Another upgrade of bike question

[Lien Sdrawde]

Having got a btwin decathlon 'opening level' bike to see if I was going to stick with this long term - I now find I am truly loving cycling (and thank all those who have helped make that so) - and having found that I am going to stick with it, i'm wanting to invest in something a bit more special, that will allow me to achieve my goal of taking part in sportives in more comfort and style than my current bike would offer me.

Comfort is often mentioned, and is important to me also - and as at nearly aged 50 I dont plan on being tucked in on the lowest part of my handlebars for more than the duration of a good long downhill stretch, I cant see me racing for a place in any team, just enjoying myself riding with others who dont mind averages of less than 20mph!

I have £1300 to splash (tops). Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[Brighton Ed]

I had a similar quest recently. My budget and age are both slightly under yours (mid 30's and up to £1k budget) but I was upgrading from a Claude Butler hybrid that I did about 750 - 1,000 miles on last year (including a couple of sportifs and a charity London to Paris). I got the bug and wanted to upgrade.

With drop handle bar road bikes you have out and out racers or sportif bikes. Sportifs are designed with a greater emphasis on comfort geometry so I would advise looking at these (very hard to tell the difference to the naked eye but your back will thank you). You are somewhere around the alloy / carbon crossover point price wise which is another consideration.

Basic advice I worked out was that you can either go big brand (Specialised, Trek or Giant) or go for something less obvious to a newbie (Planet X, Focus, Fuji etc etc. I'm sure you will get a few people giving their opinion on the best bike amongst these as this thread develops). I went on the fringes of big brand and went for a Bianchi (Italian brand with buckets of heritage - I think it is the oldest brand still available but I'm sure I'll get shot down if I've got this wrong).

Amongst the big brands at my budget the general advice is you get similar value for money - i.e. if one has a better group set then another will have better wheels etc. With the smaller brands you can get a better spec for your money but arguably less expertise and / or after sales support if something goes wrong (as it did with mine and got new forks sorted with no problem due to a small(ish) manufacturing fault).

Best advice I can give is go to a few local bike shops and chat to the people there about what you want. They will all recommend the bike within their store that best suits your needs but each will carry different ranges so it is worth visiting a few. Once you have a short list post it on here for any 'avoid' comments and as long as you are still happy with your list then ask to test ride the bikes. I ended up with a shortlist of 2 and took each for a 5 minute test ride. I knew within 20 seconds of riding the second bike that it was the winner...big comfort difference with the Bianchi suiting my size (i.e. my hobbit arms) much better than the other. I was a bit concerned I wouldn't tell the difference but the bikes had a very different feel that was easy even for me to notice.

I hope that helps.

Ed

 

[smokeysmoo]

Your best bet is trawl the LBS's and try as many as you can, what suits one may very well not suit another.

That said, I can wholly recommend the Cannodale CAAD10, and £1300 will get you the CAAD10 105, check it out HERE

Others will be along with their own ideas, but really there is absolutely no substitute for giving them a go yourself

[EDIT] Oops, slightly crossed post with above

 

[smokeysmoo]

Bianchi (Italian brand with buckets of heritage)

That is correct, but don't be fooled into thinking the frames are Italian built. All Bianchi frames, (except perhaps a few very high end ones), are mass produced in Asia, (and not by Bianchi themselves) along with virtually all the other brands including Specialized, Giant, Trek, Cannondale etc, etc, etc, etc, etc........

Not saying there is anything wrong with this what so ever, there isn't, but people can be confused into thinking they have an Italian thorughbred.

PS: I'd certainly avoid carbon at this price point, but that's just my personal preference.

Ride safe

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Thanks guys. My search starts today - but a purchase may be a month away for various reasons. Why sould I avoid carbon at this price point? Not that i'd set myself on that, but it would be interesting to know. LBS's here I come.

 

[Glover Fan]

Thanks guys. My search starts today - but a purchase may be a month away for various reasons. Why sould I avoid carbon at this price point? Not that i'd set myself on that, but it would be interesting to know. LBS's here I come.

I'd take smokeys comment with a pinch of salt, I can't remember many threads in the past week were he hasn't slagged off carbon in some form or another. Just remember for one person that doesn't trust a material, there are millions of others that do.

