It's getting to n+1 time, thoughts...?

[johnnyh]

Hi all,well it is now nearly 5 years since my last bike purchase, a Trek 1.7 (105 throughout which now sports RS80 wheels).
Anyhow, my trusty old commuter is getting long in the tooth as it approaches it's 7th or 8th winter, and my mind has turned to n+1

Two routes open to me, firstly replace the commuter and a couple of bikes on PlanetX look good for this at reasonable money (SAB at £600 and Kaffenback at £800), or secondly relegate the Trek from weekend ride/nice weather bike to the commute duties and buy a new best bike.

My lad has been circuit racing this season and wants me to give it a go,and I am sure the Trek would do the job, but it would also be fun to buy a new best bike and one that is up to the circuit duties - as I seem destined to get my cat4 license and make a fool of myself

Can someone give me some pointers/options on what I need look for for a bike that I can happily compete on? I can use the RS80 wheelset so have that part covered, and ideally would like 105 or upwards for the group set without going too far over 1k.

Cheers for your input folks

Johnny

 

[DCLane]

Johnny, your Trek'll do 4th cat; I use my Secteur, although it's a bit compromised against some of the bikes that are used.

 

[johnnyh]

I thought as much, although I have seen the veritable display of bike porn on show at the races and gone... Ooooooooh I'd like a bit of that

All thoughts and suggestions taken on board

 

[VamP]

I'd start on your Trek. You're bound to get involved in a crash at some point, and that's never nice with a brand new 'best' bike. Get a new one as a treat when you earn your 3rd cat. You'll probably have a much better idea of what you want by then as well.

Just make sure it's mechanically sound.

 

[johnnyh]

So it sounds from the above that the smart money is to buy the new commuter and invest in a new best bike in the future... Be that whenever.