Slight change of direction

[daysnways]

prepare for it to be harsher.

i tested carbon bikes and one steel bike at the bike show last year and the steel bike was noticeably smoother and more comfortable. i was quite surprised at the difference. on a side note my favorite carbon ride there was a Rose, so they might be worth a look.

 

[woodbutcher]

Carbon is not always best. As @Spiderweb said have a look at what Decathlon have to offer. Their B'twin ultra is stunning value, much better than the Bianchi you linked and just hundred and fifty quid more. Just that you won't have the kudos of the Bianchi name, which is Swedish now anyway.
http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/btwin-ultra-720-af-review-51233/
As for the carbon v Aluminium debate have a look at this:


View: https://youtu.be/h3RG5dztrXM

That settles it, when l eventually find the right Bianchi it will be a 1980's bike. I would never live it down with my partner (she is Swedish) if l bought the "Italian" bike l am always on about

 

[Spiderweb]

That settles it, when l eventually find the right Bianchi it will be a 1980's bike. I would never live it down with my partner (she is Swedish) if l bought the "Italian" bike l am always on about

Buy the bike you really want and ignore opinions of a root vegetable

 

[woodbutcher]

Buy the bike you really want and ignore opinions of a root vegetable

"root vegetable" he he! she can be a bit of a stick in the mud .

 

[Cycleops]

You mean like this?

 

[Dirk]

Carbon fibre is not some magical material that automatically makes a 'better' bike.
There are different qualities of carbon, different weaves, different lay ups. The secret to making a good carbon frame is knowing where to use the different types of carbon cloth, how much to use and knowing the correct resin and curing processes.
Cheap carbon frames are generally cheap for a good reason; corners may well have been cut somewhere in the process to save money. That's not to say that they are dangerous in any way (well, some maybe - but you wont know until you have a catastrophic failure) but the ride quality can differ vastly compared to a frame that's been built to a high spec.
I would take an expensive alloy bike over a cheap carbon one everytime.
You get what you pay for in this world.

 

[biggs682]

You mean like this?

View attachment 371828

now that is just my colour scheme

 

[woodbutcher]

You mean like this?

View attachment 371828

Yes like that but l want one in "celeste" ....picky aren't l .

 

[derrick]

Ok so l know that all my bikes are steel and nothing will take away my enthusiasm not to say obsession with them but recently l have been wondering what it would be like to ride a modern road bike .
To cut a long story short l have recently seen an advert for this tasty looking machine and to make it even more attractive (to me anyway) it is a Bianchi.
Would anyone with a cooler head than me, like to share their opinion ?
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Bianchi-Via-Nirone-7-Xenon-2017-Road-Bike_96848.htm

Over rated and over priced.

 

[woodbutcher]

Carbon fibre is not some magical material that automatically makes a 'better' bike.
There are different qualities of carbon, different weaves, different lay ups. The secret to making a good carbon frame is knowing where to use the different types of carbon cloth, how much to use and knowing the correct resin and curing processes.
Cheap carbon frames are generally cheap for a good reason; corners may well have been cut somewhere in the process to save money. That's not to say that they are dangerous in any way (well, some maybe - but you wont know until you have a catastrophic failure) but the ride quality can differ vastly compared to a frame that's been built to a high spec.
I would take an expensive alloy bike over a cheap carbon one everytime.
You get what you pay for in this world.

I am more cynical than that because l am convinced that you are very lucky to get what you think you are paying for

 

[Dirk]

I am more cynical than that because l am convinced that you are very lucky to get what you think you are paying for

But you are even less likely to get something for nothing.
Mate of mine bought a 'Holdsworth' Trentino carbon bike from Planet X for £700 a couple of years ago. Having ridden it alongside my carbon Focus Cayo, I can say that the ride experience is vastly different. The front end of the 'Holdsworth' flexed more than my old £500 Giant Defy 5!

 

[woodbutcher]

On the other hand l could go for a "vintage" modern bike. I love the look of this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-5000...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

[biggs682]

On the other hand l could go for a "vintage" modern bike. I love the look of this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Trek-5000-OCLV-Carbon-Classic-Racing-Bike-Campagnolo-Chorus-Record-excellent/322651313841?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDXT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Nah you need to get your mits on some more good old fashioned Reynolds 531 or Columbus slx road bikes then re think your wants

 

[Dirk]

Nah you need to get your mits on some more good old fashioned Reynolds 531 or Columbus slx road bikes then re think your wants

It's quite possible to build a frame out of any exotic material and end up with something that feels crap.
Design and process are as important as the material used.
One of the reasons people think that it's the high end steel that is making the difference is because it's generally used by high end manufacturers.
I reckon Ernesto Colnago could build a frame out of gas pipe that would out perform a cheap carbon one.

 

[woodbutcher]

Nah you need to get your mits on some more good old fashioned Reynolds 531 or Columbus slx road bikes then re think your wants

Its true and when all is said and done steel bikes are where my heart is. Its not more speed l want, l would just like to try a modern bike and l couldn't care less if it is aluminium, carbon or cold rice pudding !