Or at least will be by end of March
Would have liked to get the Elite as had 105's but being fairly new to all this could not quite bring myself to spend a grand on a bike + couldn't afford it either so it would be a moot point anyway
Why did I choose this?
I ummed and ahhhd over lots of different brands, Ribble, Tifosi, Merida, Trek and it seemed the best bike for my needs (the ribble came close and I was also very impressed by the Merida)
I didn't want a bum up speed machine nor did I want a full on touring machine but something that errred on the the racier side of in between. I also got it from my local non franchised LBS who looked after me very well and took ages to make sure the test bike was set up properly (they should have my one in the next week or so and have asked me to come in so they can set it up correctly for me)
Test ride
Had one on the entry level version and compared to what I was riding before it felt well planted on the road, easier to get up a hill, more comfortable and a lot less vibey it felt solid and comfortable yet quite light if that makes sense. The steering was also a lot more neutral and not as twitchy as my old one.
Bad points:
I am comparing this with what I had before (which was a RB-BSO) so it is quite hard to come up with anything however looking at it objectively and from other intelligence/reviews Sora may be an issue but compared with what I had before it was miles better. Also the frames are the same so upgrading to 105 or ultegra may be possible in the future
Once my finances have bounced back up the pedals (which are useless) will be binned and I shall be going clipless (for the first time) Crank bros. candy X pedals look quite good
Anyway will keep you all posted and give you further updates as I go along!
Would have liked to get the Elite as had 105's but being fairly new to all this could not quite bring myself to spend a grand on a bike + couldn't afford it either so it would be a moot point anyway
Why did I choose this?
I ummed and ahhhd over lots of different brands, Ribble, Tifosi, Merida, Trek and it seemed the best bike for my needs (the ribble came close and I was also very impressed by the Merida)
I didn't want a bum up speed machine nor did I want a full on touring machine but something that errred on the the racier side of in between. I also got it from my local non franchised LBS who looked after me very well and took ages to make sure the test bike was set up properly (they should have my one in the next week or so and have asked me to come in so they can set it up correctly for me)
Test ride
Had one on the entry level version and compared to what I was riding before it felt well planted on the road, easier to get up a hill, more comfortable and a lot less vibey it felt solid and comfortable yet quite light if that makes sense. The steering was also a lot more neutral and not as twitchy as my old one.
Bad points:
I am comparing this with what I had before (which was a RB-BSO) so it is quite hard to come up with anything however looking at it objectively and from other intelligence/reviews Sora may be an issue but compared with what I had before it was miles better. Also the frames are the same so upgrading to 105 or ultegra may be possible in the future
Once my finances have bounced back up the pedals (which are useless) will be binned and I shall be going clipless (for the first time) Crank bros. candy X pedals look quite good
Anyway will keep you all posted and give you further updates as I go along!
