Road bike recommendations

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  • so which are you getting - i'd go for one of the two best fit options

  • You are aware of Canyon's rep for really really stiff frames? Only Storck* were stiffer, and that is apprently because German road surfaces are so good everyone swans around on Canyons and 50mm rims and German frame designers just don't really need to bother with the whole comfort thing :)

    *also German

    Yeah, I'd heard they were stiff, but not that stiff.. Perhaps not the best idea for 7 hours of pain at the Etape!

    so which are you getting - i'd go for one of the two best fit options

    It's really a toss up between the Merckx and the Cannondale. Though the appeal of the VN is quite high aesthetically and practically - I do like ti :)

    Get the Synapse, Is this one the correct size? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cannondale-Synapse-105-/190500011157?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c5aaf7c95

    thanks D, on my watchlist :)
    It's a shame I missed out on all the cheap 2010's in the shops, I really want the liquigas coloured version - love it

  • All things being equal. I'd get the Merckx without hesitation.
    Would need somne negative spacers though.

  • wish I could afford ^ that set up. Colourway is nice too :)

    pretty set on the merckx - just need to swing my leg over one and decide on the colour I'm going to buy. £1400 is a crazy deal and leaves me £200 to put towards wheels or buy a new saddle/helmet

  • Get the Synapse, Is this one the correct size? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cannondale-Synapse-105-/190500011157?pt=UK_Bikes_GL&hash=item2c5aaf7c95

    just read the listing more carefully and it's the alu flat bar version - just upgraded to drops and sti's

  • wish I could afford ^ that set up. Colourway is nice too :)

    pretty set on the merckx - just need to swing my leg over one and decide on the colour I'm going to buy. £1400 is a crazy deal and leaves me £200 to put towards wheels or buy a new saddle/helmet

    I love green.

    I think the test ride will decide things more than groupset etc.

  • zactly :)

  • If I'm looking for a new road frame, is getting an TT frame just plain stupid?

    My logic is that they often seem to be a good deal. But will they just be too aggressive for day long summer rides?

  • What do you think?

    Why do more people not have the same bright idea?

  • I think it's a shit idea, and I'm trying to convince myself that a bargain find is a good idea.

    I think lots of people have the same bright idea, which is probably why they're always for sale.

    However, as it has been suggested that you can get around a TT frame, by getting a small road frame, there was some sort of weird logic... heavily layed back seat post, stem with a rise... This was what I was looking at:

    ![](http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqJ,!iQE1NFm81wBBNYTccEZ0Q~~_12.JPG)

  • If I'm looking for a new road frame, is getting an TT frame just plain stupid?

    My logic is that they often seem to be a good deal. But will they just be too aggressive for day long summer rides?

    Some manufacturers like kestral do TT/ road crossover bikes. But generally the fit and ride qualities are not ideal for general road riding.

    The idea you posted in the current projects thread was better. Go with some quality alu. Preferably a complete bike for value for money. But as a fair few people do the buy alu bike - upgrade the carbon frame route. There does seem to be a lot quality used alu frames on EBay etc.

  • Cheers for the advice.

    I'm not that up on alu frames. Any tips?

    My initial thoughts are big names, '05 onwards, 7005 tubing, smooth welds.

    There seem to be a few of these Columbus Zonal Cinelli's knocking about:
    ![](http://i.ebayimg.com/00/$(KGrHqQOKiIE0nUwtzbfBNW+3kFRgg~~_35.JPG)

  • i was looking a at a skeletor from spooky. Bloody nice bikes for the price. US based though.

    CAAD's are brilliant, as are Cervelo S1's. These arent exactly cheap though.

    To be honest there's loads. I would'nt be overly worried about pretty wields. My BMC BB cluster looks like it was wielded with two heated garden spades.

    If it were me. I'd be looking at the guerciotti's on PX, or even there own alu frame (£149).

    Carbon forks and rear end should give you the carbon road feel.
    http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/FRGUALUCARB/guerciotti-alu--carbon-frame

  • Hi all, i am a noob when it comes to road bikes but did used to ride my dads old one in the past. That is now long dead and was wondering if anyone could give me some tips or info on how to get my self set up with a good/average first road bike. I have been looking all day but i cant seem to find anything without laying out 300quid i dont have and then wouldnt really know if its any good. Anyway experience would be much appreciated.

  • a good/average first road bike. I have been looking all day but i cant seem to find anything without laying out 300quid

    Well, there's your trouble. A road bike which is actually worth having will be about £1000 new and without end of year discounts. The last time you could get something ridable for £300 new was about 1985. Something decent in good condition is still going to be £500 second hand.

  • I'm thinking of going for a steel frame with DA 7400 on it as a training/all weather bike- am I mad?

  • If money is an issue, get an old road bike. They hold their value and you should be able to get something back when you have a better idea of what you want.

    They also have the advantage of not looking as flash, therefore having a bit less bidding competition. However, you are up against the vintage market. This is when getting bikes that might not be as obviously attractive to someone after a retro racer are a bargain. I managed to find a 653 Joe Waugh (?) built by Dave Yates, with full campag for a friend for £130ish. The green and white colour scheme just didn't look that great in the pictures, and Waugh doesn't end in a vowel.

    Tips:

    • frame - go for something made from a named tubing, Reynolds, Columbus, Tange, Dedacciai. Find out which tubing is good, and learn what the stickers look like.
    • Parts - if you know your stuff then you can pick out random makes that were good but aren't around anymore. However, if you don't then your best sticking to the main names: campag, Shimano, Mavic. Find the hierarchy's and bookmark them for reference.
    • size - the effective/horizontal top tube measurement is the number to look for. Use one of the online fit calculators to check your size, then go to a big bike store and test a bike in that size.
  • Damit - no! It's a great idea.

    I'll sell you mine without the wheels for £400.

  • Give me a clue- what is it?

  • Sorry, you need to guess....

  • 531 Red Robberts, with fastback stays. Full DA groupset, only summer miles by me on the groupset.

    /shitphoto

  • Ok, I'm going to guess 56cm?

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Road bike recommendations

Posted by Avatar for mashton @mashton

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