Another Bike Thread.......

[RitchieJoe]

Now I know I have already made a bike thread, but after feedback from you guys I gave Planet X a call to discuss some potential options instead of buying a Boardman from Halfords. Now my phone call left me inundated with potential bikes and "specs" is currently a foreign language to me. This whole buying a bike thing is proving to be rather drawn out and stressful, so when taking into account that my hairline is already further back than most peoples mortgage payments I thought I would be well advised to ask you ladies and gents. Before Christmas and briefly after I was an avid runner, who's goal was to run as far and as quick as I possibly could without going into cardiac arrest. What I want from a bike is the same thing, I want to be on the limit of aerobic exercise before going into anaerobic exercise (not at all the time as I appreciate this would be counter productive). So basically I am after a high level of endurance.

To the Bikes.......

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58RIV22BNC/planet-x-rt-58-carbon-sram-rival-22-bianco-edition

The guy at planet X said that from the current options for my price range that the above would be the best choice, But I am mindful that he may be trying to clear the limited stock they have.

Below are more bikes that are in my price range, I would be extremely gratetful if you guys would be willing to list them in order (which to buy etc)

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXSLPVEL/planet-x-pro-carbon-campagnolo-veloce-road-bike

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58CTIA/planet-x-rt-58-shimano-tiagra-carbon-road-bike


I also have one final question, what else do I need to buy with my bike equipment wise (lights,inner tubes,clothing etc) but just the bare necessities for the moment (this cycling is an expensive sport). I appreciate any feedback and thank you in advance.

 

[Kevoffthetee]

The only way to pick a bike is to try them. I went out yesterday and tried a few and I was able to remove the Boardman team carbon from my list. The shop was busy and the guy was really helpful given he was juggling 4 customers, even let me take the bike into the car park under supervision from a young kid from the audio dept. after a few tweaks and laps around the car park is just wasn't for me.

The trek 2.1 felt great but was slightly above my budget, the giant defy0 wasn't bad, just wasn't great and the Cannondale felt good but was a lower spec than the others.

The only way is to try them. As for kit, spd's and shoes, a mini saddle wedge, an inner tube, tyre levers, a mini pump and a rear light . Get some good shorts with a decent pad and away you go

 

[Cyclist33]

in terms of bare essentials i dont think you need everything on that list. pump and inner tube perhaps but a mini pump should come with its own frame mount and an inner tube can be carried in a pocket so no need for a saddle bag. pedals i suppose are a necessary evil! although if you start (bare essentials you said) with either basic flat pedals or shimano m520 then i know from experience that either can be ridden safely with trainers if you just need to get cracking on. shoes n stuff can come along later, like once you know for sure what it is you want out the bike.

a rear light isnt essential if youre riding by day.

to be honest i would divert as much cash as possible to the bike itself at this point, as after market parts upgrades are getting more and more expensive, particularly as companies get better and better at finding shiny finishes, curvaceous feminine shapes, saucy names and branding and attractive bits of packaging to reel us idiots in.

you might consider a decent lock, though...

echo the try before you buy although seeing as how planet x are great value for money, i wouldnt be too concerned about the specs of the three options, just decide which you like the look and FEEL of best.

 

[vickster]

As they are all PX options, take a daytrip to Planet X. Call to check what they have in their showroom before travelling

 

[RitchieJoe]

As they are all PX options, take a daytrip to Planet X. Call to check what they have in their showroom before travelling

I intend on going to the showroom on friday, but with me not knowing anything about specs I alone can not make an informed decision and the only advice I may receive maybe from someone who is trying to get rid of the last remaining stock of a particular bike

 

[Cyclist33]

Yes, but any of those bikes represents good value for money. Take the rt blanco, that's the green and white model yeah? If you like the paint job... What's the price being offered? What height and leg length are you? Tell us and we will help you with a rough stab at which sizes of bike to look at. Don't take the first option unless it feels right. Make sure they let you have a go.

I would say it's very unlikely you'd end up with a bad bike or a non bargain from Planet X you just need to know if it feels right on the day.

 

[Cyclist33]

My personal order of preference would be the black tiagra one first coz of its vision wheels, I've got the same pair on my giant road bike and they are really nice, then the Bianco coz I don't know anything about campagnolo.

 

[uclown2002]

It's a pity you wern't looking 2 weeks ago as they were selling the RT-58 Carbon with an Ultegra (Composite) groupset for £800. That was a standout bargain.

 

[vickster]

I'd go for the first one for two reasons a) SRAM groupset b) colour (although not far behind)

SRAM Rival is equivalent to Ultegra essentially, just depends on whether you get on with double tap. I don't get on with Shimano hoods

 

[Cyclist33]

I'd go for the first one for two reasons a) SRAM groupset b) colour (although not far behind)

SRAM Rival is equivalent to Ultegra essentially, just depends on whether you get on with double tap. I don't get on with Shimano hoods

I thought it went apex, rival, force, with rival akin to 105..?

 

[vickster]

Depends on how you qualify it I suppose. Both 11 speed, similar weight, cost about the same...not that it really matters as the two systems are different

 

[Cyclist33]

Depends on how you qualify it I suppose. Both 11 speed, similar weight, cost about the same...not that it really matters as the two systems are different

Sure, but if apex is a price point competitor to tiara and rival is one higher then it's more akin to 105, to say it's essentially Ultegra is potentially misleading and as you say they're different systems too.

 

[vickster]

What's the difference between them in every day use for a non pro?

Planet X haven't got the Ultegra option any more any how so it's academic

 

[Cyclist33]

What's the difference between them in every day use for a non pro?

Planet X haven't got the Ultegra option any more any how so it's academic

I think academic is one word that can't be applied to this discussion lol.

 

[biggs682]

It's a pity you wern't looking 2 weeks ago as they were selling the RT-58 Carbon with an Ultegra (Composite) groupset for £800. That was a standout bargain.

i bet they would do same deal if you asked hard enough