Buying my first road bike, tips?

[User16625]

On the plus side, if they stint on wheels, then for £1600 it's likely the frame will be better.

I've decided that wheels are a right pain in the ****, because invariably you test-ride the bike with the stock wheels and buy based on that, but when it comes to upgrading, you're basically taking a punt at your given budget, and the ride quality changes dramatically from wheel to wheel but you won't know how until you've bought them, fitted and ridden them. By which time it's too late to send them back. Expensive risk to take!

I love my new Fulcrums and they are definitely faster and stiffer than the Wildcats I had, and lighter by a little bit, but feel strangely less exciting when accelerating, and less efficient when climbing (they're not, though). I also detest bladed spokes because of the whirr, but this is something I'm training myself to like!

Stu

Never thought about it like that. All I know is that my alex rims were as useful as a limp knob after 1200 miles. The spokes just would not stay tight and I ended up buying american classics. Cost a few hundred but those ****in alex wheels had to go so necessity overrode risk. To be honest I didnt notice any changes in handling or performance but then I never been officially timed. However they look nicer and am confident they wont start falling apart in the near future so I am happy enough.

Can you true disc wheels or wheels with bladed spokes?

 

[RiflemanSmith]

Okay you have officially put me off the Viking.
When I first started looking at upgrading from my Voodoo I was set on the Boadrman http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777793_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
Then I changed my mind and wanted the Sirrus http://www.primera-sports.com/produ...99/specialized-2013-sirrus-limited-11654.aspx
Now I am looking at the Boardman again as it is cheaper and lighter, what do you think?

 

[vickster]

Planet X do a flat bar carbon for a grand

 

[RiflemanSmith]

Ah damn you, just when I made up my mind!
Looks good, shame they don't have a pink in a medium.

Why do MTB and hybrids come in inches and roadies in cm?

No it's definitely the Boardman, it's as light as the PlanetX but has got hydraulic brakes which I love.

 

[helston90]

You did spot that the Boardman is aluminium frame? (after the long thread on carbon)
Also don't forget if you're not already to join British Cycling to get 10% off at Halfords.

 

[RiflemanSmith]

Yeah i know the frame is ally but it's still very light and with the carbon fork it can't be as teeth rattly as my Voodoo.
How much to join the BC?

 

[vickster]

£28

 

[RiflemanSmith]

Thanks Vic'.

 

[Spally]

or up to £66 if you want to include personal insurance and a few other bits.

 

[vickster]

Can get a few quid off if go via quidco as a new member too

 

[jay clock]

Okay you have officially put me off the Viking.
When I first started looking at upgrading from my Voodoo I was set on the Boadrman http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_777793_langId_-1_categoryId_165534
Then I changed my mind and wanted the Sirrus http://www.primera-sports.com/produ...99/specialized-2013-sirrus-limited-11654.aspx
Now I am looking at the Boardman again as it is cheaper and lighter, what do you think?

Phew, the Viking is dire....

 

[jay clock]

All this guff about alu frames. I have one (and a carbon) and they can be fine!

 

[jay clock]

I do think £1600 for a flat barred bike is a niche sale.

 

[RiflemanSmith]

I am definitely going for the Boardman I know it's not a road bike but it is a big improvement on my Voodoo.

What would be a reasonable price to sell my Voodoo Marasa for?
It's a 20inch which I bought for £350 on the 30/06/12, I have just put a KMC chain and a new cassette on it.
It is in fairly good condition, has wear on pedals, scratches in the usual places barends, ends of the brake levers, rear mech and a scratch on the toptube where some scroat tried to steal it.

 

[vickster]

What would be a reasonable price to sell my Voodoo Marasa for?

Whatever someone will pay for it...£150-200 maybe?