Zwift Chat

[Whorty]

OK guys, really premature here as not ready to buy yet, but looking for bike advice. HID says I can get new bike whenever I want, but I'm going to hold off until probably new year and see if I can get a 2019 model when 2020 models are released - basically, we are looking to move back to London and I don't really want to get the new bike until we have sold here and have a move date.

Anyway ... I digress .....

Being doing bike porn for past few weeks. Some mega bikes out there but I'm finding it hard not to pin my desires on a Bianchi, specifically the OLTRE XR3. Depending how work goes over the next few months, and house sale, budget won't be an issue but I'd like to keep it below £6k if I can just because it feels extreme to go above that

I've looked at so many other brands including Boardman (love the look of the 9.8 Air), Look (some really nice bikes), FDJ Lapiere (probably spelled that wrong!), Trek (Emondo is lovely), Cannondale (who wouldn't like the SystemSix?) HID is really taken with the Bianchi and keeps asking me why I'd wanted the other bikes when the Bianchi are so nice .... so come on, help me out

@kipster - what do you like / not like about Bianchi?

Others - why did you choose your models over other bikes?

I don't want a bike too aggressive, but I do want relatively light, aero (I know, this can make it aggressive too), not too bothered by electronic groupset, as good mechanical will suit me fine.

 

[Whorty]

Signed up for the 4 o'clock stage 7 today if anyone fancies a 'pootle'. Won't be challenging yesterday's time, but hoping to give me a good 1:30 minutes training ride.

Will do another virtual ride tomorrow, again aiming for 90 mins. Then planning to get out IRW Monday on the SS (as I've only been outside once so far this year and maybe another ride before ToC is needed ). Resting Tuesday. 60 mins pootle Weds and Thursday, then rest Friday and Saturday to be good and fresh in Sunday Feck, I am so excited about the ride next weekend .... I really don't get out enough

 

[bridgy]

OK guys, really premature here as not ready to buy yet, but looking for bike advice. HID says I can get new bike whenever I want, but I'm going to hold off until probably new year and see if I can get a 2019 model when 2020 models are released - basically, we are looking to move back to London and I don't really want to get the new bike until we have sold here and have a move date.

Anyway ... I digress .....

Being doing bike porn for past few weeks. Some mega bikes out there but I'm finding it hard not to pin my desires on a Bianchi, specifically the OLTRE XR3. Depending how work goes over the next few months, and house sale, budget won't be an issue but I'd like to keep it below £6k if I can just because it feels extreme to go above that

I've looked at so many other brands including Boardman (love the look of the 9.8 Air), Look (some really nice bikes), FDJ Lapiere (probably spelled that wrong!), Trek (Emondo is lovely), Cannondale (who wouldn't like the SystemSix?) HID is really taken with the Bianchi and keeps asking me why I'd wanted the other bikes when the Bianchi are so nice .... so come on, help me out

@kipster - what do you like / not like about Bianchi?

Others - why did you choose your models over other bikes?

I don't want a bike too aggressive, but I do want relatively light, aero (I know, this can make it aggressive too), not too bothered by electronic groupset, as good mechanical will suit me fine.

There's so many good bikes out there - particularly with your price range - that I think it's ok for it to come down to whichever you most like the look of! There's lots of bike porn at the TOC and quite a few manufacturers showing off their bikes in the cycle show section in the main hall, so a good chance to have a close up look at a few options

 

[Whorty]

There's so many good bikes out there - particularly with your price range - that I think it's ok for it to come down to whichever you most like the look of! There's lots of bike porn at the TOC and quite a few manufacturers showing off their bikes in the cycle show section in the main hall, so a good chance to have a close up look at a few options

good point - I actually forgot there is a bike show on next weekend. Best leave the credit card at home

Yes, so many bikes out there at the moment it gets confusing. I just love the look of the Bianchi's though so really hard to see past these bikes. All we ahve to do now is sell the house (we've sold the land already so part way there ), find somewhere to live in London, then I can get n+1 Houses not selling fast though, so could be a long wait

 

[CXRAndy]

I know you're not mechanical minded Carl but local bike shops or even some CC members could build up a bike in the spec you desire. Not saying its the best route when top end bikes are extremely well spec'd. Your price would get you electronic and carbon wheels

 

[Whorty]

I know you're not mechanical minded Carl but local bike shops or even some CC members could build up a bike in the spec you desire. Not saying its the best route when top end bikes are extremely well spec'd. Your price would get you electronic and carbon wheels

I have wondered whether getting a Bianchi frameset and having someone build up with the components/wheels I want might be a route to follow. I wasn't sure though if the cost to build would be too expensive. Def something I'll look at once I'm at the time

 

[JuhaL]

Remember your latest video i can highly recommended Di2 groupset . Anyway, Bianchi Oltre XR3 is very good option but try to be patient and check out other options too .

