point) then the longer the components will last.

Shimano Ultegra will normally last longer than Shimano 2300, because the pivots & bushes have anti friction coatings applied when they're assembled.

Its these little things like this that you can't see or generally know about, that makes these components better in the long run. But of course it makes them more expensive!

Yeah, didn;t see that it was 2300, was just making sure it had mudguard mounts and was a road bike.

I don't use shimano at all any more except for their shoes, but they have the advantage of being compatible across the ranges. Something like an LX rear mech tend to last pretty well. They try to shield or seal the pivot points etc.

Unfortunately i think Evans' selection of commuter road bikes is pretty poor. The best places I know for virtually abuse proof bikes are Ribble cycles and On-One(.co.uk). You could get a Ribble audax for 600 notes, will come with mudguards, you can upgrade the tyres straight off, Shimano Tiagra groupset (i think). Its a proper road bike but designed to be ridden a long way rather than flat out, there is a reason why they I saw about a dozen of them on the sportive i did three weeks ago.

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 02:08 PM

Also don;t be fooled by the Pinnacle claim of "Can accommodate mudguards". They have space for them but no mounts. Worst of both worlds.

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 02:11 PM

Oh yeah, you also need to budget for kit. Like helmet, lights, gloves and lock, at the very least. If you wear glasses my other half would recommend a cycling cap too.

Owenski

19-03-13, 02:33 PM

Ok I'll submit and just go with the drop handle right away which along with that and the above, taking it all into consideration...
Pick me 1 of these 3.

1 - Trek 1.2 H2 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/12-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040341)

2 - Pinnacle Dolomite (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/pinnacle/dolomite-4-2013-road-bike-ec044212)

3 - Specialized Allez (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-sport-compact-2013-road-bike-ec040965)

Jayneflakes

19-03-13, 02:34 PM

For fast road commuting, a road bike is unbeatable for fun and exhilaration, riding along fast on the hoods whipping through traffic is addictive. However there is one big issue that you need to check first. Can you actually ride drops pain free? I rode drops for years and then as time went on, the bars got higher as my body got more worn out. In the end I took them off completely and fitted a flat bar with bar ends (not cool anymore it seems).

These days I cannot even ride the mountain bike, so built myself a recumbent which is a huge amount of fun, but you wont find a ready built one for the money you are looking at unless you go second hand. Also you have to learn to ride a bike again when you try them!

As for the bike, you wont go wrong with anything from Trek, Specialised or Giant. They all come from the same factory! Ride safe and enjoy getting fit again. Post photos of it when you get it, push bike porn is great... especially now some of the rear clusters hold ten sprockets... ;-)

Runako

19-03-13, 02:42 PM

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 03:03 PM

Spesh. Because we all special. (my mummy says so).

The trek and spesh will be basically the same bikes objectively. Same kit, same guys building it. Sit on them and see which feels right to you. I personally hate treks because the bars sit too high.

I'd steer clear of the pinnacle. They have horrible deep drop breaks for mudguard clearance, and no mudguard mounts. The deep drop breaks feel spongy and are not as powerful. It will also limit what you can replace them with if they break, i.e. be a pain in the a*se to find replacements.

Dipper

19-03-13, 03:06 PM

IMHO Dolomite, despite what's been said it does have mudguard mounts, I believe the others don't have clearance, also Tiagra is superior to Sora.

maviczap

19-03-13, 03:17 PM

IMHO Dolomite, despite what's been said it does have mudguard mounts, I believe the others don't have clearance, also Tiagra is superior to Sora.

+1

If its got deep drop brakes, it'll be able to accommodate proper mudguards, the others might only be able to have the thin roadracer crud guards. Which won't be as good for keeping the crap away from you and the drive chain

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 03:19 PM

IMHO Dolomite, despite what's been said it does have mudguard mounts, I believe the others don't have clearance, also Tiagra is superior to Sora.

My bad. It appears they have put some mudguard mounts on. Wasn't the case last time i was looking for a bike. I thought Tiagra and sora were the other way round. Not that there is much between them.

Owenski

19-03-13, 03:26 PM

Is it wrong that I think the Dolomite looks boring :(
Im like a stupid spring time bug and feel myself been drawn to the colour of the trek and spechi.

