New to the road

[Chris.IOW]

Another happy Secteur owner here.

6'5" tall and find the more relaxed geometry (As the advert says) very comfortable.

That said it does lack the certain sporty response and acceleration of some of the other bikes I see....or maybe it's the rider that lacks them!!

Good luck with the search, that's the most exciting part in my book, already scouting around for my next one!

 

[Banjo]

Whatever you get the biggest comfort factor is that the bike fits you.Do lots of research into bike sizing before ordering one. Bike shop staff range from expert to part timers with little experience so you need to know which size is right for you.

Test rides are good but whats ok for a test ride of an hour may be crippling after an 8 hour ride.

This might help a bit .My link but guides are not the full picture. Some people have long torsos /short legs and visa versa.

 

[Garz]

Test rides are good but whats ok for a test ride of an hour may be crippling after an 8 hour ride.

This is very true. However a good indicator if the bike isn't for you is if it's uncomfortable on the short spin opportunity you get.

 

[Norm]

This is very true. However a good indicator if the bike isn't for you is if it's uncomfortable on the short spin opportunity you get.

Indeed. Whilst a 60 minute ride cannot guarantee something will be comfortable for 8 hours, it will at least discount those which aren't even comfortable for 60 minutes.

 

[Col-A]

I'm really keen to see how this pans out. I'm in the same boat, more or less. I've got my shortlist down to a CAAD10 or a Van Nicholas Mistral. I've had a test on the CAAD and it's probably the best bike I've ever ridden over the years, but I'd like to try the Mistral before I commit. I want something quick but comfortable over long distances, so does this favour the Mistral . . .?

 

[Garz]

I think you need to trial the minstral then it boils down to availability and have a local shop to lend you a go. If this proves difficult then you may just have to get what feels good which is the CAAD.

 

[JonnyG]

The search for my first road bike started in earnest today with a demo on a Specialized Sectuer Elite. Obviously similar to the Roubaix I tried in the week the Sectuer did feel very comfortable and after an hour I had no wrist or back ache... there is a limit, as has been pointed out, as to what you can learn from an hour on the bike but no problems so far.Next, from a different LBS, tried came the Giant Defy. Again, comfort was good and the steering seemed a bit sharper than the Sectuer but not as sharp or comfortable as the Roubaix, which is well ahead at the moment. a lovely bike and the benchmark for any that I try from now.
I can see this getting a bit confusing as it goes on. There really is a lot to choose from and I'm not sure I have enough time to try them all.

Next will be a Trek, but not sure which one to compare at the moment.

J

 

[david k]

i like that ourer, looks really nice 14kg though

 

[Atyl1972]

hey there and welcome to CC, i'm basically in the same boat as you apart from the back probs however, bikes i've been advised on are the Specialized secteur elite / cannondale synapse either sora or 105 i believe, please correct me if i'm wromg, but the one i have my eye on is the FELT Z6 on wiggle for £1080, with adjustable stems for greater comfort when leisurely riding, full carbon frame too, on sale at wiggle right now, check it out and let me know

 

[Atyl1972]

vic mackey man, legend...

Maybe try a Specialized Secteur Elite, that would fall within budget. I have the Sport version and it's a great bike. It was either the Secteur or the Cannondale Synapse that I was interested in as I wanted a more relaxed upright ride. Never got chance to try the Synapse as the Secteur was the first bike that I tried and I bought it.

 

[Atyl1972]

oh me too J, all i've done over the last several weeks is eat sleep and breathe bikes,lol..deffo agree with your mate at the 105 groupset, at least the majority of the components should be 105, i have been told not to discount sram rival or campagnolo veloce stes either, bets thing to do is try, good luck and hope all went well

Well, it all starts this weekend. My LBS have agreed to let me take out a Sectuer for a couple of hours. I'm hoping also to get a ride on a Giant Defy from another LBS on Sunday.


It's a good starting point and I have taken on board all that you guys have said already and will take my time in choosing.
I have been advised by a work colleague that the Shimano 105 groupset is what I should aim for?????? It looks like that would stretch my budget too far but we'll see.

I'd like to say I'm not in any hurry to do this but now that I've made my mind up it's the way forward it's obviously the most important thing in my life now..... you know how it is!!!!!

Thanks again for all the advice, this really is a friendly forum.

J

 

[postman]

Hello,we have all been in this position.I am 6'4" 15st 7lb at the mo'.Along with a few more on here i bought the Spesh Secteur Elite.The triple tipped it for me.I also like the option of the four angles.I love the bike.it has 105 and it looks really good also.Changed the saddle to a Charge spoon and Bobs your uncle.It will be a great bike for your first purchase.Then like the rest of us .You will want another,i do.Then it all starts over again.Good luck with your hunting.