The definitive OTP ( Off-The-Peg ) List (<£500 and <£1,000 sections)

2010 Felt TK-2

"The US$1,399 (approx £850) TK-2 is a velodrome-specific track racing bike built with Felt's custom-butted, smooth welded Super-light 7005 aluminium tubing. Frame features include an aero 70mm deep cutout seat tube with a rear wheel recess and a semi-aero downtube, a bladed monostay and aero seatstays connected to horizontal CNC dropouts with stainless steel inserts.
The Felt carbon fork has 25mm of offset for quick track handling. Component highlights include a SRAM TruVativ Omnium Track two-piece cold-forged aluminium 48T crankset and 15T fixed gear driven by a KMC Z510HX track 1/8in-pitch chain.
A Deda Pista aluminium handlebar joins own-brand kit including a TkR 2014 aluminium 3D forged stem and bladed carbon fibre micro adjust seatpost, Felt 1.2 saddle with a carbon-injected base and TkR-2 42mm deep aluminium Aero Track wheels, with 28 spokes radially laced in the front and 28 spokes three-crossed in the rear for strength. Colour is Gloss White, Black. Sizes are 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60cm."

Oh, now that has just thrown a spanner in the works!

2010 Felt TK-2

a bladed monostay

What's one of these when it's at home?

"a bladed monostay"

What's one of these when it's at home?

I have a Felt Breed. It has no provision for racks or guards (think it has pretenses of being more of a race singlespeed/cross thing)
Handles and rides nicely though and pretty light. Also very cheap to change gearing as the rear hub is a singlespeed cassette hub so you can just put on a smaller cog (plus I find them a better solution than a freewheel - other than a £70 WI freewheel!)

thanks for the info, shame about the lack of braze-ons - it's a nice looking bike IMO. will be on the list to be test ridden.

anyone got a Dawes mono?

The bladed monostay is the bladed bit between the join of the seatstays and the seat tube. It will cut the average joes commuting time in two.

http://www.hamiltonbikes.co.uk/custom/trakgoldspec3.jpg

Hey there Mr 2G, Got to be better than a uni pack.

Mongoose Maurice set to come out this month (that akrigg fellow been riding one)

Excellent specs for entry level OTP, nice frame shape & cast crown forks. Double butted 4130 etc. Only problem is gash colourscheme, even the SHAPE of the cranks looks a lot better than other cheap single speed chainsets. Reminiscent of High end sugino/shimano (just the shape yeah, no idea of quality)

Most amazing thing is, that its only gonna RRP for £349. Clearly blowing out competitors for what I think is a much superior bike. I may get one, repaint orange bits and put on some drops.

Althought I think the carrera subway zero seemed like the deal of the century (only £200 for a fixed wheel bike), of course if you don't let the Halford mechanic build it up for you.

is it me or are there's two orange spokes on each wheels on that Mongoose bike?

Althought I think the carrera subway zero seemed like the deal of the century (only £200 for a fixed wheel bike), of course if you don't let the Halford mechanic build it up for you.

is it me or are there's two orange spokes on each wheels on that Mongoose bike?

Indeed there is two orange spokes, no idea why or if the final sale version will even look the same. Its interesting that they are doing something so distinctive as their main colourway. I cant imagine theyll be many people who'll dig all that orange paint.

But aside from that the bike in technical terms seems pretty awesome. A Double butted CRMO frame will be more durable than a budget aluminium frame. Steel is better for the environment too if that bothers you. This frame also has the better looks of horizontal top tube & is also barspinnable for the tricksters.

is it me or are there's two orange spokes on each wheels on that Mongoose bike?

looks like those are the two spokes that go around the valve hole but they seem to have photoshopped out the valve

in the video with Akrigg I think you can just see two of the spokes are orange...

Hi chaps, I'm currently hunting for my first OTP SS road bike and this thread's been an invaluable help. The Genesis Flyer, Charge Plug Racer and Schwinn yellow thingummy are all vying for my attention now...