I'm seriously torn though, the Dolomite is defiantly a higher spec than the other two... hmmmm I've got some time to wait until the voucher comes through the door but I could happily have any of those three, best get my back side down to Evans and have a little play on them all.

EssexDave

19-03-13, 03:34 PM

Owenski - I ride regularly with Dipper and do not have mudguards.

I commuted for a while, sometimes in bed weather but I always had the car or motorbike if I fancied.

What I would say - if you are planning on commuting every day, get one that can take mudguards.

However, if you want a bike for fun/looks too, then I'd not be too bothered about mudguards. In bad weather you'll still get wet. You will wear chains/cassettes out faster and have more cleaning to do.

Tiagra over Sora is SO worth it but 105 over tiagra isn't such a difference.

The other thing is, you want a bike that fits you and is comfortable. I spent a long time on a wrong sized bike thanks to a pretty poor local bike shop that wanted to sell me whatever.

I just picked up a Felt F85 for £700 - fantastic bike for the money with Tiagra gears. I don't think Evans do it which is a shame but gives you something to compare spec to.

ClunkintheUK

19-03-13, 03:43 PM

Is it wrong that I think the Dolomite looks boring :(

No, they are meant to. Or at least that was the original design idea behind the lower end pinnacles. Make them not stand out and less likely to get nicked.

Dipper

19-03-13, 03:46 PM

Is it wrong that I think the Dolomite looks boring :(
Im like a stupid spring time bug and feel myself been drawn to the colour of the trek and spechi.

Not at all, just the Dolomite is the better spec'd and most practical for the job. Anyway once you've got the bug you'll need at least two bikes anyway ;)

Owenski

19-03-13, 03:49 PM

I just picked up a Felt F85 for £700 - fantastic bike for the money with Tiagra gears. I don't think Evans do it which is a shame but gives you something to compare spec to.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/f85-2013-road-bike-ec046306

£100 more than you paid though but still within my brief, its also good looking... hmmmm

maviczap

19-03-13, 04:14 PM

Ribble Audax with Tiagra & carbon fork £659

I'd get them to fit Gatorskinz, as they aren't in the price & you need to add pedals to the price too

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sed/road-track-bike/ribble-7005-audax-winter-training-shimano-equipped?part=SE13RIB7005WINTSHIM&sub=conf_SERW

Owenski

19-03-13, 04:17 PM

I've got to buy it through evans to take advantage of the offer, we're with the ride2work scheme.

maviczap

19-03-13, 04:18 PM

Oh, sorry

Dipper

19-03-13, 04:19 PM

Shame, a Ribble would be perfect.

maviczap

19-03-13, 04:20 PM

Shame, a Ribble would be perfect.

Yep, at least its Evans and not Halfrauds, it'll get put together properly

Runako

19-03-13, 04:48 PM

Yep, at least its Evans and not Halfrauds, it'll get put together properly

+1 and hell yeah!

Had a complaint from a guy who's chain rusted after a week after being put together by that lot. When he complained they said, "ah, that's wear and tear. Have you ridden it through water and not cleaned it? Did you know you have to maintain your bike?"

trudd

19-03-13, 04:51 PM

Yep, at least its Evans and not Halfrauds, it'll get put together properly

That'll be be why I collected mine in the box & put it together myself then :)

EssexDave

19-03-13, 04:52 PM

I am impressed with the Felt, I really am. I don't believe there is mudguard space.

I did get a good discount on it which I expect you would not be able to get on the ride2work scheme.
The bike is very comfy, pretty fast, handles well and a decent weight for the price.

They do do the '95' range which is Sora specced. Not sure if there are any other differences.

Just as a note - I have the 'F'85 but they also do a 'Z' spec (of the 85 and 95) which is essentially a more relaxed position. The F is a 'race bike' and the Z more of a sportive bike so the handlebars are higher. I'm not sure if the rest of the geometry is more relaxed too but that could be something to think about.

Still, the Specialized/Trek etc are all fine. You can buy mudguards that will fit almost anything. They will never be as good as proper ones, but still better than nothing!

