New job = new riding

[ELL]

I have been commuting daily on my bike since May last year and love it but as I was only on a temp contract that comes to an end soon I have found my elf another job. its better money but slightly more hours and my ride in at the moment is 8 miles each way and the new job would be 30+ miles. I think at the moment this is to far to ride daily but want to do it a few times for the fun of it.

This means that unless I find something to motivate me to go out I will very likely become a coach potato. The best solution I can think of is to join the local cycle club (Medway velo). A few people I have talked to say they are a good club for all abilities and meet every Saturday and have 3 groups A, B and an "easier" group. I of course will be starting in the easier group but would want to get up to the B group. Surprisingly enough I have today been out looking at bikes, I've become pretty smitten with a Scott Speedster S10 http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/speedster-s10-cd20-2010-road-bike-ec020699 not from Evan from my lbs. They will do it for £1400 with peddles and shoes (£135 worth), I'm 5ft9 and tried the small out today and it felt a lot more comfy than the mediums I have tried. This will be my first full on road bike and is a lot of money for me to spend so just wanted to make sure I'm not making a hash of it.
Along with some other things this bike is going to be my treat to myself as i have had a bit of compo from being knocked off my bike by a WVM last year and breaking my arm. I just want to make sure I am making the right choice I know at the end of the day its all personal choice but want to know the bike I buy will last a few years before giving up.

Any advice about bike and club riding will be appreciated.

 

[Norm]

30+ each way is a long way.

My commute is just over 20 miles each way, and I did that for the first time yesterday. I was feeling it after doing another 35 miles today.

However, about 3 times a week, I get home, do that Daddy stuff, put The Smalls to bed then head out for an hour or so.

 

[ELL]

Yeah I want to be doing a club ride Saturday and Wednesday then poss a ride home or other ride during the week so I am out at least 3 times a week

 

[Keith Oates]

The bike looks very good and with Ultegra running gear will be a big plus in my book. I'm also 5ft 9ins but find on some ranges the small size is not so good, with my Giant TCR I went for the Medium model and found it better for longer runs as the extra reach gets you down lower and reduces the wind drag. However we are all built a little differently so perhaps the small size on the Scott is better for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ELL]

Yeah i know what your saying. I tried a couple of mediums and they seemed a bit better but none were like the scott I just felt as if i was reaching to far and wouldn't be comfy on it.