Road bike recommendations

I am giving up on aluminium braking surfaces because I don't need them. I weigh 60kg, and live in London. If I was going to be tearing down alpine descents, I'd get some aluminium tubs, but I'm not. I'm riding short, quick training rides and 100 mile club runs on the weekend. I'll take the aerodynamic and weight advantage, thanks.

For "training rides" and that weekend warrior ride you don't need carbon aero wheels. They are NOT even an advantage. While some of the best ones are light and offer a bit better break-away aerodynamics, they are also more prone to sidewinds and provide less confort than a set of low profile lightweight tubular rim based wheels. And if its not about "training" and club-rides then get tubular.. Carbon and clincher are not a good mate.

Braking performance.. Carbon provides an excelllent surface. I've used ADA pads on everything (including alloy rims) and they work well--- good enough for riders hitting some of the fastest descents in bad weather during the major Tours. And if you really need a more controlled braking (its about heat and not friction) surface... Kevlar works quite well...

I have a 5 minute walk to work. No commute needed, although they will be used in all weathers.

Wheel chat >>>>>

Carbon aero wheels are not your "all weather" ride around choice...

For "training rides" and that weekend warrior ride you don't need carbon aero wheels. They are NOT even an advantage. While some of the best ones are light and offer a bit better break-away aerodynamics, they are also more prone to sidewinds and provide less confort than a set of low profile lightweight tubular rim based wheels. And if its not about "training" and club-rides then get tubular.. Carbon and clincher are not a good mate.

Ha, I don't need much of anything, in terms of parts. The one thing that would improve my cycling no end would be a cessation of my chronic low back pain, rather than stupid wheels. Duncan went from 4th to 2nd cat in one season on Open Pros; it's training over tech at every level of cycling. I'm under no illusion about that.

Having acknowledged that, I think there is, quantifiably, an advantage to having aero wheels. You will go faster for the same level of effort. Comfort isn't particularly an issue, I'm on a carbon Cannondale which rides like a sofa. I've ridden tubs before, and I'm not sold on the benefits. I prefer wide clinchers, and I can afford carbon. Why not, eh? I need all the help I can get.

Carbon aero wheels are not your "all weather" ride around choice...

You've not met me, clearly. I'm on the leaderboard for the ne plus ultra of cycling tarts.

Oh, I thought EdwardsZ was a Jeez alias.

Moving away from the wheel talk, I need some advise. Getting a first proper road bike, CAAD 10 or canyon cf sl 9.0? Or any other recommendations around that price point.

Ride them and see which you like.
Pick one with a good group set you like.

Carbon and Alu are different. I'd never own an alu bike again.

Can't find any London dealers for caad 10, and i think canyon can only be bought online. Did you have a bad experience with carbon? Or is carbon just supreme

Carbon is nicer.

Evans sell caad10s. As do, I believe, on your bike and CycleSurgery.

If they have any left, as the distro don't have anymore AFAIK.

I have a CAAD10 it's good but I have nothing to compare it to

My 2 Mamil pence.

Carbon frame if you can afford it. A much better medium to soak up the predominantley alloy components.

Carbon wheels are great, again if you can afford to replace once brake track is shot. Alloy track much more durable.

I have been getting lower back pain on road bike. I noticed if I alter my posture to a more open position (straighter back) it improves immediately.

Don't get on TT bike at all tho. (Aluminium) /End

http://road.cc/content/news/111539-first-ride-b%E2%80%99twin-alur-700

I saw this bike in Richmond yesterday; its quite interesting; internal cables, direct mount brakes, rear brake on BB shell etc. At £750 I think its a bargain. Perfect beginner crit bike that'll give CAAD8 run for its money.

The original caad8 (and 9) were ideal crit bikes but the current caad8 has a lot of headtube.

There are a few things in that review that make me think the B'twin is maybe not perfect for crit racing:

The Alur is actually a pretty comfortable bike. For a start, if you want a slightly more relaxed ride position than you get on a traditional road bike, that’s what’s on offer here.

Sling a load of power through the cranks and you do get a little flex in the frame around the bottom bracket, but not loads – it’s still reasonably stiff. Here at road.cc we’re used to reviewing super-rigid bikes aimed at very strong cyclists, and the Alur’s frame stiffness does fall a little short in comparison, but then, it’s much cheaper than most of those.

Something like a Felt75 would be a good alternative.

It got the old 105, not that good a value.

And its ugly as fuck. Also- that chainset?

Perfect beginner crit bike that'll give CAAD8 run for its money.

Have you ever ridden a crit?

:d

lol

oh dear

nup

Meh. None of us have ridden the Tour De France, but we waffle on about it.

In my limited experience a suitable race bike is one you don't mind writing off.

The chances of writing off a frame are so slim.
Wheels however.

the above did tickle me^^^^^^^

Wheels however.

Or bones