Road bike recommendations

Canyon have a slightly longer headtube and wheelbase than Cannondale, this is as far as I can see (I know this because the Canyon fit me perfectly).

Even I couldn't change bike as fast as you can, that must be a record.

Canyon have longer headtube than Cannondale.

Even I couldn't change bike as fast as you can, that must be a record.

No I am not asking for me, a friend wants to get the same caad that I am getting, so I am just giving him options

IMO I'd take campag veloce over Apex any day of the week. Never tried xenon though, it's kind of the sora of the range.

groupset thread >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

...repeat ad infinium.

This thread, this forum, the internet, my life.....

it's a road bike, it wouldn't be called such if it didn't have a groupset to talk about, otherwise it'd be a singlespeed bicycle.

we can't have that sort here can we?

IMO I'd take campag veloce over Apex any day of the week. Never tried xenon though, it's kind of the sora of the range.

In terms of complete bike pricing. Veloce costs a fair bit more than Apex. So its not a fair comparision.

If cost is'nt the highest factor in your decision. Get a high tier Campagnolo group, and enjoy the lovely levers, while you click manically up and down the cassette in single movements.

For those on a budget complete bikes with 105 or apex/rival offer far better bang for buck.

Does anyone have/ know a friend who has a S Works Tarmac SL2 f+f - I might be able to get a frame in very good condition. However this thread has made me question whether I should buy a frame with 3 year old technology vs buying something from 2012. Groupset ready to go on, so I'm more interested in views on the frame - do they ride as good as the reviews say they do? In other words - even at 3 years old - I won't be missing out on anything? Ta

Sorry - should have said does anyone have the bike - and what's it like?

For those on a budget complete bikes with 105 or apex/rival offer far better bang for buck.

We have Force / Red on the road bikes and Apex on the utility bikes. There's no discernible difference in performance; the extra weight of Apex get lost in the higher weight of the bike it's attached to.

I haven't ridden Xenon but I've read it doesn't perform like Super Record.

Groupset ready to go on, so I'm more interested in views on the frame - do they ride as good as the reviews say they do? In other words - even at 3 years old - I won't be missing out on anything? Ta

Not that you would notice. These frames are incredibly similar, they just make small tweaks every year and spend lots of money marketing them. There certainly hasn't been a massive technology shift in the last 3 years in frame design. Unless you are a Pro-peloton writer ghost posting on lfgss then you will not notice any difference at all.

The reason you would would want to buy a new frame would be the warranty - if you don't mind and can get a good price on a 2nd hand frame - do it.

FWIW - I have ridden an SL2 Tarmac a few times, and also an SL4. I own an S-works SL2, it rocks. I've dalllied with the idea of changing, but whenever I ride any other bike I realise how amazing mine is and forget about it.

In terms of complete bike pricing. Veloce costs a fair bit more than Apex. So its not a fair comparision...

For those on a budget complete bikes with 105 or apex/rival offer far better bang for buck.

Cinelli Experience with Veloce // Canyon Roadlite with Apex come in around the same price.

Veloce is pretty good, weights about the same as Apex (and less than 105). The chainrings are a bit soft.

We have Force / Red on the road bikes and Apex on the utility bikes. There's no discernible difference in performance; the extra weight of Apex get lost in the higher weight of the bike it's attached to.

I haven't ridden Xenon but I've read it doesn't perform like Super Record.

I fecking hope not.

The lower end Campagnolo stuff, isnt just the same group with heavier materials (arguably a bonus on a utility bike). It has a different crank axle system, different lever functionality etc. Dont think they still are. But Xenon levers used to be moulded plastic FFS.

just like most lower end levers...

^ Yeah exactly -> Apex = Force, albeit heavier. Xenon and the lower tier Campag stuff is heavier and functionally weaker than the mid and top tier stuff.

Perhaps my point got lost - Apex is a really tidy group with the performance of its top end counterparts but a little portly. Xenon on the other hand is a cheap and cheerful group.

RE: SL2 - thanks for the feedback, I'm not even king of the Regents Park outer ring lap, but sometimes a frame comes up in my size which is just too good to turn down.

LoL - you'd have to be fucking quick to be KOM of Regent's park CW lap on Strava.

just like most lower end levers...

Pretty much, the recent few years Campag have managed to downgraded quite a handful of their groupset to make the high tier one appear to be more of a worthwhile investment.

I blame the traffic lights. By the way police watch on one of the junctions just before the entrance to London Zoo (outer ring) , 7.30 this AM - saw at least 2 cyclists getting a talking to from the police. Will post in junction watch.

is there any point doing laps in regent's park with traffic lights?

Rapha seem to think so.

It's not that bad around 7.30 am, you can get a few laps without too much disruption, beyond 8.15 it becomes a pain. No need/ not worth RLJ ing, and today was the first time I've seen police stopping cyclists

is there any point doing laps in regent's park with traffic lights?

yes. Just don't do it in rush hour, the light cycles are different at different times.. or it seems that way.

The best time to do it is very early in the morning, or at night when the park is closed to cars

Pretty much, the recent few years Campag have managed to downgraded quite a handful of their groupset to make the high tier one appear to be more of a worthwhile investment.

really, Ed?! Thanks - I would never have known this otherwise....