Cycling newbie - buying advice please
- Thread starter lol22
- Start date
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. If you might want to use trainers regularly the M324
Elybazza61
Guru
Can't go wrong with either the Norco or the Pinnacle really.
As an aside I commute regularly on a Planet X XLS which is really an out and out race cross frame but it's been absolutely brilliant for commuting with the advantage that with a quick change of wheels/tyres it can venture off the main roads;only downside is that it has no mounts for mudguards so finding some that fitted was a pain.
Here's a recent pic in it's current 1x10 spd set-up;
Oh and the Shimano pedals Vickster mentions are brilliant;tough and easy to use and very cheap.
As an aside I commute regularly on a Planet X XLS which is really an out and out race cross frame but it's been absolutely brilliant for commuting with the advantage that with a quick change of wheels/tyres it can venture off the main roads;only downside is that it has no mounts for mudguards so finding some that fitted was a pain.
Here's a recent pic in it's current 1x10 spd set-up;
Oh and the Shimano pedals Vickster mentions are brilliant;tough and easy to use and very cheap.
Really don't think you need to spend anywhere near £1000. I was in a similar position to yourself, after a lot of research I plumped for a Giant defy 3 2015 model for £395 from Rutland Cycles. Have to say that Im very impressed with it, obviously in the fullness of time it will require upgrades on the wheels etc, but the stock spec we do me just fine for now.
lol22
Regular
- Location
- Nottingham
So,, I went along to Planet x, tried a London Road and then bought. Stealth Black. It will look nice with my orange coat and with my yellow coat too. I got the ultegra build, at a bit of a discount due to black Friday and it being already built. Its very nice and smooth. I tried the cheaper build but was seduced by the much smoother operation on the more expensive model. I came with Hutchinson top slick tyres, which look very smooth, too smooth for winter - so I got a Challenge Gravel Grinders for a bit more grip in the winter, wet leaves etc. Pedal wise I went for PD A530 I- they come in black to match the bike and seem similar to your recommended M324 models.
I'm just changing the tyres now and should be ready for a speedier commute tomorrow.
Still to buy - mud guards and new lights.
I will report back when I've done a few miles on the new steed. Overall, I'm pleased so far. Pushed the financial boat out more than I intended but what can you do when you know something is right?
Thank you for your kind help
I'm just changing the tyres now and should be ready for a speedier commute tomorrow.
Still to buy - mud guards and new lights.
I will report back when I've done a few miles on the new steed. Overall, I'm pleased so far. Pushed the financial boat out more than I intended but what can you do when you know something is right?
Thank you for your kind help
lol22
Regular
- Location
- Nottingham
Happy new year to you all
well, I have had the new bike for a while now, regularly commuting on it.
Positives - fast, smooth... theres a lot to like. I even got complemented on my nice bike by someone who would know. The semi slick tyres are working well for me. Great stopping power and fab acceleration. I'm even starting to think I might enjoy riding socially.
Negatives - two punctures in the rear tyre in the first week. The breaks make a real squeaking type noise, mostly at the fiercest braking - I don't know if it is a bedding in type issue. One of the break levers now travels fully to the handle bars - again, I don't know why, I assumed that hydraulic brakes would be self adjusting. Also, the right brake hood does not seem secure, it rotates around a bit with changing gear - possibly a technique thing on my part.
I'm due to take it back for its 6 weeks initial service soon so I'm hoping that the issues will be sorted out then.
Overall, I'm pleased with the bike. It seems to be of a good quality and has made my commute so much easier. I've now bought and am part way through fitting mudguards, and have proper shoes with SPD cleats and will start practising their use soon. I'm looking forward to the difference that they will make - although I am perturbed to read that everyone falls over a few times!
well, I have had the new bike for a while now, regularly commuting on it.
Positives - fast, smooth... theres a lot to like. I even got complemented on my nice bike by someone who would know. The semi slick tyres are working well for me. Great stopping power and fab acceleration. I'm even starting to think I might enjoy riding socially.
Negatives - two punctures in the rear tyre in the first week. The breaks make a real squeaking type noise, mostly at the fiercest braking - I don't know if it is a bedding in type issue. One of the break levers now travels fully to the handle bars - again, I don't know why, I assumed that hydraulic brakes would be self adjusting. Also, the right brake hood does not seem secure, it rotates around a bit with changing gear - possibly a technique thing on my part.
I'm due to take it back for its 6 weeks initial service soon so I'm hoping that the issues will be sorted out then.
Overall, I'm pleased with the bike. It seems to be of a good quality and has made my commute so much easier. I've now bought and am part way through fitting mudguards, and have proper shoes with SPD cleats and will start practising their use soon. I'm looking forward to the difference that they will make - although I am perturbed to read that everyone falls over a few times!
Darren Gregory
Rides a Pinnacle Arkose 3 and a Trek Emonda SL6
Congratulations on the bike. Having only recently moved to SPD I spent a good hour on the bike indoors in front of the tv clipping in and clipping out to get a good feel of how to do it. I also purposly left my left pedal slightly "loser" as that is my standing foot the idea being that it is easier to clip out of. After serveral rides I intend to tighten as I am more comfortable now. Havent fallen off once, I think the tv practising and the fact that I ride quite rural is the result. I'm sure if I rode more in big towns/cities where there are more junctions and traffic lights I might have had more scary moments.
All the best