I was thinking one of these - http://www.thorncycles.co.uk/audaxmk3.html - would make a good commuter - If I can ever get my work to sign up to 'Bike to Work'.
New bike soon...
- Thread starter magnatom
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
hackbike 666
Guest
No news then?
Downward
Guru
- Location
- West Midlands
fossyant said:
Yes here too
I am gutted - I could have bought 5 of those for the price I paid for mine.
Downward
Guru
- Location
- West Midlands
fossyant said:
I have bought a house quicker !
hackbike 666
Guest
He's probably caressing it.
ca·ress (k
-r
s
)n. A gentle touch or gesture of fondness, tenderness, or love.
tr.v. ca·ressed, ca·ress·ing, ca·ress·es 1. To touch or stroke in an affectionate or loving manner.
2. To touch or move as if with a caress: soft music that caressed the ears.
3. To treat fondly, kindly, or favorably; cherish.
ca·ress (k
tr.v. ca·ressed, ca·ress·ing, ca·ress·es 1. To touch or stroke in an affectionate or loving manner.
2. To touch or move as if with a caress: soft music that caressed the ears.
3. To treat fondly, kindly, or favorably; cherish.
I'm here, I'm here! When I got back I had fathering duties to take care off (looking after my current fatherage and not creating any more, before any one comes up with a smart comment!
No bike yet, but then I'd have been crazy to buy one straight off. Remember this is my first proper go on a road bike!
Billy Bilslands first. Top notch place and bloke. I highly recommend it! I spent most of the morning there, talking about what I need/want pros/cons etc. I managed to have a ride of a Kinesis Racelight sporting tiagra group set (54cm seemed to fit my short legs), and very nice it was too, which isn't surprising considering the upgrade from my Ridgeback Cyclone! It will take a while to get used to the different operation of the gears and the different handlebar hand positions/brake levers. However, it wasn't a great shock and I enjoyed the ride. For those who know the area I did a good bit around Glasgow Green and did a sprint (between the lights) up and down the high street, which is a reasonable hill. No problem with the gearing. I'll need to go back.
What really interested me though was the prospect of a really good deal. They have some spare kit hanging around (someone wanted a Pinerello frame but not the groupset), so there is a spare groupset that he could fit for a good price. So I'm waiting on details of a Racelight TK with mostly ULTEGRA groupset (not all), that might just come in at £850-£870 ish.
Would this be overkill for me? Would I regret getting this and having to replace parts, or is it a deal worth grabbing?! Would I be one of those guys with all the kit, but no idea?
I'd also get a lifetime of free servicing (labour and is offered on all of their own builds) and he would help me tweak my set up using a turbo trainer etc. Brill!
Then went on to Dales. What a complete waste of time. The kid in the shop knew feck all about bikes! I said I was looking for a road bike that could take some light rough and could take mudguards, and one of his recommendations was a Specialized Allez. Not a bad bike, but it took a while for me to convince him that it couldn't take full mudguards! No chance of trying out bikes either. I was shown a couple of bikes on stands, no real chat or advice. Very poor. I won't be back.
Went to Alpine bikes on Great Western Road. Wrong one! The one next to Dales (that I thougt was small and so didn't go in) was more aimed at mountain bikes. So back to the Alpine bikes in the city centre. Nice young lad was very helpfull and seemed fairly knowledgeable. Suggested a Trek 1.5 or Specialized Synapse. Neither were in (sold out!), but he let me have a ride of the Trek 1.7 56cm they had in. Nice ride, and actually felt a bit nicer than the Racelight. However, I put that down to having had some experience of the first, a dn knowing how everything worked this time round. I knew where to put my hands for instance.
I would like to try both again, and possibly some others, but the deal with the Racelight is very tempting to go for, especially as they will spend the time to ensure I am set up right.
One problem I had on both rides (using my clipless shoes with SPD's as both fitted appropriate pedals for me) was my right knee was sore riding (on the inside). It was suggested that my cleat was positioned poorly, but I've never had any problems on the Hybrid. Strange. I was riding with a higher saddle than I am used to, so could that be a factor. When I pop back to Bilslands I will need to get that looked at. I'm sure they would help me sort it.
So what would you do in my shoes?
No bike yet, but then I'd have been crazy to buy one straight off. Remember this is my first proper go on a road bike!
