03-21-2020, 11:13 AM | #1 |
Brigadier General
4325
Rep 4,221
Posts |
Road bike advice
Any guys on here know anything about road bikes?
With the gyms being closed I'm looking at getting out on a bike more, especially with the weather hopefully improving. I've currently got a 6 year Boardman which is at the end of its life so I'm thinking of something new. I'm more of a sportive type guy, going out on my own on rural roads doing 50-100km. Looking to spend around £2000-2500ish although hopefully this would be on O% finance. Any recommendations guys? And are Rutland Cycles any good? There's a couple near-ish to me. Thanks. |
03-21-2020, 12:05 PM | #2 |
First Lieutenant
180
Rep 334
Posts |
No bike recommendation as I have a Giant Revolt 2 cyclocross - lots of canal paths & soft-roader areas near me so it gives me more scope.
Rutland cycles are great, knowledgeable and good service. Check online for deals on previous year models and you can get decent savings. If you pick up from their Rutland water branch you can test ride around there and go back in for any adjustments before leaving. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 12:18 PM | #3 |
Major General
8424
Rep 8,767
Posts |
Is the Specialized Roubaix still one of the long distance comfort kings? That would have been my pick of carbons a few years back.
Can vouch for the long distance comfort of steel - I have a Genesis Equilibrium/ultegra disc which was a similar budget at list three years ago. £2k iirc, was a warranty replacement for a previous MY Equilibrium Stainless/105/rim that corroded lightly (which looked bad on stainless steel). Rejection/replacement a bit of a theme with me Both Equilibriums were/are superb mile-eaters but the non-stainless current one has the edge. Very compliant. Longest day on either was over 180km under 100km is a breeze comfort-wise. Also feels like a frame that will last forever.
__________________
Drives - 2020 LR Discovery HSE-L Previous - 2019 LR Discovery HSE-L // 2016 F36 440i // 2009 E90 320D SE |
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 12:18 PM | #4 |
Major
629
Rep 1,470
Posts |
I cycle a lot, like 100+ miles a week.
Rutland Cycles are good and they usually have some great deals on bikes. It's important you think about the fit of the bike - how aggressive is your current bike? Do you get any discomfort over longer rides? Also you need to choose between rim and disc brakes but to be honest unless your traditionalist and are dead against disc brakes on a road bike I would go disc over rim all day long. I'm pretty up on specs, feel free to drop me a private message to discuss any particular bikes or deals you see. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 12:24 PM | #5 |
Captain
126
Rep 641
Posts |
Chain Reaction and Wiggle stock their own branded Vitus range which I've found are fantastic value for the money. I run one as my winter bike and find it lighter and stiffer than my Giant TCR summer bike.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 12:41 PM | #6 | |
Second Lieutenant
183
Rep 207
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 12:48 PM | #8 |
Brigadier General
1643
Rep 3,258
Posts |
First thing to say is I have a soft spot for Treks, every since doing the LEJOG on a Lance Armstrong relica Trek 5500 - Still one of the best bikes I've ridden. I haven't actually been into road bike for a good 5 years+ now, but use to waste a stupid amount of time on bikes, almost as much time as on cars .
I've actually just been for a ride today on my near 10 year old Trek carbon frame road bike which I built up from used parts when I was much younger. The bike still rides great (cannot say the same for my 10 year older legs), and goes to show a half decent equipped pedal bike really does last the test of time well. 105 shifter/brakes, Ultegra mechs, Dura Ace wheels, not been used for nearly 3 years stored under a plastic drape in the shed, but a quick wipe down and everything still shifts/stops/works perfectly with no squeak/noise!! This is my current main commuter bike, I've only had it since mid of Feb but have done 150 miles on it now, rain/wind/storm. It actually cost about the same as my road bike even though its from Halfords and not a big brand name!! The reason is because its partly electric !! It weighs 15kg nearly double that of the Trek, you do feel its weight (though in crosswinds that is a good thing) but when you hit a hill it zooms up versus slugging it out on the road bike . Personally I have never hand an issues using the local Halfords, they are cheap, very quick, though the cycling snobs will look down on you if you even mention the H word. At the end of the day it depends on what your after, even £1-1.5K will get you on a very nice carbon frame road bike with decent spec, upping the budget may not really change your riding experience much. For example the difference between 105 and DuraAce really isn't worth it for us amateur cyclist. Wheels sets do make a difference though, and worth spending extra on. I would also suggest giving eBikes a look, your budget will get you into some nice machines, like the Orbea Gain. Boardman also do a drop bar version of the hybrid bike I commute on. The Riddle SLe is also a good looking bike. The electric motor doesn't turn the bike into a moped, but it does make headwind, steep climbs much more fun!! Again the cycling community looks down on eBikes, but if it makes cycling more fun I don't really care, my legs will never be like they were when I was in my 20s so I welcome any extra help. https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Orbea-Gain-...aApFAEALw_wcB# https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...-adv-8.9e.html https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribbl...IaAr6zEALw_wcB If money wasn't a barrier I would love one of these.......Even though its not a Trek I do end up getting back into road cycling an electric road bike will almost certainly be my next bike purchase. Last edited by gangzoom; 03-21-2020 at 12:57 PM.. |
Appreciate
2
MashinBenzin8424.00 JR16641146.50 |
03-21-2020, 12:53 PM | #9 | |
General
17426
Rep 25,089
Posts |
Quote:
The IsoSpeed decoupler is genius. State of U.K. roads I think you know, this smooths them out amazingly. Honestly could not recommend highly enough. This bike is a more relaxed long range, so not as twitch or upright. For me getting back into it a while back comfort was paramount. Trek are pricey but top quality and lifetime frame warranty. Honestly see if you can try one. As for group set, I usually try for Ultegra as it's impeccable and you won't be needing Dura Ace, but 105 is allso flawless and TBF since the moves the cable routing of these internal also this is probably best value. As other have said rim or disc brake up to you. For me if you are taking the wheels off for the car trips and maintaining yourself rim is easier. However everything is disc now so this has more choice. DO NOT take a bike with mechanical/cable disc brakes. I had this once and rear brake strength is terrible. Must be hydraulic which again most discs are. Sorry to rant, just passionate, or used to be about bikes.