 

[mjd1988]

OK guys, really premature here as not ready to buy yet, but looking for bike advice. HID says I can get new bike whenever I want, but I'm going to hold off until probably new year and see if I can get a 2019 model when 2020 models are released - basically, we are looking to move back to London and I don't really want to get the new bike until we have sold here and have a move date.

Anyway ... I digress .....

Being doing bike porn for past few weeks. Some mega bikes out there but I'm finding it hard not to pin my desires on a Bianchi, specifically the OLTRE XR3. Depending how work goes over the next few months, and house sale, budget won't be an issue but I'd like to keep it below £6k if I can just because it feels extreme to go above that

I've looked at so many other brands including Boardman (love the look of the 9.8 Air), Look (some really nice bikes), FDJ Lapiere (probably spelled that wrong!), Trek (Emondo is lovely), Cannondale (who wouldn't like the SystemSix?) HID is really taken with the Bianchi and keeps asking me why I'd wanted the other bikes when the Bianchi are so nice .... so come on, help me out

@kipster - what do you like / not like about Bianchi?

Others - why did you choose your models over other bikes?

I don't want a bike too aggressive, but I do want relatively light, aero (I know, this can make it aggressive too), not too bothered by electronic groupset, as good mechanical will suit me fine.

As someone with no technical mind, I have an old second hand bianchi intenso and I love it. Looks great, and feels amazing. Mind you for that big a spend i'm sure you'll do your due diligence, but how a bike makes you feel is v important.

 

[bobinski]

Carl, you need to ask yurself what riding you will do and that may dictate the type of bike you go for eg. Aero or endurance or lightweight. Difficult to get all 3. Also aero will tend to be more aggressive, low, stretched out and make demands on your body.

 

[Whorty]

Carl, you need to ask yurself what riding you will do and that may dictate the type of bike you go for eg. Aero or endurance or lightweight. Difficult to get all 3. Also aero will tend to be more aggressive, low, stretched out and make demands on your body.

I'm thinking pootling around London, any sportives I can get too which may include 'lumps' but i don't see me getting out to France or Spain so no major hills. I will need to try different styles out but I think endurance may suit me better than aero ... I just like the look of the aero frames Any bike 8kg or below is mega light for me given the bikes I'm used to. It's a minefield

 

[Whorty]

As someone with no technical mind, I have an old second hand bianchi intenso and I love it. Looks great, and feels amazing. Mind you for that big a spend i'm sure you'll do your due diligence, but how a bike makes you feel is v important.

I'm very much like you Michael, no technical mind or inclination to tinker with bikes. The look and feel is more important ultimately to the groupset etc. This is why I'm looking at the Bianchi, just over the design of those bikes. Still got time to keep thinking, so I'm sure I'll change my mind half a dozen times by the time I pull the trigger

 

[JuhaL]

I'm thinking pootling around London, any sportives I can get too which may include 'lumps' but i don't see me getting out to France or Spain so no major hills. I will need to try different styles out but I think endurance may suit me better than aero ... I just like the look of the aero frames Any bike 8kg or below is mega light for me given the bikes I'm used to. It's a minefield

These days most bike are sub 8kg if we talk about carbon fibre frames. I have Cervelo S3 which is aero frame and i have to say 25mm tyres are must with that bike, 23mm make that frame too stiff, nearly drop fillings from the teeth.

 

[Randyberlin]

OK guys, really premature here as not ready to buy yet, but looking for bike advice. HID says I can get new bike whenever I want, but I'm going to hold off until probably new year and see if I can get a 2019 model when 2020 models are released - basically, we are looking to move back to London and I don't really want to get the new bike until we have sold here and have a move date.

Anyway ... I digress .....

