[TouringPleb]

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...6-slr-9.2.html

Anyone got a view on this? Good price and very good review on Bike Radar.

[R0B]

Originally Posted by JustChris

100% Trek Domane

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.

Plus 1 for the Trek Domane. I've used mine for club rides, sportives, and an audax. Every time the local indie bike shop do something with it they test ride, and they always say how smooth it is. Great after-sales support from Trek - there's a good outlet in Milton Keynes which is near their U.K. HO. Happy to meet you there one day TP if you want second opinions.

[Blacktemplar]

Loads of great deals out there at 0% from a good range of suppliers. I love my Cube Nuroad Pro Gravel bike but the Colnago is my ‘Sunday best’.

Lots of good advice here and on your budget you have a great range on offer. Spesh are good as are Trek, Felt also a good choice. Ribble and Dolan do some very decent kit and at that price you’d want Ultegra at least. Check out publications like Cycling Plus and Bikeradar for head to head reviews.

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...6-slr-9.2.html

Anyone got a view on this? Good price and very good review on Bike Radar.

Looks good. Got no complaint about my Boardman, the finishing kit is good as well as the bike geometry.

[330XDave]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...6-slr-9.2.html

Anyone got a view on this? Good price and very good review on Bike Radar.

To be honest with you I doubt you'll get a better bike brand new for £1500. Snap it up.

If you get serious about cycling then you could upgrade the wheels and you'll have a bike that'll feel as good as top end bikes.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...6-slr-9.2.html

Anyone got a view on this? Good price and very good review on Bike Radar.

Spot on kit and my Boardman cyclocross served en very well as an all rounder.

After Trek, Boardmans would be next on my list and bizarrely I thought their range is amazing value for money. Online Boardman yes, Halfords Boardman No.

[330XDave]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Spot on kit and my Boardman cyclocross served en very well as an all rounder.

After Trek, Boardmans would be next on my list and bizarrely I thought their range is amazing value for money. Online Boardman yes, Halfords Boardman No.

What do you mean by the last comment? Surely they're the same bikes lol?

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

What do you mean by the last comment? Surely they're the same bikes lol?

They are, just don't use the H word and everyone is happy .

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by 330XDave

What do you mean by the last comment? Surely they're the same bikes lol?

Haven't shopped in Halfords for a 'me' bike but did get sons there last year....but they used to sell the low end of the Boardman range. [EDIT see my quote below, still correct and on strategy]

You could only get the good Boardman bikes online at Boardman or in better/specialist bike shops. For example please could one of you guys pick me up an AIR 9.8 from Halfords please.....wait I thought you said they were the same :...yes of buying the entry level maybe.

@TP I doubt this size is for your but a cracking bargain CF Frame and Fork + 105 Groupset £1299!

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/road-...ke-594496.html


Chris Boardman quote:-
"We told Halfords we wanted to keep our Elite range only going to independent bike dealers," Boardman said. "Matt Davies [Halfords CEO] said that's fine —and he's been true to his word.

Source:-


https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/p...ds-deal-128828

A few pics too of my great servant. Converted a CX cyclocross into a prett rugged and fast all rounder.

...and finally check out my foldy Borros Bike (actually a Tern). If you like thrills, go downhill on these at 30mph FFS like a balance bike all over again. Can actually churn out 25mph on these.

[TouringPleb]

The more I look into a new bike the more confused I'm getting.

It's like a foreign language or a secret code to keep outsiders away.

[Blacktemplar]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

The more I look into a new bike the more confused I'm getting.

It's like a foreign language or a secret code to keep outsiders away.

It’s a bit like folks who have no idea about BMW-speak

[JR1664]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

The more I look into a new bike the more confused I'm getting.

It's like a foreign language or a secret code to keep outsiders away.

and thats before you even start looking at 'The rules'

https://www.velominati.com/

Btw if you've been out of it for a while you'll find Audi drivers have taken over the mantle from BMW for being the biggest cockwombles on the road. (Apart from France and Germany where BMW still rule the roost in that regard).

[Bianchi Dave]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

The more I look into a new bike the more confused I'm getting.

It's like a foreign language or a secret code to keep outsiders away.