I do have a question though. At what point in the year will the 2009 models be reduced in price as the 2010 ones are brought in?

Thanks for your help!

Hi chaps, I'm currently hunting for my first OTP SS road bike and this thread's been an invaluable help. The Genesis Flyer, Charge Plug Racer and Schwinn yellow thingummy are all vying for my attention now...

I do have a question though. At what point in the year will the 2009 models be reduced in price as the 2010 ones are brought in?

Thanks for your help!

Good choices, but unless you've been into a shop to try any of them, you may be surprised by the fact that your choices are all a bit on the heavy side. The Plug and the Madison have been said to be quite heavy. If you are a heavier person, then you may not even notice. But if you have owned aluminium bikes before, then it might be a shock.

Different retailers will choose their own dates for discounting 2009 stock, and bringing in 2010 bikes. I'd say between October and February, you will see the really bargains on 2009 stock. But the later you wait, the better the choices. Pearson Cycles sold the Giant Bowery (I own one) for less than £230.....and they sold loads. I'm not pushing you in that direction, but do keep an eye out for a bargain. Somewhere else sold the Specialized Tricross Single for £275.oo, and that was a huge bargain.

Hi GA2G,

I'm hoping to track down some bikes to try this weekend. To be honest, I ride an utter, utter hound at the moment - I'd not cycled for ages and thought I'd first risk London traffic with a £100 Halfords special in case the commute wasn't for me. But it's gone well, so here I am!

Given that, and my un-svelte physique, they'll probably feel aces to me. But are there any lighter bikes at a similar price that you'd recommend? The ones I mentioned seemed like a consensus pick.

Cool, I don't know if I can restrain myself until winter, but it sounds like it might well be worth it.

Thanks again for your help!

If you're big enough I'd recommend getting the 2008 58cm Flyer from Evans. http://www.evanscycles.com/products/genesis/flyer-2008-road-bike-ec001119

If you're a big guy (I am nearer 19stone), I'd recommend an aluminium bike, instead of steel. For steel to exhibit the same lack of flex, it would be far heavier in comparison. Pop round to Edwardes Cycles of Camberwell, and see what they've got in stock, in their 2nd hand range. Or just phone them, and tell them roughly you are looking for. They won't sell you any shit, as they take care to try to do things right, the first time round. Also, any servicing needs you will have in the future, they will do a sterling job there also.

For some reason, alu bikes seem to depreciate faster than steel....though it could be due to the perception of longevity of the frame. I own 2 alu bikes, and have no troubles at all. Plus, they're lighter, and therefore quicker, and to me, more rewarding. Steel, is easier to repair though, in event of a catastrophe.

Good advice again, they look quite sound on a quick google. I'll cross the river to have a chat over the weekend.

I think I'm around 15/16st, but I've not weighed myself for ages. Is there any difference between steel and alu frames for someone of that weight? Or is it just personal preference?

Sorry if the questions are getting boring now... I imagine it's not the first time a complete first-timer has asked them.

It's probably is personal preference, so why don't you pop down to the bike shop and try them out?

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8shLuvSmpk"]YouTube
- funny army prank[/ame]

It's probably is personal preference, so why don't you pop down to the bike shop and try them out?

Don't worry, I will. Just thought GA2G (or anyone else...) might have more useful advice seeing as he mentioned frame material and the rider's weight as factors to consider.

I imagine how a bike feels will trump what it's made of, especially as I'm new to it all - but then again, being new means I might be missing out some important technical information, no matter how thoroughly I research...

At 15 stone, the differences in frame responses are not significant. At 19 stone, they are, especially under hard braking. You'll be okay whichever bike you choose. Ride quality is "friendlier" on a steel bike, and more harsh on an alu one. But again, that will still depend on variables such as tyre choices, and tyre psi.

YouTube - funny army prank

What exactly was that in reference to?!

what a strange response!

Giant Omnium 2010 (RRP £850)

thats not an otp