bike, weather and lbs advice needed

[azraphale]

firstly, greetings all, be gentle im an absolute novice
im looking to purchase my first road bike next week. to start this will mainly be used for building fitness three times a week and joining beginner rides with local club. my hope is to do some sportives next year especially the london to brighton run.
after my partner through a mental at the cost of the bike i originally wanted, i have settled on the felt z95 as this seems to be a good all rounder with the added bonues of keeping my love life intact.
what i really wanted to know is if this bike is suitable for my aims and if there are any type of mudguards that can be fitted to bikes that have no clearance/eyelets so this bike can be used in winter?
also my nearest reputable bike shop appears to be evans in birmingham, anyone have any experience of these guys? i live in worcestershire so if anyone has any other shops to recommend?

 

[MikeW-71]

Welcome

Good choice of bike I think and more than capable of doing what you want.

Crud Roadracer Mk 2's for the mudguards. They don't need mounting holes on the frame and can be fitted if you have 5mm or more clearance between the top of the tyre and the brake caliper.

I've bought a few things from Evans now, though not a bike, not had any problems with them. They are a big chain though so service will vary between different stores.

 

[vickster]

Welcome

Crud Mk2 mudguards can be fitted to most bikes, but they are flimsy. If you want a bike for foul weather, you may be better getting something more suitable as a winter bike, like the Ribble

I think there'll be lots of bike shops in and around Birmingham

 

[azraphale]

thank you, i contemplated the ribble sportive but im not really purchasing a winter bike, im just aware that our fleeting summer will soon be over and if i could adapt the felt to get me through it. once my hobbie has been proven not to be a passing phase or my relation ship ends i shall be purchasing a new bike this tinme next year anyway

 

[biggs682]

@azraphale there use to be a good bike shop in Bromsgrove called Speeds i think not sure if still there

 

[Widge]

Hi and welcome.

As others have said.. Crud Road Racers are desgned to work with little clearance....although some people report they are a bit flimsy and a faff to get just right. 'Race Blades' are another possibility,

Although...

I think these look a bit groovy http://www.witindustries.nl/collections/all/products/foldable-bike-fender

Sort-of!

 

[azraphale]

lol they do look good but look more useful for keeping your bottom dry rather than protecting the bike

 

[MikeW-71]

The best thing I find with the Cruds is that it has a shield section on the rear guard that keeps muck off the front derailleur. Works superbly! Take your time fitting them the first time, as the instructions are utter crap. They have a video on their website that explains it much better.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

lol they do look good but look more useful for keeping your bottom dry rather than protecting the bike

bikes wash easy enough

 

[HLaB]

Although...

I think these look a bit groovy http://www.witindustries.nl/collections/all/products/foldable-bike-fender

Sort-of!

I wonder how practical they would be on a bike with a rear brake

 

[Widge]

I wonder how practical they would be on a bike with a rear brake

He-he -Well spotted, HLaB!
It's curious that the diagrams show it fitted to a brakeless frame - or at least, one without caliper or V's.....but it is clearly designed to fit around brakes if you get busy with the scissors. One of the pics further down show on a road bike frame with standard calipers.

It's a clever idea.....if a bit head-zingingly ugly.....
I think I'll stick with half a Fanta bottle and some zip-ties?

 

[Widge]

bikes wash easy enough

Unlike mi bottom............







w

 

[azraphale]

@azraphale there use to be a good bike shop in Bromsgrove called Speeds i think not sure if still there

Thanks for the heads up on Speeds Cycles, they are indeed still going strong. seems they only sell trek bikes but will come in very handy for servicing ect

 

[Gravity Aided]

lol they do look good but look more useful for keeping your bottom dry rather than protecting the bike

Because puddles are not always just water.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I wonder how practical they would be on a bike with a rear brake

Be fine for disc brakes.

On my rim brake hybrid I have something similar but it fixes to the seat post.