Well, after months of trying 'em, I've done it...

[ukmoto]

As a complete new guy to road cycling, and after reading here for weeks and weeks, and after spending hours and hours at a few local LBS's, I've done it. My choices got narrowed down to 3 or 4 bikes:

Cube Agree GTC Pro
Cannondale 105 (or CAAD10)
Spesh Sectuer Comp


and sort of looked at a few others, but after riding them all, over and over again, I decided to go with the Secteur Comp. For me, it was the one bike I just felt totally at home on (54cm). Nice smooth ride, good handling and a full 105 groupset.



Just got it home but it's dark, so I have to wait until tomorrow to take her for a proper spin..... wish me luck ! Hope I've done the right thing, but then again, it's the riding that's most important hey.


Phil

 

[johnpembo73]

Have fun. A nice early Christmas present

 

[Smokin Joe]

You'd have done the right thing with any of those bikes, and you've done the sensible thing by buying the one you felt most comfortable on.

Well done, now get those miles in!

 

[Mozzy]

No present like a present you get for your sen

Fair play .... enjoy. Sun might even be out tomorrow.

Mozzy

 

[PaulSecteur]

I decided to go with the Secteur Comp.

Well dont that man!

Hope I've done the right thing

Yup!

This years comp seems to be a really good bike. Zertz inserts front and rear to smooth out the road buzz, but still has mounts for a rear rack. The tyres are speced as 25mm, but will be larger than most other brands 25s - its just somthing that spesh do, it adds to the comfort but makes fitting Crud guards a bit close.

EDIT: Pics - or no one belives you!

 

[ukmoto]

Thanks guys.


I'll give her a blast tomorrow and let you know how it went.


Paul, I'll take a pic tomorrow, but I DO have it, honest ! lol

 

[Garz]

EDIT: Pics - or no one belives you!

Agreed. Pics or it didn't happen I'm afraid!

 

[Stephen wilby]

Hide from smokey :S. Good choice all excellent bikes but i like spesh.

 

[ukmoto]

Just got back from a little ( and I mean little 7.4 miles ) ride, first time out on a bike for 45 years+ and mostly hills around here no matter in what direction I go. So, all in all, I'm pleased. especially with the bike, although I think I could do with a slightly lower gear for those hills. The ride is smooth and feels confidence-making. The lanes were wet in places but still caused no undue alarm.


If I wanted to drop to a lower bottom gear would I change the cassette or the ring? Or do I wait until I'm fitter, lol.

 

[Nearly there]

[attachment=5979:Secteur_Comp_2011.jpg]

Nice bike ive been looking at this one myself,have you seen them in any other colours as ive only seen red and white so far?

 

[Poacher]

Looking at the pic ( I haven't checked the spec) it looks like you're on the smallest ring possible for that spider, so if you want a lower bottom gear you'll need to change the cassette.........or MTFU. I'd feel inclined (!) to keep it as it is for the time being, while avoiding the steepest climbs - not easy in Cornwall, I know - and see how it goes. You may find an ability to grind up the steep hills with your current setup, but at your advanced age you may still need to adjust the range of gears available! At 58, and severely gravitationally challenged (note to self - lose some bloody weight! Try to get under 100Kg, you FB!), I struggle to climb some of the hills on the southern edge of the Vale of Belvoir with a 34 chainring and 26t cog, and I'm considering swapping from a 34-52 and 13-26 to something like a 26-44 chainset and 11-30 cassette. Anyway, enough of my problems, stick with it for the time being, but check the availability of different cassettes, and make sure your derailleurs can cope with them, before deciding.

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

Good for you!

Bit early to be thinking about swapping bits; I'd put money on you being fine with what you have in less time than you think.

Give yourself a break: after forty-five years out of the saddle I think a period of "adjustment" is to be expected.

Get some miles in and take it easy.

Chapeau!

PS It doesn't get easier, you just go faster...

 

[PaulSecteur]

NICE!

Once you get used to the bike it might be worth considering clip in pedals and shoes to go with it. Any sort will be better than the standard pedals. Being attached to the bike really does help with with being able to pull yourself up hills.

Shimano SPD are popular with MTB riders and commuters, they are usually double sided so easier to get used to. But a bike like that ewally deserves a dedicated road shoe and pedal.

 

[ukmoto]

Thanks for the tips, comments and encouragement guys .


I'm definitely going to persevere with the gears as they are for a fair while yet. I have to "adjust" as Jimmy said, it's been a loooong time..... and Jimmy, I like your point about not getting easier, but faster hehe.

Nearly There, I've only ever seen the 2011 Comp in Red/White but I can't say for sure.

Poacher, if MTFU means what I think it does well..... yes. You do have a point . For the record, I'm about 5.9 and 12 stone nowadays after losing 30lbs back in early '11 due to long illness which incidentally is still ongoing, hence the need to cycle. ( it helps pain in my leg for one thing). Nice to see someone at the same age as me here too.

Paul. I already have my eye on clip-ins and the Shimano SPD's look just the thing. I went out today with just a pair of slip-on trainers which aren't ideal I'm sure. I had to come back earlier today than I wanted to though to amuse 4 grandkids with fireworks.

Thanks for the advice all, much appreciated.


Phil


edit: Any recommendations for pedals/shoes ?

 

[PaulSecteur]

If you want the 2 bolt SPD system then I would suggest shimano RT81 shoes (Although there are other RT -road touring- shoes at different prices. Shimano m520 are a popular first clip in pedal, with the a600 being shimanos top end road style pedal for 2 bold shoes, as with the shoes, there are different models inbetween.




If you want to go for full road shoes then I can recommend the Specialized BG comp road shoes...

http://www.specializedconceptstore....esroad/roadaslashatriathlon/BG Comp Road Shoe

But they are well vented so overshoes and blocking the sole vents will be a must for colder months.

I also like the shimano 105 road pedals at about £40, but I know someone that has been very happy with the cheaper road pedals.