__________________
My car made front page of Bimmerpost
|
|
Appreciate
1
MashinBenzin8424.00 |
03-21-2020, 01:02 PM | #10 | |
Brigadier General
1643
Rep 3,258
Posts |
Quote:
Cannot disagree about Trek quality, love their bikes. My 2013 Madonna still rides like a dream. Last edited by gangzoom; 03-21-2020 at 01:13 PM.. |
|
Appreciate
1
JustChris17426.00 |
03-21-2020, 01:12 PM | #11 | ||
General
17426
Rep 25,089
Posts |
Quote:
I can't tot this day believe how well is dampened the ride without seemingly sapping leg drive. Goodness knows how good they are now, I see the Madone has had it for a few years too but I feel that isn't a Sportive/comfort bike and Domane was fast enough. Also gangzoom no way do you also have an electric bike! I see a trend Great taste in the Treks though sir, at 45mph downhill wearing 3mm Lycra (picture it chaps) I need faith in that bike like nothing else.
__________________
My car made front page of Bimmerpost
|
||
Appreciate
1
MashinBenzin8424.00 |
03-21-2020, 01:19 PM | #12 |
Major
629
Rep 1,470
Posts |
Don't dismiss going down the second hand route either unless you really do need finance, you could get a top end bike from the last few years for £2k-£2.5k. This is my 6 year old Bianchi, it's high spec with a Campagnolo Super Record groupset but I'd be lucky to get £2.5k for it second hand.
|
03-21-2020, 01:20 PM | #13 |
Lieutenant
185
Rep 474
Posts |
Another steel rider here, Genesis Volare 931 only finished building it after Christmas, but it rides so much nicer than the aluminium cube I had before.
|
Appreciate
1
MashinBenzin8424.00 |
03-21-2020, 01:27 PM | #15 | |
Brigadier General
1643
Rep 3,258
Posts |
Quote:
Half of my bike gear/bikes have been 2nd hand, but am not sure traveling around the county to meet up with people and having a chat about bikes is a good idea at present? |
|
03-21-2020, 01:35 PM | #16 |
Major
1147
Rep 1,263
Posts |
Literally just got in from a quick 40 miler.
Massive subject, best of luck but yes if you can get into Rutland cycles and explain your situation that would be a great start. For your budget you should be looking at an ultegra groupset but I use 105 and cycle thousands of miles a year both here and abroad.105 is a sweetspot for price / performance, even Tiagra nowadays is pretty decent. The disc thing is interesting, I've yet to buy into it simply due to the distances I do and the worry of some kind of mechanical that might befall me if I have an off somewhere remote (like rural Spain or up a mountain). As you know getting the bike is just the start, pedals / new shoes / new gear / Lid or no lid / GPS etc etc..have fun A couple of decent forums who can also help with a choice https://forum.cyclinguk.org/ https://www.cyclechat.net/ |
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 01:48 PM | #17 |
Brigadier General
1643
Rep 3,258
Posts |
Oh you have opened a can of worms.......When Trek introduced their Project One options I was far too poor to even think about playing with the website, just built this up on Trek Website.
The scary thing is, when a Halfords eBike is £2k+, the sum Trek wants for this things doesn't make me fall off my chair . |
Appreciate
2
JustChris17426.00 MashinBenzin8424.00 |
03-21-2020, 01:56 PM | #18 | |
General
17426
Rep 25,089
Posts |
Quote:
Had to search google images as if deleted all pics...here she is, looked after my coconuts for many a ride.
__________________
My car made front page of Bimmerpost
|
|
Appreciate
2
gangzoom1643.00 MashinBenzin8424.00 |
03-21-2020, 03:42 PM | #19 | |
Major General
8424
Rep 8,767
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Drives - 2020 LR Discovery HSE-L Previous - 2019 LR Discovery HSE-L // 2016 F36 440i // 2009 E90 320D SE |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 03:46 PM | #20 | |
Major
629
Rep 1,470
Posts |
Quote:
Unfortunately as the supermarket I manage serves 21k customers a week in a VERY tight space I'm not overly empathetic of those who may have to come in to contact with a handful of people and think they are the next super spreader. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 03:50 PM | #21 | ||
Major General
8424
Rep 8,767
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Drives - 2020 LR Discovery HSE-L Previous - 2019 LR Discovery HSE-L // 2016 F36 440i // 2009 E90 320D SE |
||
Appreciate
0
|
03-21-2020, 04:06 PM | #22 | |
Major
629
Rep 1,470
Posts |
Quote:
Soap also too unsurprisingly as well as any product that has the word "antibacterial" on it. Not see hand gel in for over 2 weeks now other than what they send for staff to use. |
|
Appreciate
1
MashinBenzin8424.00 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|