The Cycling Thread

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Just completed my 146th mile in the last four days.
I AM going to race this year and I am NOT going to come last

Looking forward to a couple of days of rest and getting back on it again, just hope the weather stays nice!

Mavi - The thing is, I did like the look of the Allez because 2013 Sora have the proper shifters rather than the crappy positioning they had before (where you can't get to it if you're on the drops) - the Felt retails at £800 but with discount is £709, the Allez with discount is about £650. Doesn't seem like much more to pay to go from Sora --> Tiagra.

A guy in a cycle shop (who confessed to being a MTB rider and with little knowledge of roadie stuff) came out and said the American Classic wheels I have (58cm deep section carbon) are rubbish because despite being light they are too flexible and was saying that the shimano wheels on the Allez are better because they're more rigid. I'm not sure how much truth was in that, any idea?

Also if you're bored and have 2 minutes, check this out made me chuckle at least... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMCkuqL9IcM

Yes, but how much to upgrade from the Sora to a 10 speed set up, so that you can swap wheels around if you need or want to?

Factor in shifters, and a casstte comes to more than the difference between the 2 bikes. Although the Allez is £550 at most of the online shops

H'mm having looked at the spec for the 2013 Allez, I'd disagree with him about the wheels. Yes they might be stiffer, but that's because they look like 32 or 36 spoke wheels. However your deep section wheels will mean that the spokes are shorter and this'll mean less flex and a stiffer wheel, or a just as stiffer wheel.

Plus being lighter they'll accelerate quicker and being deep section they'll be much faster than the crappy OEM on the Allez. The ones on the Allez will feel dead compared to yours.

From what I've read about American Classic wheels they have a very good reputation

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Dipper

I ought to try something racy and carbon next summer.

Yes, go for it

Originally Posted by maviczap

From what I've read about American Classic wheels they have a very good reputation

Well it's a good job you know what you're talking about, and on the basis that they are £1,000 for the wheelset, they must be good right!!

And I completely agree about Sora--> Tiagra cost if you were to purchase parts. I know the next spec Specialized (the Comp or Elite whatever they call it) is £900 and has Tiagra and so with discount is still around £80 more than the Felt. I don't think there's much difference between the frames.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

What ever you do, the heart of a good bike is the frame and wheels, everything else can be upgraded if need be.

So the Van Nich would be a good choice, Ti doesn't corrode, is comfy and should last a lifetime

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by EssexDave

Well it's a good job you know what you're talking about, and on the basis that they are £1,000 for the wheelset, they must be good right!!

And I completely agree about Sora--> Tiagra cost if you were to purchase parts. I know the next spec Specialized (the Comp or Elite whatever they call it) is £900 and has Tiagra and so with discount is still around £80 more than the Felt. I don't think there's much difference between the frames.

Yes, a £1000 wheel set compared to a £90 machine built wheel set, I know what I'd rather have

Out of interest, anyone planning on the London to Southend this year? (Or any other rides for that matter)

[Dipper]

Originally Posted by maviczap

Yes, go for it

Dave tells me I need to spend £10k and buy it in his size

Originally Posted by Dipper

Dave tells me I need to spend £10k and buy it in his size

The Pinarello Dogma 65.1 is a gorgeous looking bike, and you're even welcome to watch me ride it if you like.

[mattSV]

Originally Posted by Jackie_Black

I plan to do my first 50 of the year tomorrow on what has now become my winter bike (used to be my summer bike but now has mudguards).

From what I have read, as I now have a winter bike i'm allowed to purchase a (very expensive) summer bike.

My budget is about £1500 and I have narrowed it down to.

Van Nicholas Ventus
Specialized ROubaix
Giant Defy Advanced
or maybe a ribble

My requirements are basic. It must be comfortable, it must have 20 speeds and a very wide range double chainset. i hope to buy in about April. Had this discussion a while ago on here and was advised to ride more first. Done that now and definitely sticking with it and plan to do some big rides this year, so surely I deserve a new bike!! what do you reckon OMO? have I missed any amazing bikes?

Have a look at Planet X bikes as well - well built, well specced and good prices.