There's no question it can be confusing for the uninitiated. My username hints at my obsession with cycling, although I currently don't own a Bianchi. I do a few hundred miles most weeks, all leisure, no commuting. Been riding seriously for about 20 years but don't race, just fast group and solo rides and often centuries. I also do all my own maintenance so feel free to ping any queries my way.

For reference my current bikes are a Scott Foil Premium (aero bike used only only in dry weather), a disc brake Trek Emonda (all weather), and a Scott Solace (more relaxed endurance / sportive geometry) which I use for winter duties. All are slightly different in geometry -

Race/aero bikes are lower and longer with a shorter headtube (the vertical tube at the front of the frame) to allow a lower more aero position on the bike.

All rounders (like the Emonda) are not quite as racy as an aero bike with a slightly higher headtube but can still be set up similar.

Endurance / sportive bikes have a much higher headtube, which means the the saddle to handlebar drop will be a lot less. Their handling is also not as sharp but this makes them good for beginners or the less experienced. Bikes like this are also better for those less flexible or have back trouble.

As has been said, THE no 1 consideration when buying a bike is that it fits you properly and you have the flexibility / core strength to cope with the geometry.

One tip - if you are between sizes on a particular brand always choose the smaller size. Its easier to make a small bike larger with use of stem spacers and longer handlebar stem combo than it is to shrink a bike.

Best thing is to always sit on a bike before you buy it, with the guidance of someone that knows what they are talking about!

Also the brand of bike is not that important (as long as its not junk like Carrera etc!) - its the fit, first and foremost.

As said, at your budget you could be looking at Shimano Ultegra equipped bike. I run Ultegra on two of my bikes and it is very good, almost Dura Ace level (shimanos top line) but with a weight penalty. That said, a mate runs the newest R7000 105 and it gets good reviews.

I could ramble on for hours but need to nip out - it is a necessary journey!

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by JR1664

and thats before you even start looking at 'The rules'

https://www.velominati.com/

Btw if you've been out of it for a while you'll find Audi drivers have taken over the mantle from BMW for being the biggest cockwombles on the road. (Apart from France and Germany where BMW still rule the roost in that regard).

I find where I cycle it tends to be white van man, especially those with flat beds! Give you absolutely no space when overtaking and will overtake you when another vehicle is going past the other way.

Also, women in large 4x4s, quite often with kids in the back who just don't give you any room.

[JR1664]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/...6-slr-9.2.html

Anyone got a view on this? Good price and very good review on Bike Radar.

Do you intend doing hills and whats you general level of fitness like ?

That comes with a 11-28 cassette. Fine for probably 90% of the time but might be a knee cruncher on some climbs. I've changed to 11-32 on both road bikes as I have some stonkers I like getting up and I'm not as young as I was.

You then have the issue of the rear mech not being able to cope with a larger cassette and the one you're looking at has a short cage (so may need replacing and of course that gets expensive and fiddly)

Primarily I would make sure the fit is correct (are you a medium or large) quite often that would be be 56- 58 cm frame.

Do you have an LBS (local bike shop)...they may be more expensive but you will probably get a proper fit, suitable components for your price range(105 or Ultegra) and gearing suitable for the terrain around there plus some really good advice thrown in.

Quite often an 'Internet order' will need tweeking, sometimes set up wrong, gears need adjusting etc unless of course you can find a decent supplier.

I build my bikes so not an issue for me but have previously purchased from here, they used to be extremely competitive and bikes arrived ready to ride within reason

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/


Best of luck

[JR1664]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

I find where I cycle it tends to be white van man, especially those with flat beds! Give you absolutely no space when overtaking and will overtake you when another vehicle is going past the other way.

Also, women in large 4x4s, quite often with kids in the back who just don't give you any room.

Haha yes the school run mums and white van man. Tractor drivers around here are a nightmare, they don't give an inch (quite rural) you just have to get out their way no ifs no buts.

[JustChris]

First we need N. N+1 in good time

[TouringPleb]

Originally Posted by JR1664

Do you intend doing hills and whats you general level of fitness like ?

That comes with a 11-28 cassette. Fine for probably 90% of the time but might be a knee cruncher on some climbs. I've changed to 11-32 on both road bikes as I have some stonkers I like getting up and I'm not as young as I was.

