time to upgrade?

[Saluki]

Have you considered that your ride buddy might be one of those annoying buggers who are just good at hills? Its not the bike or that he is way fitter than you, he might be a natural climber. If that is the case I suggest that you stop being friends with him and find one who is crap at hills. It'll save you a fortune.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Have you considered that your ride buddy might be one of those annoying buggers who are just good at hills? Its not the bike or that he is way fitter than you, he might be a natural climber. If that is the case I suggest that you stop being friends with him and find one who is crap at hills. It'll save you a fortune.

I can vouch for this - my ride buddy is one of these types! unfortunately whilst it is annoying, stopping being friends with him is not an option - I'm married to him
I can, however, offer my sympathies to @stu9000 and say that a new bike has helped me start to keep up with him - so don't despair too much!

 

[Kestevan]

If your thinking of spending that sort of money have a look at Planet X.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT57ULT/planet-x-rt-57-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike
Same money, much better spec..... and the bikes a Cracker (I'm biased - I have one).

Can't say it will make you much faster up hills - but it will be more fun slogging up them.

 

[stu9000]

Have you considered that your ride buddy might be one of those annoying buggers who are just good at hills? Its not the bike or that he is way fitter than you, he might be a natural climber. If that is the case I suggest that you stop being friends with him and find one who is crap at hills. It'll save you a fortune.

The salt in the wound was when he started to go off then said he would "wait for me". Ah bless. At least ive built his confidence for the Surrey 100.

 

[stu9000]

If your thinking of spending that sort of money have a look at Planet X.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT57ULT/planet-x-rt-57-shimano-ultegra-6800-road-bike
Same money, much better spec..... and the bikes a Cracker (I'm biased - I have one).

Can't say it will make you much faster up hills - but it will be more fun slogging up them.

Thats a gorgeous bike!!! A serious contender I think.
Is there any way I can road test a Planet X bike?

 

[Saluki]

Thats a gorgeous bike!!! A serious contender I think.
Is there any way I can road test a Planet X bike?

The best way to road test one is to pop up to Sheffield, which is what I did (From Norwich, Norfolk). I love it to bits and then rode it again and loved it some more. I'm collecting mine next Saturday and crossing off the days.

I was going to suggest the Planet X bike but felt that I've probably been on about them fairly constantly for a fortnight and people will just roll their eyes at my enthusiasm.

 

[stu9000]

What about this?
Relaxed geometry, full carbon, Shimano 105, down from £1600 to £800
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/avanti-cadent-20-2013/

 

[vickster]

Never heard of them, Wiggle special. Only got 52cm, are you less than 5'8?

Don't like the colour

 

[Kiwiavenger]

Planet x pro carbon is currently 1000 with ultegra 11 speed from what I can tell. Looks lovely! I want a white one lol

 

[stu9000]

Never heard of them, Wiggle special. Only got 52cm, are you less than 5'8?

Don't like the colour

Fair point. This one then

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/avanti-cadent-1-2013/

But to buy without having so much as sat on it ,,, not sure I could

 

[vickster]

Still never heard of them...buy cheap, buy twice

What is Wiggle's returns policy on heavy reductions?

 

[fossyant]

To be frank, if your mate beat you up the hill, then he is fitter than you. The Triban is a good entry level bike, and no amount of money will make much difference in reality. The engine is you !

Yes there are marginal gains from better road bikes, but if you are getting hammered, then the other rider is fitter. Simples.

 

[vickster]

However, if you want to make yourself feel better about your mate being better than you...

Something like this

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/cube-agree-gtc-compact-road-bike-2013/rp-prod111917 (triple available too if you need the granny ring)

Forget trying to justify the reason for a new toy...just buy one

 

[stu9000]

I'll look at their cube and check out returns.
Wiggle will accept returns free of charge if swooping for another bike from them or return costs £20 if walking away.

With 12% off through British Cycling the Avanti seems good. I've not quite decided tho.

 

[vickster]

Check the BC T&Cs, I think it only applies to full price stuff (or stuff that is only a bit reduced)