Local bike shop - stock choices

[Amac]

Hi all,
I hope everyone is well.

I have started looking to move from my Hybrid to a road bike, to start going out with the local club, which is just starting in small numbers.

I started looking just before lock down, and I was looking at two bikes:
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/contend-sl-2-disc
https://whyte.bike/products/dorset

As I am looking for something with a bit of comfort but still good for road rides, as not and all out "racer"

They have no stock of either, so I popped in today to see what was available.

https://road.cc/content/review/242446-bianchi-nirone-all-road-sora @ £1050
https://www.marinbikes.com/gb/bikes/20-gestalt

When I have had a look and read, both are gravel bikes.

I have my hybrid for going on rides with my wife, canal paths, bridle ways that sort of thing.

I love the look of the Bianchi, but do you think I would feel much difference between this type of bike and a more purpose road bike?

I was in two minds whether to jump in, as I have been waiting so long, or just sit it out for another 6 months until stock get back to where they should be.

Thanks for any tips, or advice for me to think about
Cheers Alex

 

[vickster]

Could be another 6 months or more before stocks recover and 2021 models will be more expensive. I'd buy now if you want a road bike for this summer.

The Marin is more gravel than road too. You could always put a racier road tyre on the Bianchi and upgrade the brakes

I doubt you'd notice the difference at all versus a 'more traditional roadbike' (not that such a thing really exists). It is expensive though for Sora but sounds a good practical option

 

[Amac]

Could be another 6 months or more before stocks recover and 2021 models will be more expensive. I'd buy now if you want a road bike for this summer.

The Marin is more gravel than road too. You could always put a racier road tyre on the Bianchi and upgrade the brakes

I doubt you'd notice the difference at all versus a 'more traditional roadbike' (not that such a thing really exists). It is expensive though for Sora but sounds a good practical option

Hi thanks for your views, I am half and half, just don’t want jump in and regretting it, not sure the misus would let me spend so much on a Bike for the 2nd time ha ha

 

[Grant Fondo]

Agree with @vickster, the differences between road and gravel bikes can be quite subtle, weight and tyres can be an issue, my gravel bike on road tyres feels sprightly enough but it is carbon, and over 1kg heavier than road bike but comfy on long rides. Dont forget you get the added 'do it (almost) all' factor, so rides can be more varied on gravel bike.

 

[fossyant]

Get a mountain bike and have more fun !

 

[fossyant]

Seriously, if you want a bike there are serious shortages. Our local Decathlon is empty.

 

[cyberknight]

Yes as above it pretty scarce , got my c2w voucher and the supplier told me to check the website in a week to see if they have any stock if im lucky

 

[All uphill]

If you like something a little different Winstanleys still have Orro Terras for £1062 with 105.

I love mine to bits, good ride, great paintwork.

Before @vickster says it, it does have a press fit BB.😉

 

[cyberknight]

If you like something a little different Winstanleys still have Orro Terras for £1062 with 105.

I love mine to bits, good ride, great paintwork.

Before @vickster says it, it does have a press fit BB.😉

My best bike has a press fit BB , 3 years old and not a squeak and still smooth

 

[Grant Fondo]

Never seen it like this for bike shortages, bit of a wait sometimes for popular 'latest and shiniest' in certain sizes, but this is bananas

 

[All uphill]

My best bike has a press fit BB , 3 years old and not a squeak and still smooth

Mine has been trouble free so far....

 

[vickster]

What size do you need?
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/s...-matt-black-105-groupset.263514/#post-6048436

Rickmansworth isn’t a million miles from Reading 👍

 

[Amac]

Agree with @vickster, the differences between road and gravel bikes can be quite subtle, weight and tyres can be an issue, my gravel bike on road tyres feels sprightly enough but it is carbon, and over 1kg heavier than road bike but comfy on long rides. Dont forget you get the added 'do it (almost) all' factor, so rides can be more varied on gravel bike.

Cheers for that, the tyres didn’t look too big, and the guy in the shop said I could change them, ha ha you know what it’s like you, when you are not very experienced, you read some reviews and it gets stuck in your head

 

[vickster]

Cheers for that, the tyres didn’t look too big, and the guy in the shop said I could change them, ha ha you know what it’s like you, when you are not very experienced, you read some reviews and it gets stuck in your head

Did they let you ride it?

 

[Amac]

What size do you need?
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/s...-matt-black-105-groupset.263514/#post-6048436

Rickmansworth isn’t a million miles from Reading 👍

Yes, I had looked at that, but I am a bit of a shorty, 5”5; so I think I need, 52 or53........