You then have the issue of the rear mech not being able to cope with a larger cassette and the one you're looking at has a short cage (so may need replacing and of course that gets expensive and fiddly)

Primarily I would make sure the fit is correct (are you a medium or large) quite often that would be be 56- 58 cm frame.

Do you have an LBS (local bike shop)...they may be more expensive but you will probably get a proper fit, suitable components for your price range(105 or Ultegra) that are suitable for the terrain around there and some really good advice thrown in.

Quite often an 'Internet order' will need tweeking, sometimes set up wrong, gears need adjusting etc unless of course you can find a decent supplier.

I build my bikes so not an issue for me but have previously purchased from here, they used to be extremely competitive and bikes arrived ready to ride within reason

https://www.paulscycles.co.uk/


Best of luck

I'm in Cambridgeshire so I think you'd describe it as 'rolling'. It's not the flat fens. Although it is always windy here!

Once I get my bike fitness up I tend to do 50-75km, occasionally upto 90-100km. According to Strava I average around 24-26kph.

This shop https://gorillafirmcycling.com/ is very close to me but they seem to be very high end, far beyond what I can afford or my ability as a cyclist.

I do have a good mate who years ago used to be a professional mechanic on a cycle team and he's always offered to come over and help me set up a bike if I go down the internet route.

[Hugrov]

I can thoroughly recommend a Spesh Roubaix, it's designed for all day riding comfort and the future shock built into the handlebar stem really does reduce fatigue through your arms/neck (it has about 20mm of travel). The seat post also has built in flex which helps with riding comfort, as do the 28mm tyres. There's usually a few used ones on ebay so it's well worth a look. I've owned a few different road bikes (Bianchi, De Rosa, Cannondale and Trek) but the Roubaix is my favourite by far, its a dream to ride, very smooth

BTW, if you do get a decent bike it's well worth spending £70 or so on getting a proper bike fit done, it really can make a massive difference to your general comfort and pedalling efficiency.

[DB118D]

Originally Posted by TouringPleb

I find where I cycle it tends to be white van man, especially those with flat beds! Give you absolutely no space when overtaking and will overtake you when another vehicle is going past the other way.

Also, women in large 4x4s, quite often with kids in the back who just don't give you any room.

This is the main reason I bought a hard tail MTB

Venturing on to the roads is asking for trouble. Drivers have no idea how to deal with cyclists properly

[JR1664]

Originally Posted by Hugrov

I can thoroughly recommend a Spesh Roubaix, it's designed for all day riding comfort and the future shock built into the handlebar stem really does reduce fatigue through your arms/neck (it has about 20mm of travel). The seat post also has built in flex which helps with riding comfort, as do the 28mm tyres. There's usually a few used ones on ebay so it's well worth a look. I've owned a few different road bikes (Bianchi, De Rosa, Cannondale and Trek) but the Roubaix is my favourite by far, its a dream to ride, very smooth

BTW, if you do get a decent bike it's well worth spending £70 or so on getting a proper bike fit done, it really can make a massive difference to your general comfort and pedalling efficiency.

Lovely looking bike...and a sensible prospect.

My favourite Spesh pic from the library. Somewhere in the Pyrenees en route from Spain back to the UK...and on 28mm's believe it or not. My old Tricross CX converted to a tourer, still going strong.

[flashollie]

I'm a mountain biker at heart but have a Ribble Sportive Bianco for commuting and the odd ride on the roads. it's great for me.
Go Italian for style and sex appeal. Trek Giant or Specialized for great all rounders. Boardman or Planet X for value.
Best advice is to sit on them and ride if possible. spend the most you can to get the best frame. this affects the bike more than anything. Then money on wheels. Group sets look lovely but they all work very well if you go for the mid price and up which with your budget you will be. So try to get a bias toward frame and wheels. Components can be upgraded over time.
Compact gearing will be standard now. that means your chain rings at the front and rear are close in size. Go bigger at the back smaller at the front if your unfit or ride hills a lot.
Lots of cycle mags will do the best bike for under £xxxx. these are the best bikes for the riders of the reviews. best way is to try to ride the top few bikes they suggest. Or look second hand lots of good deals as people really look after expensive bikes.

good luck!