I need help choosing a bike (caution bike porn!)

[mr brambles]

I have a problem, I have fallen in lust with 2 bikes. Like another poster I have the Carrera TDF but I want something better for club runs, Triathlons and once I'm no longer a fat git, racing



The Bianchi Centrostrade
http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec031954


and the Colnago CLX2.0

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec025628


The wallet is saying Bianchi, but the heart is saying Colnago... HELP!!!

 

[Kiwiavenger]

I love the bianchi! I really want one. However you considered an orbea? Lovely bikes

 

[Zoiders]

Wrong choice IMHO.

Steer clear of team replica-ish bikes and look at what you actually need the bike to do, which is a strong serviceable wheelset, a riding position you will actually find comfortable and a groupset you won't mind to subjecting to all weathers on club runs and training rides.

The likes of Pearson and Ribble offer a pretty flexible menu of bike builds to match your needs.

 

[mr brambles]

I've looked at the Orbea's but they somehow don't float me boat.. however the Colnago specially in the red n white fnaar

 

[derrick]

If i could aford to upgrade i would go for this one,
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bianchi/sempre-veloce-2012-road-bike-ec031963

don't like that curved bar on the Centrostrade

 

[PpPete]

I'd agree with Zoiders (there's a first ) but if you have your heart set on Italian tartiness and can afford it, then go ahead.
However - Ultegra on a Colnago ? Shock, horror......Italian bike should always have an Italian groupset.... and Campag shifters are no to everyone's taste.

 

[marafi]

The Bianchi Centrostrade all the way. Its beautiful!!

 

[Beaker39]

I have the Centostrada and find it fitted my needs perfectly in that I wanted a sure footed, all day in the saddle comfiness that was also a bit nippy (plus I got last years model at a bargain price of £1300 ).

So if that's what you want then hang on untill early next year and see if you can pick one up cheap!!

 

[raindog]

Go for the Bianchi - it's got Campag. Japanese gear on an Italian frame - NEVER!

 

[mr brambles]

Just had a look and play at ribble and I now like 3 bikes

Ribble gran fondo with ultegra grey groupset and CSN Superleggera XL50 Clincher Wheels, not to sure wether to have red or white bars, stem and seatpost & saddle

http://www.ribblecyc...onf_SERC&bike=1

 

[mickle]

The down tube on the Bianchi is affected. A Colnago wearing Shi**no makes me feel more than a little nauseous.

Have you looked at Enigma?

 

[VamP]

You should at this point probably also give some thought to the offerings from Cube and Focus, as they tend to be great value on the finishing kit side.

Finally, if you're really thinking of racing at some stage then look at Planet X bikes. You don't want to spend a fortune on the frameset and brand name, as you'll be spending a fortune on wheelsets and tyres

Also racing tends to involve crashing. How will you feel when your Colnago pride and joy gets scraped across tarmac?

 

[Zoiders]

You dont want/need a pure race machine and you certainly dont want the sparse low spoke count wheels.

Cartridge bearing hubs and 36 hole rims built on a normal spoke pattern, anything else will be tears before the final checkpoint.

 

[mickle]

You dont want/need a pure race machine and you certainly dont want the sparse low spoke count wheels.

Cartridge bearing hubs and 36 hole rims built on a normal spoke pattern, anything else will be tears before the final checkpoint.

What are you on about?

Read the OP. He wants a fricking racing bike!

36 holes????? Did I miss the bit where he was asking for advice on a tandem? My mountain bike had just 60 spokes in 1993 FFS.

 

[mickle]

You dont want/need a pure race machine and you certainly dont want the sparse low spoke count wheels.

Cartridge bearing hubs and 36 hole rims built on a normal spoke pattern, anything else will be tears before the final checkpoint.

Really. Wander in to any bike shop and ask them for a race bike with 36 spoke wheels and see how far you get.