mrmacmusic
Veteran
- Location
- Tillicoultry
Sorry for another "what bike?" type thread, but I'd appreciate some advice.
Back story: I've covered 4,500 miles on the Ridgeback Flight 01 I bought almost exactly a year ago. Although I had an enforced break through December and January, I'm essentially a 5-day a week commuter, covering 28 miles per day on roads and tarmac/dressed cycle-path surfaces, plus I try and get out at the weekend for a longer run (43 miles is my longest so far).
My dilemma is two-fold: firstly, is a road bike actually right for me, and secondly, is this actually a good time to buy (some 2013 models would appear to be making an entrance, but not from all manufacturers)...?
I've been itching to upgrade to a proper road bike for months, and having to repair the Flight following a rear mech hanger snap is fuelling my desire to just fix it, sell it, and trade up! The Flight can feel sluggish and heavy (not helped by the cheap ALDI rack/pannier and SKS thermoplastic mudguards, both now broken), so I'm looking for a more responsive ride – I don't really feel any power transfer to the rear wheel like I use to on my old Trek 6500 mountain bike – and for something that feels lighter and faster.
I want the drops, but I need to ensure that the bike will survive day-in, day-out commuting use in all weathers; be able to take a load (for those Monday and Friday full pannier days!); be comfortable enough on long rides and Sportives (my plan for 2013!), but also feel like it's got some get-up-and-go when I want to press on...
I've been unable to see any of them in the flesh, but from my research I'm most keen on the looks (and specs) of the Cannondale CAAD8 105 and Giant Defy 1. I quite fancy a Trek too as I've always liked them, and their 2013 Domane 2.3 looks particularly interesting! However, the Vitus Dark Plasma VR is intriguing at the current price and I quite like the look of the Carrera Virago, although I do think an aluminium rather than carbon frame would be the most sensible option.
Perhaps I should be looking at a cross such as the Boardman CX Team, although having seen a Focus Mares (ugly) and Specialized Tricross (underspecced for the money IMHO) my concern there is that it just won't feel engaging or lively when I want/need it to, although it probably would be more robust for the commute.
Given that my 'naked' Flight isn't that heavy though (supposedly around 11-12kg), I'm concerned that once a rack, pannier and guards are fitted, none of these bikes would actually feel any more responsive having dropped ~£1k... Maybe that's nonsense, but it's one of those situations where I won't really know until I'm actually riding my new, loaded bike on the commute.
I have also thought about changing to a seat-post rack and bag system (Topeak) rather than a fixed rack, so that when I'm not laden or am wanting to go out for a fast ride, it can be removed in favour of a small seat-post pack with tools'n'tubes.
So... are the Cannondale or Giant (or Trek) robust enough for year-round use, or would the Boardman be exciting enough? Do I buy now, or do I wait?
Help please!
Back story: I've covered 4,500 miles on the Ridgeback Flight 01 I bought almost exactly a year ago. Although I had an enforced break through December and January, I'm essentially a 5-day a week commuter, covering 28 miles per day on roads and tarmac/dressed cycle-path surfaces, plus I try and get out at the weekend for a longer run (43 miles is my longest so far).
My dilemma is two-fold: firstly, is a road bike actually right for me, and secondly, is this actually a good time to buy (some 2013 models would appear to be making an entrance, but not from all manufacturers)...?
I've been itching to upgrade to a proper road bike for months, and having to repair the Flight following a rear mech hanger snap is fuelling my desire to just fix it, sell it, and trade up! The Flight can feel sluggish and heavy (not helped by the cheap ALDI rack/pannier and SKS thermoplastic mudguards, both now broken), so I'm looking for a more responsive ride – I don't really feel any power transfer to the rear wheel like I use to on my old Trek 6500 mountain bike – and for something that feels lighter and faster.
I want the drops, but I need to ensure that the bike will survive day-in, day-out commuting use in all weathers; be able to take a load (for those Monday and Friday full pannier days!); be comfortable enough on long rides and Sportives (my plan for 2013!), but also feel like it's got some get-up-and-go when I want to press on...
I've been unable to see any of them in the flesh, but from my research I'm most keen on the looks (and specs) of the Cannondale CAAD8 105 and Giant Defy 1. I quite fancy a Trek too as I've always liked them, and their 2013 Domane 2.3 looks particularly interesting! However, the Vitus Dark Plasma VR is intriguing at the current price and I quite like the look of the Carrera Virago, although I do think an aluminium rather than carbon frame would be the most sensible option.
Perhaps I should be looking at a cross such as the Boardman CX Team, although having seen a Focus Mares (ugly) and Specialized Tricross (underspecced for the money IMHO) my concern there is that it just won't feel engaging or lively when I want/need it to, although it probably would be more robust for the commute.
Given that my 'naked' Flight isn't that heavy though (supposedly around 11-12kg), I'm concerned that once a rack, pannier and guards are fitted, none of these bikes would actually feel any more responsive having dropped ~£1k... Maybe that's nonsense, but it's one of those situations where I won't really know until I'm actually riding my new, loaded bike on the commute.
I have also thought about changing to a seat-post rack and bag system (Topeak) rather than a fixed rack, so that when I'm not laden or am wanting to go out for a fast ride, it can be removed in favour of a small seat-post pack with tools'n'tubes.
So... are the Cannondale or Giant (or Trek) robust enough for year-round use, or would the Boardman be exciting enough? Do I buy now, or do I wait?
Help please!