Ridley Eos

[vickster]

Cheers...not sure I need MORE options...and they are in Rotherham

Just had a look at a Wilier http://road.cc/conte...estina-lavaredo Looks nice, I don't plan to add mudguards or rack but would be nice to have the option. Didn't feel light either, but came in around 9.6kg

Cripes, this is tough!

What are you other roadie women riding out there?

 

[aberal]

Three good looking bikes, the Ridley, Bianchi and Wilier. Personally of the three I'd go for the Ridley if it were on looks alone. But honestly, if you can narrow it down to around three and go and ride them, I'm sure you'd know which one you prefer in an instant. You can always tell which one is meant for you. They choose you in the end.

I'd hate to be with you when you are buying shoes though....

 

[vickster]

I am not a shoe person, being tall I have big feet, so no choice lol

Cheers. I kind of like understated branding, the Ridley is covered in the name (not as OTT as Trek though!)

Think I am maybe being somewhat pernickety but it's a chunk of cash! At least I have scrubbed about 6 brands off the list lol

 

[accountantpete]

You should have said that you were a girl!

Girls are made a bit different from boys (if I recollect correctly) - specifically you tend to have long legs and relative shorter upper body so ideally you need to be looking at a girlie specific frame which will have a shorter top tube.

 

[vickster]

I am pretty sure I did very early on, no?

Everyone is very scathing about women's bikes, including some of the women on here!

Being big (nearly 5'10), I a) don't need a women's bike and b) I am too big for them! Just need to get some aspects of a men's bike adapted, saddle especially (the one woman specific thing that is required), get reach fixed with shorter frame as I do have smaller hands than a comparably built man and perhaps compact bars being narrower of shoulder. I am quite long limbed but not short bodied either!

Having popped into Corridori, I think the red Bianchi via Nirone is for me, assuming it feels right as it just looks lovely and I think I am erring on the side of Tiagra than Campag. Weirdly, having seen the white/celeste again, I was less enamoured, red better. Will ask them to source a 55cm and a 57m and they'll do a proper fit. I sat on a 55cm, felt ok, maybe a little small, I am a bit inbetweeny size wise I think.

http://www.epic-cycles.co.uk/images/Bianchi-VN7-Tiag11-1000.jpg

 

[Baggy]

I'm quite a bit shorter than you, but still ride non-women specific bikes, and like you, didn't really want a USA or even big name bike. Let's be honest, it's nice to have something that's not common

My road bike is a Kona Haole (now sadly discontinued) which probably fits me the best.

I also have a Pearson Audax (the steel version). Went to Pearsons to ask about an upgrade for my tourer's wheels and Guy sold me a whole new bike...

Had I not plumped for the Kona, a Bianchi would have been top of the list.

 

[vickster]

I don't know of any shops locally that stock Focus...are they pretty?

GB Cycles aren't far away but not open on Sunday unfortnunately or I would have gone for a butchers

 

[vickster]

Cheers...sorry no black bikes and no online only...
I am being fussy but want to buy from a shop that will fit the bike properly to me and make any necessary changes before I ride it...even if this costs a few quid more. This is my first road bike and having a bad knee, I cannot afford to make any errors, especially when spending a grand

 

[Baggy]

What about something from Condor Cycles?

It says the Italia 2011 frameset is: Also available in relaxed geometry (RL), popular amongst female riders and those wanting a shorter reach.

 

[vickster]

Cheers. I may be missing something but it's a grand for just frame and Tiagra groupset?

I went to Condor last Sunday, but again not open

 

[Baggy]

Bugger, yes, sorry, in my mind I was convinced you could probably get a complete build for about £1100. Their groupsets seem hideously expensive.

The Via Nirone looks good in red!

 

[aberal]

Will ask them to source a 55cm and a 57m and they'll do a proper fit. I sat on a 55cm, felt ok, maybe a little small, I am a bit inbetweeny size wise I think.

If you are an in betweeny size - go for a slightly too small rather than slightly too big. If you have any comfort issues at all, they likely can't be fixed on a frame that's too big.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the advice. I think that seems wise, will see what the bike fit says.

Sitting on the 55cm, chappie didn't think it looked silly small but suggested I try the 57cm. Hopefully they can get both in, Bianchi don't have the best supply (I believe Evans snaffle lots of stock )

Going to check out a few more shops today and confuse myself further

 

[StuAff]

Seen this on eBay, might be worth a punt....full carbon, made in Italy, your size (and mine), decent spec..... Viner Magnifica. Beautifully balanced handling, very comfortable, quality make and rare. I must confess to a touch of bias, here's mine....

 

[brockers]

I like the SQR clamp! I'm sure a cotton duck Longflap can only add to the sleek lines of this cool Italian thoroughbred