Owenski

19-03-13, 05:05 PM

Bloke at work just chucked a cat in...
Edinborough Cycle Co-Op accept the evans vouchers... uh-oh!

maviczap

19-03-13, 05:12 PM

Top end of you budget, mudguards and disc brakes!

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/focus-mares-ax-4-0-disc-tiagra-13?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2froad-bikes

maviczap

19-03-13, 05:16 PM

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/revolution-audax?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2froad-bikes

Similar spec to the Ribble I posted up, although its Sora, not Tiagra

EssexDave

19-03-13, 05:38 PM

What's all this hype on disc brakes? Just added weight surely :p

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/focus-mares-ax-3-0-tiagra-13?bct=browse%2fbicycles%2froad-bikes

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-allez-sport-13

I'd personally be looking at these and the felt.

Don't forget, you want a helmet and pedals. At some point you may want to consider upgrading to clipless shoes. With accessories - best bet to get advice before wasting money on stuff you don't need. Lights can be a nightmare but I'm sure someone can provide you with a link for bright and cheap lights if you need!

maviczap

19-03-13, 05:53 PM

What's all this hype on disc brakes? Just added weight surely :p

maybe, but always work in the wet

But the jury's still out on them for road bikes :-k

Dipper

19-03-13, 06:10 PM

Runako

19-03-13, 08:17 PM

You need a poll. End of.

Owenski

20-03-13, 09:35 AM

You need a poll. End of.

Agreed!

I'm going to pick MY top 3 of the ones I'm looking at.
Then add a poll, but it would be nice too if people were to comment and justify their choice and help me understand why x is better than y etc.

Runako

20-03-13, 10:28 AM

Agreed!

I'm going to pick MY top 3 of the ones I'm looking at.
Then add a poll, but it would be nice too if people were to comment and justify their choice and help me understand why x is better than y etc.

We'll do that anyway ;)

Roberrrrt

20-03-13, 11:23 AM

Cheap and good bike light (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-LM-LED-Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Head-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/271150555573?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Ligh ts&hash=item3f21d521b5)

Agreed - ive got one and it's blindingly bright!!

Got one of these for the rear too - nice little thing http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0090N4630/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just specc'ing up mudguards myself after getting truly blathered on this morning's commute. Anyone recommend any to fit the Trek 1.2 compact?

Owenski

20-03-13, 11:57 AM

Ok I've added a poll and these are the three finalists:

Trek 1.5 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/15-c-h2-2013-road-bike-ec040343#features)

Fuji 1.1 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/fuji/sportif-11-compact-213-road-bike-ec041878#select)

GT GTR3 (http://www.evanscycles.com/products/gt/gtr-3-2013-road-bike-ec042844#select)

Based on what you've all said I've pretty much nailed it down based on:
Budget,
Compact,
Tiagra,
Eyelets
and of course looks.

So what are your thoughts?

maviczap

20-03-13, 12:08 PM

Gt for my vote

For these reasons

Cassette ratio is perfect, the others are far to lower geared, I'd use those sort of gears in the Alps!

Plus its a Shimano cassette. So good quality.

Brake pads are Swiss stop ones, so should stop well.

One thing I don't like is the chainset, as it looks like an old style square taper type. That's where they've saved some money.

Runako

20-03-13, 12:33 PM

Sportif and GTR look very similar so I would say GTR (naturally)

Owenski

20-03-13, 12:36 PM

Excellent, keep the votes coming.
The Fuji gets one vote from Rider A in our office, rider B is yet to view.

Roberrrrt

20-03-13, 01:21 PM

Between Trek & Fuji for me, but Trek looks better ;)

EssexDave

20-03-13, 01:31 PM

GT for similar reasons to Mav.

A12-28 is still pretty high geared but should be pleasant for you if you're in a fairly hilly area.

A 34-28 gearing is about a 5-7mph gear, but you can stand up and move along at around 3mph.

Should get you up most hills around!

Jayneflakes

20-03-13, 01:41 PM

That Fuji looks good enough to sleep with! ;-)

ClunkintheUK

20-03-13, 01:52 PM

No Specific vote. All good brands. Cassette ratios will be fine, most of the time you'll probably be in the middle of the block anyway. This is a very competitive price point and the main differences really are looks and how they feel when you sit on them/ride them. Go test ride all three and pick your favorite.

