Needing to get a new bike...

[The doomed]

Hi Folks, I'm on the lookout for a new bike, mainly for commuting and weekend trips along cycle paths and canals etc.

Done Pedal for Scotland yesterday (which is how I discovered this forum!)so Im hoping you guys can help, please!

What im looking for is basically the Specialized Sirrus except with wider wheels/tyres as I dont like road bike tyres (guy in shop said they were 28mm - probably about 36-38mm would be more my preference). he also didnt think I could get tyres on the sirrus wider that 32mm

Budget up to £400.

If this isnt the best place to seek such advice is anyone able to recommend somewhere that is?

 

[Maz]

Hi
The Specialized Globe is a beefier/sturdier/more rugged version up from the Sirrus (the Sirrus would not lend itself well to canal paths). I think it could do the job. It might cost bit more that £400, but I'm not sure.

 

[The doomed]

Thanks.

These looks quite the business... 2009 Specialized Globe Vienna 3
or this one actually Specialized Globe Elite

Any idea where I can find out more info on the tyre widths and tred etc?
Also, whats the advantage/disadvantage of having the sloping top bar like that?

 

[The doomed]

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=36512

seems to be the tyres there. look ideal... but no info on width (yeh i know im fussy!)

 

[Maz]

Sloping topbar - hmm. I think it's just a new design. The '08 model had a straighter top tube. The '08 model might also be cheaper as the '09 has just come out.

The tyres on that bike are Specialized Nimbus, 700x35, so 35mm wide. You could try googling it to find out more info.

 

[The doomed]

Sloping topbar - hmm. I think it's just a new design. The '08 model had a straighter top tube. The '08 model might also be cheaper as the '09 has just come out.

The tyres on that bike are Specialized Nimbus, 700x35, so 35mm wide. You could try googling it to find out more info.

thanks... sounds just like what Im after

Edit: just found out its single speed

 

[The doomed]

http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1027033/Specialized--Globe--Sport.html

21 speed looks better!

 

[Maz]

thanks... sounds just like what Im after

Edit: just found out its single speed

That one is single-speed. There are loads that are geared, though.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.SPECIALIZED-Globe-2008-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_13771.htm

 

[Ranger]

Looking at the link it seems the Globe Elite is equiped with an 8 speed Nexus. If so it might be ideal for commuting/leisure use depending on the type of distance and gradients you cover, but other people can give you better advice on that

 

[The doomed]

Think ive got it down to the following two:
Specialized Globe 2008 £260
Specialized Globe Sport 2008 £300

I dont mind spending the extra, any recommendations as to whether its worth it??

For the extra £40 there are the following differences:
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano EF-50, integrated
BRAKE LEVERS Specialized V-Brake

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano C-51, 31.8mm clamp
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano FD-M310, 31.8mm clamp

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Altus RD-M310
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivio RD-M410

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano EF-50
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano SL-MC40


CASSETTE FREEWHEEL Shimano HG-40, 8-speed, 11-32t
CASSETTE FREEWHEEL SRAM PG-830, 8-speed, 11-32t

CRANKSET Shimano FCM-191, steel outer ring
CRANKSET Shimano FCM-341, alloy outer ring

FORK Specialized Cr-Mo steerer and lowers
FORK Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum steerer and lowers

STEM Specialized forged alloy, 25 degree rise
STEM Specialized 3D forged, two bolt, 25.4mm

FRONT BRAKE Shimano EF-50, integrated w/ shift levers
FRONT BRAKE Specialized V-Brakes

 

[Soltydog]

I looked at the 2007 models. The sport had upgraded brakes & adjustable stem, I reckoned upgraded brakes would cope better with my weight & the adjustable stem would give more options to get the right set up. But it appears the stem on the globe is now fixed 18 months a a few thousand miles on mine is still going strong. Only had to change chain, rear wheel bearings & usual tyres, pads etc. I'd recommend it, but try a local dealer, you might get a better deal. I managed to get mudguards & rack free

 

[The doomed]

thanks - will see what I can find!

 

[alp1950]

Don't know how much advice & shopping around you've done but I've been touring around Glasgow speaking to both the big shops & some LBSs re. getting a new road bike.

Noticed your link to Dale's. Impressive shop & good advice but I'm told they can be pricey. Best advice I've received so far came from Neil who runs Billy Bislands. Might be worth popping in for a chat as it might save you some money- and as LBS go this looks to be one of the best.

(I think Neil was helping out on the Pedal for Scotland too)

http://billybilslandcycles.co.uk/

 

[The doomed]

Don't know how much advice & shopping around you've done but I've been touring around Glasgow speaking to both the big shops & some LBSs re. getting a new road bike.

Noticed your link to Dale's. Impressive shop & good advice but I'm told they can be pricey. Best advice e received so far came from Neil who runs Billy Bislands. Might be worth popping in for a chat as it might save you some money- and as LBS go this looks to be one of the best.

(I think Neil was helping out on the Pedal for Scotland too)

http://billybilslandcycles.co.uk/

Cheers... but what does LBS stand for? - doh local bike shop!

In terms of the bikes posted above, can get each about £30 cheaper online than the price ive quote.

Ill have a look around Glasgow/Edinburgh... cheers

 

[alp1950]

Sure that you want to buy a bike online? Be interested in what others here think. For me I'd want the security of having the LBS set the bike up properly & check the fit for me. Also many good LBS offer to check your bike out after a few weeks for problems that can arise when you first start riding it.