Being doing bike porn for past few weeks. Some mega bikes out there but I'm finding it hard not to pin my desires on a Bianchi, specifically the OLTRE XR3. Depending how work goes over the next few months, and house sale, budget won't be an issue but I'd like to keep it below £6k if I can just because it feels extreme to go above that

I've looked at so many other brands including Boardman (love the look of the 9.8 Air), Look (some really nice bikes), FDJ Lapiere (probably spelled that wrong!), Trek (Emondo is lovely), Cannondale (who wouldn't like the SystemSix?) HID is really taken with the Bianchi and keeps asking me why I'd wanted the other bikes when the Bianchi are so nice .... so come on, help me out

@kipster - what do you like / not like about Bianchi?

Others - why did you choose your models over other bikes?

I don't want a bike too aggressive, but I do want relatively light, aero (I know, this can make it aggressive too), not too bothered by electronic groupset, as good mechanical will suit me fine.

I really like Andy's tripster.

 

[Del C]

OK guys, really premature here as not ready to buy yet, but looking for bike advice. HID says I can get new bike whenever I want, but I'm going to hold off until probably new year and see if I can get a 2019 model when 2020 models are released - basically, we are looking to move back to London and I don't really want to get the new bike until we have sold here and have a move date.

Anyway ... I digress .....

Being doing bike porn for past few weeks. Some mega bikes out there but I'm finding it hard not to pin my desires on a Bianchi, specifically the OLTRE XR3. Depending how work goes over the next few months, and house sale, budget won't be an issue but I'd like to keep it below £6k if I can just because it feels extreme to go above that

I've looked at so many other brands including Boardman (love the look of the 9.8 Air), Look (some really nice bikes), FDJ Lapiere (probably spelled that wrong!), Trek (Emondo is lovely), Cannondale (who wouldn't like the SystemSix?) HID is really taken with the Bianchi and keeps asking me why I'd wanted the other bikes when the Bianchi are so nice .... so come on, help me out

@kipster - what do you like / not like about Bianchi?

Others - why did you choose your models over other bikes?

I don't want a bike too aggressive, but I do want relatively light, aero (I know, this can make it aggressive too), not too bothered by electronic groupset, as good mechanical will suit me fine.

Here’s my thoughts, for what they’re worth.

It’s perfectly ok to develop a strong liking for a particular bike. So, if the Bianchi is your thing, then go for it.

When you get a liking for a bike like the Bianchi, then it tends to be because they are big well known brands, easy to find and investigate on the internet and available through the bigger dealers as well as LBS. My first ‘proper road bike was a Scott CR1 and it was between that and a Trek, which I got from Evans Cycles.

The problem was they did an absolutely crap job at fitting the bike to me and building it up, so I ended up at a LBS, who basically rebuilt it and it felt like a different bike, which it pretty much was.

So, lesson 1 is if you’re going to spend £6k, go to somebody you trust, who’s able to fit the bike to you and who you trust to do a good job when they build it up.

The alternative is to go to a smaller UK bike builder. That gives you a slightly more select design, or perhaps less ‘mass produced’ and can often be good value from a reputable bike builder. An example is Reilly Cycle Works in Brighton, whose main bike builder Mark Reilly used to work for Enigma Bikes at Hailsham. I don’t have a Reilly, but I do have an Enigma Titanium bike. They’re website is here: https://www.reillycycleworks.com/pages/about-us

But the choice is yours. There isn’t a right or wrong. It’s what excites you that counts. But whichever route you choose, getting a proper fit is important, not just to get the right fit but it covers the point Bob made that sorting out your type of riding is as important as the right fit.

Beyond that, I’d seriously consider an electronic group set. They’re absolutely not necessary, but once you’ve had one you’ll find it hard to go back. The shifting is precise, reliable and isn’t affected by cable stretch. When you say you’re not mechanically minded, that could be attractive.

Your final question is whether to go with disk brakes or rim brakes. Again, this may depend on what type of riding you’re going to do, as disks really come into their own on rainy days, but they also give nice, even and precise braking.

Anyhow, just a few extra things for you to consider.

 

[JuhaL]

I like Derek's thoughts. Especially about those small companies who are making very good lookin bikes and they are good as those big brands but they are so easily forgotten including i forgot them.