The bike buying dilemma with Pros and cons.

[richie244]

Its Gran Fondo! and special editions! Just tell them how tall you are and your inside leg and they will tell you which size you need. Only thing that puts me off one of those is that it will only take a 23 tyre and most other bikes take a 25 or more now. I think they are good value for money but some of the frames are a little old fashioned now.
.

Sorry victim of auto correct I think. I'm confused the Gran Fondo has a 25mm tire in its optional up grades? I think I will be doing some phoning around as I now have Solan which looks very nice.

 

[vickster]

Dolan
Tyre

Bear in mind while a 25mm tyre may fit, you may struggle with any sort of mudguard, either fitting or rubbing

 

[Elybazza61]

It may be a good idea to find a good shop in your area(or reasonably close) that would throw in a fitting;it may mean paying full price for the bike but you could get a full package with pedals,shoes and fitting*.

Getting a lower spec bike isn't a bad idea for a first bike if the frame is good;other bits can be upgraded or after a while if you want you could use it as a winter bike if something really shiny catches your eye.


This place looks good; http://www.cheddarcyclestore.co.uk/road-bikes.html and they do Ridley an ally Fenix would be nice;they do Kona and Genesis as well.

*I should have done this myself at my own small LBS;would have got a good Orbea Aqua with decent spec with fitting etc for about £750 and saved myself some hassle after buying too big a frame.

 

[mustang1]

Thanks you have just added further confusion I do like the look of these bikes.



I only used Planet X as an example because I was mentioning Ribble too much. Sorry.



Thanks for the advice, I only had my left shoulder rebuilt 10 weeks ago so can only just get on a Bike although have been riding a static bike for a month. Had I not had an injury I would have bought with in a week. The injury has caused me to over think (a lot.).

Ah sorry I did not know about the rebuild..
Now I get it. Happy recovery!

 

[richie244]

So Im now obsessing over the Dolan L'tape thanks vickster admittedly its the look as opposed to any other logical reason.

Comparing its Geometry to others is painful, Its seems large compared to a cube attain with the dolan top tube reach being 160mm longer after trying a cube they seem longer than a Giant defy but the Dolan seems closer in geometry to the Giant (which gives little detail).

Honestly I give myself a head ache.

 

[richie244]

What riding are you wanting it for exactly? and also if you spend a grand whatever its not going to be a turkey, the key issue is getting the right size and one thats suitable for what you want to do.

Go for fitness rides mainly. Due to my shoulder injury I have had to give up my other sports, I have cycled mainly computing in the past but nothing serious. I am also toying with doing a triathlon (doing not competing). From trying bikes I know I need a "relaxed fit" bike.

 

[vickster]

Go for fitness rides mainly. Due to my shoulder injury I have had to give up my other sports, I have cycled mainly computing in the past but nothing serious. I am also toying with doing a triathlon (doing not competing). From trying bikes I know I need a "relaxed fit" bike.

Just pick up the phone to Dolan and get their advice on sizing and set up give them all your measurements, height, inside leg, shoulder width, arm length. You need to look at stack, headtube angle as well as top tube to get an idea of the geometry, the guys at Dolan will tell you how it compares

A grand on a Roubaix will get you a lesser spec but you should be able to buy more locally if that's more reassuring

 

[richie244]

A grand on a Roubaix will get you a lesser spec but you should be able to buy more locally if that's more reassuring

Not after full reassurance just a good fit. Cheers Vickster.

 

[vickster]

Not after full reassurance just a good fit. Cheers Vickster.

Speak to the guys who design and build the bikes, they know their product

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Go for fitness rides mainly. Due to my shoulder injury I have had to give up my other sports, I have cycled mainly computing in the past but nothing serious. I am also toying with doing a triathlon (doing not competing). From trying bikes I know I need a "relaxed fit" bike.

Adventure bike with 32-35mm rubber - much better for your dodgy elbow. No frame material, fork material or fancy tube angles will protect you from shock as much as chubby rubber.

And unless you are some sort of demonic speed god the differences in time (as if that really matters for a fitness rider) will be marginal over realistic distances.

Go ride a 23/25mm tyred bike and then a wider tyred bike to feel the difference.

 

[richie244]

Finally took the plunge and gone for a Dolan L'Etape.
They were really helpful on the phone and seemed a nice friendly company, it arrives next week.