bikeman66
Senior Member
- Location
- Isle of Wight
Hi All,
Trying to solve a bike buying conundrum on my son's behalf.
We bought him a Carrera TDF last year, as an introduction to road cycling (mainly to use as a bit of cross-training for his rowing and sculling). As the cycling was only a side issue at the time we didn't want to shell out a ridiculous amount of money on a posh bike that might have been ridden a couple of times and then sat collecting dust in the garage.
Of course, one thing we didn't consider was the incredible growth spurt my son might have had! The Carrera was a 54cm frame, which at the time looked as though it would allow for a bit of growth, but he has literally shot up. I adjusted his saddle to the maximum yesterday, but the length of the frame is also now an issue.
He seems to be getting in to his cycling a bit more as well, so we thought a bit of an upgrade might be due anyway.
I have been highly delighted with my Felt F95, which I purchased last September and value for money is fantastic. Mine is a 58cm frame, which now seems just about right for my son (unsurprisingly, as he's reached the same height as me). I recommended the Felt to him, as Merlin still have it at a good price, but being a typical teenager, he doesn't like the idea of riding the same bike as his old man.
I've been searching the net a bit and have found a MEKK Pinerolo AL ZR for £314.99 (RRP £549.99). It all looks pretty good, although it is still only 16 speed, the same as his Carrera. The rest of the spec seems like a step up on the TDF, with alu frame, carbon fork, Saturae finishing kit etc. The only slight fly in the ointment is it has Microshift shifters and front mech, which most people seem to have real downer on! I have no experience of Microshift, so is anyone able to suggest why this system is not highly regarded please?
If anyone is inclined to look at the relative merits of the Felt F95 for £395.00 from Merlin versus the MEKK Pinerolo at £314.99 from Rutland Cycling, I'd really appreciate your input.
Alternatively, if anyone has found any other killer deals for up to £400.00 I'd love to know about them.
Thanks in advance for any tips you might be able to give
Trying to solve a bike buying conundrum on my son's behalf.
We bought him a Carrera TDF last year, as an introduction to road cycling (mainly to use as a bit of cross-training for his rowing and sculling). As the cycling was only a side issue at the time we didn't want to shell out a ridiculous amount of money on a posh bike that might have been ridden a couple of times and then sat collecting dust in the garage.
Of course, one thing we didn't consider was the incredible growth spurt my son might have had! The Carrera was a 54cm frame, which at the time looked as though it would allow for a bit of growth, but he has literally shot up. I adjusted his saddle to the maximum yesterday, but the length of the frame is also now an issue.
He seems to be getting in to his cycling a bit more as well, so we thought a bit of an upgrade might be due anyway.
I have been highly delighted with my Felt F95, which I purchased last September and value for money is fantastic. Mine is a 58cm frame, which now seems just about right for my son (unsurprisingly, as he's reached the same height as me). I recommended the Felt to him, as Merlin still have it at a good price, but being a typical teenager, he doesn't like the idea of riding the same bike as his old man.
I've been searching the net a bit and have found a MEKK Pinerolo AL ZR for £314.99 (RRP £549.99). It all looks pretty good, although it is still only 16 speed, the same as his Carrera. The rest of the spec seems like a step up on the TDF, with alu frame, carbon fork, Saturae finishing kit etc. The only slight fly in the ointment is it has Microshift shifters and front mech, which most people seem to have real downer on! I have no experience of Microshift, so is anyone able to suggest why this system is not highly regarded please?
If anyone is inclined to look at the relative merits of the Felt F95 for £395.00 from Merlin versus the MEKK Pinerolo at £314.99 from Rutland Cycling, I'd really appreciate your input.
Alternatively, if anyone has found any other killer deals for up to £400.00 I'd love to know about them.
Thanks in advance for any tips you might be able to give