Billy Bilslands first. Top notch place and bloke. I highly recommend it! I spent most of the morning there, talking about what I need/want pros/cons etc. I managed to have a ride of a Kinesis Racelight sporting tiagra group set (54cm seemed to fit my short legs), and very nice it was too, which isn't surprising considering the upgrade from my Ridgeback Cyclone! It will take a while to get used to the different operation of the gears and the different handlebar hand positions/brake levers. However, it wasn't a great shock and I enjoyed the ride. For those who know the area I did a good bit around Glasgow Green and did a sprint (between the lights) up and down the high street, which is a reasonable hill. No problem with the gearing. I'll need to go back.
What really interested me though was the prospect of a really good deal. They have some spare kit hanging around (someone wanted a Pinerello frame but not the groupset), so there is a spare groupset that he could fit for a good price. So I'm waiting on details of a Racelight TK with mostly ULTEGRA groupset (not all), that might just come in at £850-£870 ish.
Would this be overkill for me? Would I regret getting this and having to replace parts, or is it a deal worth grabbing?! Would I be one of those guys with all the kit, but no idea?
I'd also get a lifetime of free servicing (labour and is offered on all of their own builds) and he would help me tweak my set up using a turbo trainer etc. Brill!
Then went on to Dales. What a complete waste of time. The kid in the shop knew feck all about bikes! I said I was looking for a road bike that could take some light rough and could take mudguards, and one of his recommendations was a Specialized Allez. Not a bad bike, but it took a while for me to convince him that it couldn't take full mudguards! No chance of trying out bikes either. I was shown a couple of bikes on stands, no real chat or advice. Very poor. I won't be back.
Went to Alpine bikes on Great Western Road. Wrong one! The one next to Dales (that I thougt was small and so didn't go in) was more aimed at mountain bikes. So back to the Alpine bikes in the city centre. Nice young lad was very helpfull and seemed fairly knowledgeable. Suggested a Trek 1.5 or Specialized Synapse. Neither were in (sold out!), but he let me have a ride of the Trek 1.7 56cm they had in. Nice ride, and actually felt a bit nicer than the Racelight. However, I put that down to having had some experience of the first, a dn knowing how everything worked this time round. I knew where to put my hands for instance.
I would like to try both again, and possibly some others, but the deal with the Racelight is very tempting to go for, especially as they will spend the time to ensure I am set up right.
One problem I had on both rides (using my clipless shoes with SPD's as both fitted appropriate pedals for me) was my right knee was sore riding (on the inside). It was suggested that my cleat was positioned poorly, but I've never had any problems on the Hybrid. Strange. I was riding with a higher saddle than I am used to, so could that be a factor. When I pop back to Bilslands I will need to get that looked at. I'm sure they would help me sort it.
So what would you do in my shoes?
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
I think you hit the right place first (Bilslands) and they should be better positioned to offer advice on the knee issue. If you can afford the upgrade go for it.
BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
Keep looking, keep test riding, keep having fun, and spend more than you think you should. You won't regret spending too much in a few months, but you'd definitely regret spending too little.. Don't be in a rush to make your decision.
Easy Tiger. Two's good, a couple more and a repeat ride will stand you in good stead.
Bislands sounds like a good shop and the knee pain will almost certainly be cleat position due in large part to the totally different ride position.
Don't get carried away on the deal, right bike first, deal 2nd. Anyway sounds like a productive day.
Bislands sounds like a good shop and the knee pain will almost certainly be cleat position due in large part to the totally different ride position.
Don't get carried away on the deal, right bike first, deal 2nd. Anyway sounds like a productive day.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Racelight TK and Ultegra...very nice indeed....... get it..... yeh a few pennies, but fab spec fella, and the shop sounds good.......but...you'll need to maintain it...the 'bits' are more expensive if you abuse them....
Watch it with the cleat - can't say your current position is correct, but even a slight change - i.e. slightly higher saddle, will cause these issues - adjust a mm or so every week or so, no more...so a sudden change in position/seat height = knee pain - you've done enough miles for your body to 'set' at a certain position, especially riding one type of bike....
I'm one of those anoraks that spent a very long time setting my bikes up many many moons ago (including reading cover to cover (many times) Bernard Hinault's "Racing and Training Technique"). I 'dread' the thought of changing one, or a key component like a saddle, pedal or shoe - yes the height's vary by a mm or so.... or you'll maybe need to tweak the cleat alignment...slightly.... literally by a mm or degree....