Agree the ribble's would have been perfect. Got me one of them for winter training with campy groupset. Really nice bike to ride, especially for the money.

EssexDave

20-03-13, 02:03 PM

What I would say with the wider ratios is it's a pain when you shift as it's normally a bigger jump through some of the gears.

maviczap

20-03-13, 02:03 PM

Cassette ratios will be fine, most of the time you'll probably be in the middle of the block anyway.

True, but on a 12 - 28 cassette, the gaps are going to be closer, so finding the ratio you like is going to be easier. So instead of spinning the gear and then going to one down & finding its too hard, its going to be a smaller jump.

Ideally a 12 - 25 (10 speed) is the ideal cassette for most of the UK, with a 50/34 compact chainset

maviczap

20-03-13, 02:05 PM

What I would say with the wider ratios is it's a pain when you shift as it's normally a bigger jump through some of the gears.

Beat me to it, although my explanation was more long winded :D

Owenski

20-03-13, 02:15 PM

All good to know though guys, cheers :)

Depending on the wife's hobbies I might borrow the car and head into Evans to get a look at some of these in the flesh.

Ceri JC

20-03-13, 04:43 PM

Trek: I have no experience of their roadbikes, but I think their MTBs are very well specced for the money.

fizzwheel

20-03-13, 06:58 PM

One thing I don't like is the chainset, as it looks like an old style square taper type. That's where they've saved some money.

Has an FSA same as the Trek, the Fuji to me looks budget in the Chainset department though, but it might just be me...

Out of the, I'd test ride if I could the Trek & GT and see which fitted / felt the best to ride.

But if it were my money I'd be looking at

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2013.giant.defy.2/11833/56805/#specifications

As well as

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/detail/13conceptukallez/allez/

Theres a reason that they are common, the Giant particularly seems to get fantastic reviews, but TBH at this price point there isnt much to choose between any of them.

I'd definately be wanting something Tiagra 10 speed shod though...

maviczap

20-03-13, 07:08 PM

fizzwheel

20-03-13, 07:25 PM

Good shout Fizz

The Specialized is Tiagra throughout

Probably why its £100 more than the Giant, which has Tektro brakes and an FSA crankset.

Both are available at places where Owenski can use his vouchers

That £100 is worth it though. My single speed has those Tekro brakes on it and even after pad upgrade, they still dont stop as well as the 105's on my LOOK do...

Also another option perhaps ?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-6-tiagra-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042920#features

maviczap

20-03-13, 07:36 PM

That £100 is worth it though. My single speed has those Tekro brakes on it and even after pad upgrade, they still dont stop as well as the 105's on my LOOK do...

Also another option perhaps ?

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-6-tiagra-compact-2013-road-bike-ec042920#features

Yewp

Useful to read the customer review on Evans site too, although doesn't take into account the most important thing when going to buy a new bike.

Its the 'Lifting it up too see how light it is' check, one thing you can't do online :p

Owenski

21-03-13, 08:55 AM

Spoke with Edinburgh Cycle Co-op yesterday and they no longer redeem the Evans vouchers, which takes away any haggle rights I may have had in an Evans store :(

maviczap

21-03-13, 09:32 AM

Spoke with Edinburgh Cycle Co-op yesterday and they no longer redeem the Evans vouchers, which takes away any haggle rights I may have had in an Evans store :(

Booooooo

Owenski

21-03-13, 10:10 AM

I'm going to try negotiate a deal before announcing that I'm paying by voucher... then hope the sale guy doesn't change his offer based on it not been cash.

Owenski

21-03-13, 07:11 PM

Voucher is now in my possession. Comes with a bonus £50 for accessories too. :-D

maviczap

21-03-13, 07:43 PM

Get some thermals this winters never going to end.

My legs stopped working today on my ride out, never got above 5 degs, and that's without the windchill :(

EssexDave

22-03-13, 01:49 AM

Should have seen what I was wearing tonight!