I personally wouldn't worry about the material the frame is made of, if you treat it right it should treat you right. Whilst Carbon could crack, i've heard of steel frames rotting from the inside! Generally carbons offer more "comfort" due to absorption of road vibration, although I can't say I noticed a difference, but I came from a steel frame which is also quite comfortable, but I am led to believe alu frames give a harsher ride.

Your budget will get you a decent bike regardless with a good groupset. On Wiggle Focus offer some very favourable reviews and prices for their well equipped shimano carbon bikes. I own one as do many others.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I can't remember many threads in the past week were he hasn't slagged off carbon in some form or another.

I can't remember many threads, (related ones at least!), since the 12th March were I haven't opposed carbon in some way or another, but your comment is OTT and unneccessarily harsh!

I make no secret of the fact that I find carbon competely unneccessary, unless you are competing for podium places, but my quote was;

PS: I'd certainly avoid carbon at this price point, but that's just my personal preference.

I have not quoted any instances of carbon failure the way you have of other material. So I am hardly guilty of slagging it off am I?

Lien Sdrawde, I'd take everyones comments with a "pinch of salt" until you actually try some different bikes made from all the available frame material options and see for yourself how they all ride. Just remember, one alu frame can ride very different from another, and the same applies to carbon, Ti, steel, and probably even bamboo! I am not going to tell you how my alu, carbon or steel bikes ride, as I want you to discover your own preference in the best possible way.

Like it says on the Surly BLOG, (originally posted by another user, and intended to be read wth your tongue wedged firmly in your cheek), "Steel is a great material for making bike frames - so is aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium". The only variable to this IMHO is then peoples own preference, experience, and need, (remember also, need and want are two very different fellows ).

Have a read of that Surly blog, it's very funny and makes light of all the heavy $hite people get themselves into on forums such as this, (and it seems I may also be guilty of that )

Take your time Pal, see as many bikes as you can, ride even more and make an informed choice. There's probably very few bikes that someone on here has not got, so when something takes your fancy search it on here, (other cycle forums are available), and see what people think. but never lose site of your own requirements.

Good luck with what ever you choose

 

[zexel]

Geometry and tyre pressure is the key regarding 'comfort'.

This whole aluminium frame's being 'harsh' might be true regarding very small frame sizes, but has become an internet sweeping statement regarding all aluminium frames.

As mentioned previously have a chat with a LBS/s. Tell them what you want then pick the one you like the colour of

 

[PpPete]

There is some information on this page you might find useful as regards frame materials and also choice of geometry.

Paul (who wrote it) is an occasional poster on these forums and is one of the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic people about bikes that I've ever come across.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Specialized Secteur Comp has taken my fancy following todays trip out - does anyone have any comments or experience with it?

..and thanks for all the help so far.

 

[Banjo]

I am similar in age and do the same type of riding.I think the Secteur would be ideal.I love my Scott but would have a serious look at a Secteur if it needed replacing.

Personally I would prefer the Secteur Elite ,its a bit cheaper and comes with SRAM apex gearing which is good for big hills on tired legs. The comp has a 105 compact double with Shimano 105 gears etc. This is also high quality stuff but doesnt give you the big range of gears you get with SRAM apex.

I think Specialized also do a 105 version with a triple chainset ,not sure which model that is.

 

[John90]

Having started on an entry-level Decathlon, why is it not a good idea to continue up their range? Don't their higher spec bikes offer as much value for money as their cheaper ones? Specifically isn't this a better option than the 'name' brands at this price point?

 

[PaulSecteur]

I have the 2010 Elite with the 105 tripple. The thing I really like about having the tripple is the lack of gaps in ratios between the gears. I have never ridden an apex bike so I cant comment with authority, but that cassette does look a little mountain bike-ish.
If I were in your position I would look at the 2011, have a test ride and if you like it, buy it!

Spend your £300 on a decent lock, maybe a carbon seatpost a few spare tubes and some claning stuff...and new shoes and matching pedels. Better make that £400!

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Mmmm, yes, good points about the missing gears - the one I have now has a triple, and I think i'd miss that if i'm honest as i'm not great on hills anyway - but the 2011 elite seems to only have a doulble as well? link HERE

Once again, thanks to all - I realize I do need a triple. Search continues

 

[barongreenback]

I've just bought a Secteur Sport, which comes with a triple. Cannot fault it for the price. Great bike.