Go on get it....
I'm off looking on Sat - looking up to £1k including a set of Ay-Ups for a fixie road bike.... Dolan looks good, but it has Track geometry....fast and flippy..... or the shop's own - I know the owner well - haven't been in for years as I don't do LBS full stop, but we were once club mates/raced against each other (he was national standard) and had my MTB repainted via him, oh...10 years ago......age showing.....
I trust him though, sound fella - I know what I want...we'll see what he can do - I'm after a set of his handbuilt wheels anyway, rather than the stock factory stuff......
Watch it with the cleat - can't say your current position is correct, but even a slight change - i.e. slightly higher saddle, will cause these issues - adjust a mm or so every week or so, no more...so a sudden change in position/seat height = knee pain - you've done enough miles for your body to 'set' at a certain position, especially riding one type of bike....
I'm one of those anoraks that spent a very long time setting my bikes up many many moons ago (including reading cover to cover (many times) Bernard Hinault's "Racing and Training Technique"). I 'dread' the thought of changing one, or a key component like a saddle, pedal or shoe - yes the height's vary by a mm or so.... or you'll maybe need to tweak the cleat alignment...slightly.... literally by a mm or degree....
Go on get it....
I'm off looking on Sat - looking up to £1k including a set of Ay-Ups for a fixie road bike.... Dolan looks good, but it has Track geometry....fast and flippy..... or the shop's own - I know the owner well - haven't been in for years as I don't do LBS full stop, but we were once club mates/raced against each other (he was national standard) and had my MTB repainted via him, oh...10 years ago......age showing.....
I trust him though, sound fella - I know what I want...we'll see what he can do - I'm after a set of his handbuilt wheels anyway, rather than the stock factory stuff......
You're giving me an itchy wallet by proxy Mags!
Despite the protestations by Campagnolo snobs, Shimano groupsets are pretty good value across the range. I've heard it said that the only real difference from 105 up (Sora-Tiagra-105-Ultegra-DuraAce) were savings in weight, rather than big differences in performance and durability, which I can believe. Even the latest Tiagra doesn't look that shabby.
Having said that, if you can get a deal on an Ultegra-equiped bike, you'll be getting an extra sprocket on the back and things will just be that bit more light and slick.
Despite the protestations by Campagnolo snobs, Shimano groupsets are pretty good value across the range. I've heard it said that the only real difference from 105 up (Sora-Tiagra-105-Ultegra-DuraAce) were savings in weight, rather than big differences in performance and durability, which I can believe. Even the latest Tiagra doesn't look that shabby.
Having said that, if you can get a deal on an Ultegra-equiped bike, you'll be getting an extra sprocket on the back and things will just be that bit more light and slick.
I like the guy in Billsland. He upgraded my Ribble from Tiagra to 105 at the beginning of last year and does general running repairs to the bike. He keeps you amused while he is working away. I used to stay in a flat about 300m from the shop when I moved up to Glasgow a couple of years ago and developed a relationship with him. Now, I am in Edinburgh, I still use him as he will work on my bike while I am work in Glasgow.
With regard to the bikes, I have heard good things about Kinesis.
With regard to the bikes, I have heard good things about Kinesis.
Hmm. My wife was not impressed at those who said to just go and get it. She has asked are you made of money!? (I should't have let her see this thread should I?!)
I'll certainly sleep on it, and see what the Bilslands gets back to me with. I know that trying lots of bikes is a good idea, but I also know that Bilslands is about as good as an LBS will get in making sure I am set up right. Obviously I would have to ride the full set up before committing. Does my wife realise that I will have to give up an another day to this soon.....!?
(P.S. she just read that last statement!
)
I'll certainly sleep on it, and see what the Bilslands gets back to me with. I know that trying lots of bikes is a good idea, but I also know that Bilslands is about as good as an LBS will get in making sure I am set up right. Obviously I would have to ride the full set up before committing. Does my wife realise that I will have to give up an another day to this soon.....!?
(P.S. she just read that last statement!
)BentMikey
Rider of Seolferwulf
- Location
- South London
I think I'm with Fossy - get that bike. OTOH my sensible head says I'd want to go and ride a bunch more bikes from different shops first.
