middleagecyclist
Call me MAC
- Location
- Prestwich, Manchester
Right. The time has come to plan to apply for a Cycle2Work voucher to maybe get my new Audax bike possibly some time in the New Year. No more putting it off - The LEL and N+1 is calling!
I have a nice ali' tourer/commuter (too heavy for the LEL) and a nice CF road bike (not practical enough for the LEL) so I now want to get a trad' steel frame bike for audax rides and lightweight touring. Pretty sure I'm going for a Hewitt Cheviot as much for the frame fitting service as for the great reviews of the bike. So, while i'm sure I'll get brilliant advice from the shop, I want to get as many informed opinions from experienced audaxers as possible to form my own ideas.
I'm thinking mid range groupset, 105 or Rival. Not fixed on one make or t'other as as long as it works reliably. Should I get a triple? I manage fine with a compact on the road bike but only up to a 100 odd miles at a time (with hills) and i'm concious I might well need the extra gears on longer, back to back, rides. I'm getting a dynohub. I have a SON on the tourer and really like it but have heard good things about the cheaper Shimano dyno. Are they as good? I was going to get another Schmidt Edelux unless there are some better hub driven lights available over the last couple of years. I'll leave the wheelbuilding to PH but tyre size? 25 or 28? and 'best' audax tyre? I'm sticking with a Brooks as they fit me well. Of course it will have a Carradice!
Any other suggestions more than welcome.
Thanks
I have a nice ali' tourer/commuter (too heavy for the LEL) and a nice CF road bike (not practical enough for the LEL) so I now want to get a trad' steel frame bike for audax rides and lightweight touring. Pretty sure I'm going for a Hewitt Cheviot as much for the frame fitting service as for the great reviews of the bike. So, while i'm sure I'll get brilliant advice from the shop, I want to get as many informed opinions from experienced audaxers as possible to form my own ideas.
I'm thinking mid range groupset, 105 or Rival. Not fixed on one make or t'other as as long as it works reliably. Should I get a triple? I manage fine with a compact on the road bike but only up to a 100 odd miles at a time (with hills) and i'm concious I might well need the extra gears on longer, back to back, rides. I'm getting a dynohub. I have a SON on the tourer and really like it but have heard good things about the cheaper Shimano dyno. Are they as good? I was going to get another Schmidt Edelux unless there are some better hub driven lights available over the last couple of years. I'll leave the wheelbuilding to PH but tyre size? 25 or 28? and 'best' audax tyre? I'm sticking with a Brooks as they fit me well. Of course it will have a Carradice!
Any other suggestions more than welcome.
Thanks
