New bike

[DBS]

Hi

My first post on here and in a dilemma

Getting back into cycling after a good few years and looking for a road bike that I can use on tracks/towpaths/etc. for commuting. Seems like some of the new Gravel bikes fit the bill.

Am looking at a few different bikes and would appreciate some advice:

https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-search-a-105-hydro-2017-adventure-road-bike-EV277743

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wilier-gtr-team-endurance-105-2016-disc-road-bike

https://www.orrobikes.com/bikes/road/terra-gravel-road-se

Also just seen this. Its a bit above my budget but looks like extremely good value at this price. Also looks great so if it is as good as it looks am happy to stretch the budget.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-carbon-ultegra-2017-adventure-road-bike/

Any other suggestions

I'm also a bit unsure of size. Am 173cm (5ft 8.5") and 76cm (30") inside leg. Tried the Orro in Med. It was OK but felt just a bit large - I could only just stand over the bar. With the seat in a comfortable height there was only about 10cm seat post above tube. Most advice a 54" or Med frame but these always feel a touch big.

Thanks
Duncan

 

[Heigue'r]

Welcome...id go to evans and test ride one or two bikes to get a feel for size etc...that way if you prefer to order something online,you should be able to cross referance the geometry of the bike you have test ridden on with the online one.

 

[vickster]

Hi

My first post on here and in a dilemma

Getting back into cycling after a good few years and looking for a road bike that I can use on tracks/towpaths/etc. for commuting. Seems like some of the new Gravel bikes fit the bill.

Am looking at a few different bikes and would appreciate some advice:

https://www.evanscycles.com/norco-search-a-105-hydro-2017-adventure-road-bike-EV277743

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wilier-gtr-team-endurance-105-2016-disc-road-bike

https://www.orrobikes.com/bikes/road/terra-gravel-road-se

Also just seen this. Its a bit above my budget but looks like extremely good value at this price. Also looks great so if it is as good as it looks am happy to stretch the budget.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-carbon-ultegra-2017-adventure-road-bike/

Any other suggestions

I'm also a bit unsure of size. Am 173cm (5ft 8.5") and 76cm (30") inside leg. Tried the Orro in Med. It was OK but felt just a bit large - I could only just stand over the bar. With the seat in a comfortable height there was only about 10cm seat post above tube. Most advice a 54" or Med frame but these always feel a touch big.

Thanks
Duncan

54cm not inches :-)

Sounds about right if that measurement is the top tube (there's no standard labelling of sizes), perhaps with a shorter stem if reach an issue. I'd not worry too much about standover if reach etc ok

As above, Evans for proper on road no hassle testrides, less risky than online, esp as they price match wiggle etc

For your uses, make sure it takes proper full length. Fixed mudguards and perhaps a rack for commuting, carbon bikes tend to be much less adaptable. Look at steel or alu. The Genesis croix de fer is a perennial gravel bike fave. Should be able to find a good deal on outgoing model

 

[Kestevan]

The GT is a great bike (when it works - mine has had a few niggly problems), - There were early issues with wheels... which I suspect has now been resolved as they've changed the latest spec.

I'd also look at the BishBashBosh from Planet X. @Mrs Kes has one, and she loves it.

 

[I like Skol]

Also just seen this. Its a bit above my budget but looks like extremely good value at this price. Also looks great so if it is as good as it looks am happy to stretch the budget.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/gt-grade-carbon-ultegra-2017-adventure-road-bike/

That is a ridiculously enormous amount to spend on a bike for someone that is "Getting back into cycling after a good few years and looking for a road bike that I can use on tracks/towpaths/etc."! It isn't necessary to spend that much to get a bike that will be fun, fast and capable but on the other hand if you have the money then why not, just don't think you have to.

I love GTs and like @Kestevan I have the same 2016 carbon Grade 105 which I bought on end of season discount from Wiggle for £1400. The 2017 Ultegra for only £1800 is a fantastic price and this model appears to address the two main gripes that was suffered on the older models, namely pish poor wheels and the lower spec shifters.
Both Kes and I had wheel trouble and we are not alone. We both also have ended up having new shifters, which is worrying. People also disliked the size/shape of the lower 105 shifters and the Ultegra version is supposedly a lot more compact and pleasant in the hand although this is not something I have compared. I do think the 105 version has an excessively bulky body but being a bigger guy with large'ish hands I can live with that.
To be honest, with hindsight and had the Ultegra been available at that price when I was buying my 105 model I think I might have stumped up the extra £400 and bought the higher spec. I love riding my Grade and it just laps up all and any abuse I throw at it and has been 'MTBing' on a few occasions

 

[SpokeyDokey]

That is a ridiculously enormous amount to spend on a bike for someone that is "Getting back into cycling after a good few years and looking for a road bike that I can use on tracks/towpaths/etc."! It isn't necessary to spend that much to get a bike that will be fun, fast and capable but on the other hand if you have the money then why not, just don't think you have to.

I love GTs and like @Kestevan I have the same 2016 carbon Grade 105 which I bought on end of season discount from Wiggle for £1400. The 2017 Ultegra for only £1800 is a fantastic price and this model appears to address the two main gripes that was suffered on the older models, namely pish poor wheels and the lower spec shifters.
Both Kes and I had wheel trouble and we are not alone. We both also have ended up having new shifters, which is worrying. People also disliked the size/shape of the lower 105 shifters and the Ultegra version is supposedly a lot more compact and pleasant in the hand although this is not something I have compared. I do think the 105 version has an excessively bulky body but being a bigger guy with large'ish hands I can live with that.
To be honest, with hindsight and had the Ultegra been available at that price when I was buying my 105 model I think I might have stumped up the extra £400 and bought the higher spec. I love riding my Grade and it just laps up all and any abuse I throw at it and has been 'MTBing' on a few occasions

To be fair the cost is only roughly 1.7 iPhone X's.

 

[DBS]

Thanks for the comments.
Used to cycle a lot and bikes were my "vice" . Absolutely no interest in an iPhoneX!
Tested the Norco in 50.5cm (Small size) and it did feel a bit cramped. Test riding the Orro (Med) again this afternoon so lets see.

Just the GT Grade on offer at Wiggle looks so tempting with the Ultraga group set... decision decisions...

 

[I like Skol]

Tested the Norco in 50.5cm (Small size) and it did feel a bit cramped. Test riding the Orro (Med) again this afternoon so lets see.
Just the GT Grade on offer at Wiggle looks so tempting with the Ultraga group set... decision decisions...

If you are patient and a gambling man the GT price could fall even further, especially as you are after a smaller size. I seem to remember the last couple of small sized 105 versions dropping to only £1200 when they got around to trying to shift the final bikes of the season. Give it another month or two and you might, just might, see the Ultegra Grade sell at around £1600
Of course there is always the chance they might not, or they might all sell in weeks, so you have to ask yourself how much do you like a bargain and will it be a disaster if you miss this or other offers by trying to out wait the market?