Reborn cyclist needing club bike advice

[middleagecyclist]

middleagecylist you may want to do a search on:

carbon vs aluminium
shimano vs SRAM
compact vs double/triple

This will answer all your questions......or not!

Thanks. Have done.

Going carbon.
Most of the bikes in my price category have mainly Shimano.
Going to have to ride some compacts and triples to decide that one.

Cheers

 

[vickster]

I have just got me one of these, custom build with SRAM Apex for £1350...just need time and decent weather to ride

I decided I did not want anything American, almost went Bianchi (even ordered one), then blew the budget and went British designed (frame from Far east like ALL) and loyal to my local shop (4th bike from them).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13453254@N07/sets/72157627030217495/

Looks lovely in my kitchen don't ya think

http://www.pearsoncycles.co.uk/store/product/29705/Pearson-Pavé-450mm/

 

[zexel]

Thanks. Have done.

Going carbon.
Most of the bikes in my price category have mainly Shimano.
Going to have to ride some compacts and triples to decide that one.

Cheers

Ah now you're talking.

There are Boardmans, pretty well regarded although I'm not a fan, Orbea's and Felt are very nice bikes and of course Bianchi's

Oh, Atyl1972 on here has just got a cracking new bike from Cube, I think this is the one, Link. Plenty of Ultegra there too. If I remember right that was £1,500.

 

[middleagecyclist]

There are Boardmans, pretty well regarded although I'm not a fan, Orbea's and Felt are very nice bikes and of course Bianchi's

Oh, Atyl1972 on here has just got a cracking new bike from Cube, I think this is the one, Link. Plenty of Ultegra there too. If I remember right that was £1,500.

Just been writing about my early contenders for a road bike on my blog and my desire to become a MAMIL. The first three are: Cube Agree GTC Pro, Boardman Team Carbon and Felt Z6.

I'll be looking at Bianchi and Orbea as well and test riding them all. This is going to be fun.

 

[middleagecyclist]

I have just got me one of these, custom build with SRAM Apex for £1350...just need time and decent weather to ride

Thanks. Looks lovely. Will add to list!

 

[sheddy]

I guess your nearest club is at Hemel http://www.hemelcycling.org.uk/

Oops sorry, I read that as Redborn cyclist needing bike club advice.....

 

[middleagecyclist]

who's?

 

[YahudaMoon]

Yeah . don't buy a Specialized. Get yourself a custom made English or Italian bike made up at a good local bike shop with hand built wheels. The possibilities are endless with '£1500. I won't bore you with my preferance

 

[YahudaMoon]

Someone upthread mentioned a Boardman Halfords bike lol No No No lol >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Unless you like Halfords bikes ?

 

[YahudaMoon]

One more thing. Dont put a pannier rack on a carbon frame.

 

[brockers]

Yeah . don't buy a Specialized. Get yourself a custom made English or Italian bike made up at a good local bike shop with hand built wheels. The possibilities are endless with '£1500. I won't bore you with my preferance

I wish! I went down to Roberts in Croydon recently to yak about getting a steel cafe-racer custom frame made. £1500 with forks... Add some decent wheels and a bit of Athena/Force and you're looking at the thick end of £2500-£3000!

I know where you're coming from though, and it doesn't take much effort to find something other than the usual offerings from Evans et al.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Someone upthread mentioned a Boardman Halfords bike lol No No No lol >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Unless you like Halfords bikes ?

The Boardman input and the bike spec makes these look interesting but the Halfords involvement does put me off somewhat. Dont' want to be a snob and will give them a look, but...Halfords!

 

[middleagecyclist]

One more thing. Dont put a pannier rack on a carbon frame.

I have a great touring bike. Why would I want to put a rack on a carbon road bike?? Appreciate I am a roadie newbie but daft I ain't!

Thanks for the advice anyway ;-)

 

[400bhp]

Where in Manc are you? Just wondering what club you are thinking of joining.

 

[middleagecyclist]

Get yourself a custom made English or Italian bike made up at a good local bike shop with hand built wheels. The possibilities are endless with '£1500.

I'm looking at Surosa in Oldham and Hewitts in Leyland next week. Will see what they suggest for the budget.

Are the small volume carbon frames in this price bracket as good as the big boy's I wonder?