Long Dhb bib leggings + summer Btwin bib shorts over the top.
Craft base layer
Aldi cheapo (but v warm) winter long sleeve top
Btwin summer top
Aldi cheapo (but again v warm) winter jacket
Small runners cap+helmet

Still got cold at some points! Was bloody windy too although gave me some good speed. Managed to do Southend seafront (5.4km) at 42kmph average. ;)

More importantly, Owenski; when do you plan to upload some pictures of your purchase? :D

Griff-SV

22-03-13, 08:30 AM

maviczap

22-03-13, 09:30 AM

Don't touch GT bikes whatever you do, made for halfrauds and not decent builds. Have you considered buying a second-hand bike of better make/spec? I would reccomend Specialized, well built & decent components :)

Sorry GT aren't just made for Halfrauds, the OP has linked them from the Evan's site, where he has his vouchers for.

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes/road-bikes/f/gt#!

As far as I know GT have been making well spec'd good bike for a long time, even though their heritage started with MTB's

If you'd read the from the start he's getting it on a bike to work scheme, so can't buy 2nd hand

Owenski

22-03-13, 09:50 AM

Don't touch GT bikes whatever you do, made for halfrauds and not decent builds. Have you considered buying a second-hand bike of better make/spec? I would reccomend Specialized, well built & decent components :)

Wow, that's quite a passionate response lol, any story/justification to back it up? I'm not calling you out on it but my previous hard tail was a GT, I couldn't fault it for the money and would have no worries about owning another. So your response concerns me that's all.

Owenski

22-03-13, 09:52 AM

Sorry GT aren't just made for Halfrauds, the OP has linked them from the Evan's site, where he has his vouchers for.

http://www.evanscycles.com/categories/bikes/road-bikes/f/gt#!

As far as I know GT have been making well spec'd good bike for a long time, even though their heritage started with MTB's

If you'd read the from the start he's getting it on a bike to work scheme, so can't buy 2nd hand

Yeah, Mav's right.
The ride2work scheme is a fixed scheme with Evans, I can only buy from their stores. 2nd hand certainly isn't an option, it does say all this earlier in the thread but I can understand people not been interested in reading the whole thread.

fizzwheel

22-03-13, 10:41 AM

I'd have no qualsm buying a bike from Halford, I just wouldnt get them to build it. I'd do it myself and then take it the LBS I use to get them to check what I had done.

IMHO its not the bikes that are the issue is the ham fisted monkey's that put them together that are.

Griff-SV

22-03-13, 10:54 AM

Sorry, I didn't read the post properly.

If your doing ride to work can you still spend up to £999? Are halfrauds not doing the scheme anymore?
Hope I didn't sound too OTT, just my opinion.

When I got mine I had it delivered to me rather than have some clueless cretin try and assemble it :)

Owenski

22-03-13, 11:02 AM

The government backed scheme is cycle to work, which is part/the backbone to the evans Ride2work scheme.
I can only redeem the voucher at Evans, no where else.

Just spoken with the local evans store, they had neither bike in store so long story short I've had to pay a £50 deposit to get them to order in the GT GTR3 for me to view it next weekend. :( another week to wait now.
They would only order me one bike to view at a time so if I dont like the GT I've got to wait another week for the trek... then if I dont like that, feck knows.

fizzwheel

22-03-13, 11:27 AM

What else have Evans got in stock that you could try ? Or have you made up your mind you want the GT ?

Owenski

22-03-13, 11:30 AM

I of those I've viewed online I want the GT but I'm not adverse to seeing what they've got in the shop when I get there. Im well aware I may be able to get more bang for my buck if I pick up a 2012 model, I think I know what I'm looking for now as well (spec wise) thanks to the input of you guys and a couple at work.

maviczap

22-03-13, 11:31 AM

I'd have no qualsm buying a bike from Halfords, I just wouldnt get them to build it. I'd do it myself and then take it the LBS I use to get them to check what I had done.

IMHO its not the bikes that are the issue is the ham fisted monkey's that put them together that are.

Just wait till they start stocking Pinarello's, who's going to let the ham fisted monkey's build them :chef:

Sorry if my earlier post was a bit terse, yet another carp weather day :smt076:smt076

Owenski

22-03-13, 11:43 AM

TERSE

Needed the dictionary for that one, great word choice!

