Hi. I currently ride a CAADX for both general purpose commuting and longer rides. It has SRAM RED shifters and front/rear mech, Apex chainset, Hope BB, Shimano CX70 brakes. I started biking to keep fit 4 years ago and the CX type works as a "goes anywhere" model. I've done a few 100 mile rides on it, including the Exmouth Exodus last year. I've built up some maintenance skills and done most jobs on it. It's set up nicely, fits me and runs well. It has guard and rack mounts and I occasionally use panniers when I commute, however I'm just as happy using a backpack and I don't mind getting wet on the way in as I shower and change there. My commute is a mix of road and TRansPennine TRail, but most of the section I use is well surfaced.
In June I've agreed to do the London to Paris with a group from work, over 3 days. I've been thinking maybe I should go for a proper road bike. I'm told that carbon is more comfortable than my current Alu frame/fork because it absorbs more road vibration ? I ALWAYS suffer wrist pain but after a bike fit and setup I don't get the numbness I once did. I also recently tried a friends road bike and was astonished at how much better the brakes are - his were Shimano 105 calipers.
I'm not exactly a racing snake at 15st 8 (ok maybe 9 or 10) and I have lower back problems so a more upright position is better, though I do like drop bars so I can change position.
PX have the RT-58 on offer, with full SRAM Rival kit, except the brakes are FSA Gossamer. £800 seems a really good price and the RT-58 geometry is very close to the numbers from the fit I had at my LBS last year (560 head tube with 180 Head tube were the main numbers I recall).
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58RIV22BNC/planet-x-rt-58-carbon-sram-rival-22-bianco-edition
Any comments or views ? I've searched the forums and the RT-58 seems well received.
Should I be concerned about riding carbon at my weight ? I also know I need to be very careful with torque when maintaining carbon frames.
In June I've agreed to do the London to Paris with a group from work, over 3 days. I've been thinking maybe I should go for a proper road bike. I'm told that carbon is more comfortable than my current Alu frame/fork because it absorbs more road vibration ? I ALWAYS suffer wrist pain but after a bike fit and setup I don't get the numbness I once did. I also recently tried a friends road bike and was astonished at how much better the brakes are - his were Shimano 105 calipers.
I'm not exactly a racing snake at 15st 8 (ok maybe 9 or 10) and I have lower back problems so a more upright position is better, though I do like drop bars so I can change position.
PX have the RT-58 on offer, with full SRAM Rival kit, except the brakes are FSA Gossamer. £800 seems a really good price and the RT-58 geometry is very close to the numbers from the fit I had at my LBS last year (560 head tube with 180 Head tube were the main numbers I recall).
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/CBPXRT58RIV22BNC/planet-x-rt-58-carbon-sram-rival-22-bianco-edition
Any comments or views ? I've searched the forums and the RT-58 seems well received.
Should I be concerned about riding carbon at my weight ? I also know I need to be very careful with torque when maintaining carbon frames.