new bike for 'er in doors

[rsvdaz]

after treating myself to a new bike the missus has decreed that she wants a new one.

she currently has a carrera subway which she uses for commuting..but we have both taken up cycling as a keep fit/hobby and is looking to upgrade

we are planning a couple of 100km rides in the summer so looking for something that will do both jobs

I dont think she will get on with a full on road bike..shes not too keen on the drop handlebar with the gears on the brakes!

budget max would be max 500

 

[Norm]

As you are a Specialized chap already, I'd look at the Sirrus.

 

[rsvdaz]

cheers norm

 

[Scoosh]

after treating myself to a new bike the missus has decreed that she wants a new one.

she currently has a carrera subway which she uses for commuting..but we have both taken up cycling as a keep fit/hobby and is looking to upgrade

we are planning a couple of 100km rides in the summer so looking for something that will do both jobs

I dont think she will get on with a full on road bike..shes not too keen on the drop handlebar with the gears on the brakes!

budget max would be max 500

Mrs Scoosh wasn't too keen on a drop bar bike either ... until she rode one and was amazed at the extra speed (esp uphill !) for same effort.

If 'the missus' doesn't like the gear/brake combine, have a look at the SRAM double tap gears. Basically, the brake lever does the brakes and the gear lever changes gears, one tap for up, 2 taps for down. I've got SRAM Rival on my bike and like it a lot.

Drop bar bikes don't need to be low-down, racing positions; "audax"-type bikes are designed to be fast day rides, with 'credit-card' touring (ie not packing full heavy camping gear). They have a slightly longer head tube and the position is not as low as a racer. Touring bikes are not usually as quick as an "audax-type" but can carry the heavy stuff. Their riding position is a bit more upright than the "audax-type".

The move from flat bars to drop bars can be a bit scary/disturbing as the balance is different. My suggestion is to get your missus to test ride a few drop bar bikes to get the feel of them, almost before going to look seriously.

HTH

 

[rsvdaz]

cheers scoosh any recommendations for the budget..i will see if she wants to try a few out...you never know!

 

[Spinney]

+1 on the trying out drop bars thing.

OH got his first drop bar bike last year (tourer rather than road bike, but riding position similar), to do a sportive on. I had a go on a friend's drop bar bike and didn't like it much - it felt very unstable - but I'm quite a bit taller than her so the bike didn't really fit.

OH encouraged me to have a few rides on his bike, and I got used to it and decided to take the plunge. Got measured up properly for a touring bike (Hewitt Cheviot)* - thought the riding position was far too tipped forward when I collected it, but within a couple of shortish rides I decided that the man in the shop had got it spot on.

I'm now really glad I went for the drop bar option (I did get lower than normal gears on it, which helps my girly legs get up hills). And I got used to the combined brakes/gears very quickly.

*more than your budget - but I think you can get measured up in many bike shops and get whatever you buy adapted to fit by changing bar/saddle positions etc

 

[monnet]

If you're thinking of doing all your riding on the road then it's definitely worth thinking about the drop bar option. As others have said, the balance is different and can seem a little unstable at first (so I understand, from the age of 8 I've only ever owned drop bar bikes!) but once you get used to them the are much more stable and are far more responsive than most flat bars.

 

[Scoosh]

I'm sure Cycling + mag did a test of £500 road bikes a wee while ago. In the mean time, have a look at these options, from their online pages ...

There is some seriously good stuff available for £500, so don't worry about it being rubbish. Of course, you can always spend more ....

 

[rsvdaz]

thanks everyone for their input..i took her to the LBS..she totally discounted dropped bars..we ended up getting a spesh vita sport

 

[Scoosh]

thanks everyone for their input..i took her to the LBS..she totally discounted dropped bars..we ended up getting a spesh vita sport

Great - I hope she enjoys it but, most importantly - Rides it




How long before she wants to go faster ???