It was/didnt come across that way though so don't worry.
I plan to buy some of those dry fit things, because its quite an intense route Im going to be riding so although I don't want to be cold I don't want to be suffocated either.

Do any of you use mapmyride?

Roberrrrt

22-03-13, 11:46 AM

Do any of you use mapmyride?

You know I do! ;)

Owenski

22-03-13, 11:49 AM

Well yeah you do lol, but I meant any of the other lot.
Is there a way I can send you a link to my route to work without my yet having ridden it?
I've programmed/mapped the route in and I just wanted other folks take on it.

Jabba

22-03-13, 11:54 AM

Evans also sell Cannondale...... there's a couple of CAAD8 (Tiagra 10sp and 105 ) which might be tempting. The 105 is £50 over budget but..... ;)

maviczap

22-03-13, 12:56 PM

Do any of you use mapmyride?

Pretty sure Luckypants uses this

But I've got Strava on my phone, which can track my rides, but normally I use my Garmin for keeping track of what I've done

Roberrrrt

22-03-13, 01:07 PM

Is there a way I can send you a link to my route to work without my yet having ridden it?
I've programmed/mapped the route in and I just wanted other folks take on it.

Yeah I think you can do it on the full web version rather than the app...

EssexDave

22-03-13, 01:41 PM

http://app.strava.com/clubs/sv650-org

Strava is the one.

maviczap

22-03-13, 02:07 PM

http://app.strava.com/clubs/sv650-org

Strava is the one.

Plus there's the Org Strava group, so we can see how much or how little you're doing ;)

Mine won't show much activity :(

Owenski

22-03-13, 02:40 PM

ah rite, i'll get that on the phone for sure then.
I've signed up but have no affiliation with mapmyride so Im happy to use strava from the start. I'll just have to encourage rob to do the same ;)

EssexDave

22-03-13, 02:45 PM

The other bonus with strava (and the reason I use it) is I have a garmin. It tracks everything I do, I just plug it in and upload.

You can use your phone, but on longer rides battery can be a problem (4 hours+)

I used to use mapmyride before I found Strava.

Owenski

22-03-13, 02:47 PM

Is this Strava the one where you can add a time for a certain stretch of road, then when other users ride the same bit they can compare their time with yours and it produces a leader board showing who's fastest etc?

Never mind, think i found the answer.
Damn near my whole ride to work is made up of different sections. One part is a Cat 4 climb.

EssexDave

22-03-13, 03:07 PM

Yeah you get leaderboards :D

Owenski

22-03-13, 03:46 PM

Looks good that app, the website is a little poor and the UI isnt as pleasing as mapmyride but the utilities wipe the floor with MMR.

Bluefish

22-03-13, 08:29 PM

I voted on the GTR 3 as it had the highest no, so is obviously the best, and the Org agrees, I mean who wants a bike that's a one and a half? already got me coat.

maviczap

22-03-13, 08:33 PM

I voted on the GTR 3 as it had the highest no, so is obviously the best, and the Org agrees, I mean who wants a bike that's a one and a half? already got me coat.

You forgot your hat :D

Bluefish

22-03-13, 09:01 PM

Lol

Owenski

25-03-13, 08:47 AM

Typical,
Arrived to work to word of an Evans sale, the Fuji I highlighted has now been reduced to £720... kid in a sweetshop syndrome I swear!

Owenski

29-03-13, 12:10 AM

Sorted! I own one now, its currently sleeping following me fitting all the tach, light and mudguards shizzle to it.

There is a nice story on how I ended up with the bike I brought home as opposed to the one I went to see and it starts with me arriving to find my gt had been sent and fitted with none of the spec it should have (all downgrades). Obviously I wasn't going to pay full price for it, but nor did I want to leave with a crapper bike than I originally wanted either. Fortunately the manager was on hand and handled it extremely fast and for the £800 I was to spend on the GT I rode away with a 2013 spec Allez elite. Doesn't look at fetching as the GT but the spec Is much much better.

Here it is (pre accessories)
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/03/29/ybery4ys.jpg