biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
Pick one of these bike for me pls...
- Thread starter dac
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
vickster
Squire
This ^^^ did you get a ride of the Diverge?
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
i bet i know the answer
vickster
Squire
It was one of those rhetorical question thingies
You're close to eating your words but not quite 
- didn't ride a Diverge but did ride on a Cannondale Synapse 2016 model with 105 gearing in a size 61cm. Felt great. Light and quick. I then tried the Norco Search S3 with Sora gearing in a size 58cm. I now know that I am a 61cm for sure.
I loved how light and quick the Synapse was but the let down is that I cannot fit a pannier or mud-guards (well not secure mud-guards) on the bike. The Norco Search S3 certainly was heavier but solid. The Sora gearing wasn't as smooth as the 105 that's for sure. They did not have anything bigger than a 58cm. I was surprised that I felt comfortable on the hoods, not sure I need dual brake levers but they would be nice.
So back to scanning the sites tonight for bikes in the size 61cm. No doubt I will post more and ask for your advice.
Why do some manufacturers make sizes no larger than 58.5cm? I'm thinking of the Giant Defys in particular. Do Giant not want the business of chaps of the taller kind as the Defys largest size is a 58.5cm
- didn't ride a Diverge but did ride on a Cannondale Synapse 2016 model with 105 gearing in a size 61cm. Felt great. Light and quick. I then tried the Norco Search S3 with Sora gearing in a size 58cm. I now know that I am a 61cm for sure.I loved how light and quick the Synapse was but the let down is that I cannot fit a pannier or mud-guards (well not secure mud-guards) on the bike. The Norco Search S3 certainly was heavier but solid. The Sora gearing wasn't as smooth as the 105 that's for sure. They did not have anything bigger than a 58cm. I was surprised that I felt comfortable on the hoods, not sure I need dual brake levers but they would be nice.
So back to scanning the sites tonight for bikes in the size 61cm. No doubt I will post more and ask for your advice.
Why do some manufacturers make sizes no larger than 58.5cm? I'm thinking of the Giant Defys in particular. Do Giant not want the business of chaps of the taller kind as the Defys largest size is a 58.5cm
vickster
Squire
Giant do...look at the geometry, ignore the numbers 
the XL has a 59.5cm TT for example and is for 6'4+
This might help http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/info/size-guides.php
the XL has a 59.5cm TT for example and is for 6'4+This might help http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/info/size-guides.php
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Go ride them, buy the one you like best. If you can't rid one then cross it off your list. This really ain't difficult.
vickster
Squire
You like a reduction, how about one of these in a 61cm, will take rack and guards
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013
Just spotted it - thanks to you. I'm defo liking it. There is also a deal on the Synapse and the normal CAAD. I do like the Synapse I rode today but it must be able to take a rack. The CADDX doesn't have a disc break - not sure if it matters.
Now going to work out the difference between the CAAD, CAADX and the Synapse.
At the moment, the Claud Butler CX13, Marin Lombard, and the CAAD and the CAADX have the lead, plus a Giant Defy 4. Now working out which can take racks and guard and a 28mm tyre.
And thanks for the link on geometry sizing. It answers a lot of questions.
Now going to work out the difference between the CAAD, CAADX and the Synapse.
At the moment, the Claud Butler CX13, Marin Lombard, and the CAAD and the CAADX have the lead, plus a Giant Defy 4. Now working out which can take racks and guard and a 28mm tyre.
And thanks for the link on geometry sizing. It answers a lot of questions.
vickster
Squire
You don't need disc brakes on a 10 mile commute. About 5 years ago (if that) there were almost no roadbikes with discs (if any)
The Caad is a more aggressive roadbike than the Synapse and presumably also no rack points and even less clearance for mudguards. I seem to think you want a more upright bike
You now have a good shortlist, go test ride the bloody things
The Caad is a more aggressive roadbike than the Synapse and presumably also no rack points and even less clearance for mudguards. I seem to think you want a more upright bike
You now have a good shortlist, go test ride the bloody things
vickster
Squire
Especially as the ones on bikes in budget will be cheap mechanicals and not decent hydraulicsVickster's post is spot on though I'd say a disc brake equipped model wouldn't be excluded if it was in/near budget. A test ride sorts pure model and the heart Sorta out the specificationand from a model that fitted; I wouldn't pay any significant amount for discs.
I can't get to ride all the bikes before purchase, plus I don't want to eliminate these bikes I can't test as they are good deals.
I really have whittled it down to:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013
Doesn't have a disc brake but is 61cm which I know (from riding the 61cm Synapse) will fit fine. It also should take proper/sturdy mud-guards and rack fine. Should be sturdy for my weight.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Marin-Lombard-2015-Hybrid-Classic-Bike_75059.htm
Has a disc brake (albeit mechanical) and is able to fit proper/sturdy mud-guards and rack. The only worry is it is a 60cm size and I haven't ridden that geometry. Should be sturdy for my weight. Nice slick tyres as standard on this bike too.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5233/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-SORA-2013
I test rode a Synapse Shimano 105 and it felt very nice - hence why the cheaper Synapse is on my final list. The problem is I would like to fit mud-guards and a) only the crappy road-racers style can be attached b) with mud-guards the max tyre width will be 25mm (not great for winter)
I have reluctantly ruled out the Claud Butler CX13 (below) as it does look awful but I have read less than impressive feedback on the brand recently. The crazy thing is the bike does have dual brake levers, and what looks like a good set of components (although I struggle to learn of them). It's largest size is 58cm so I do not know if this will be too short in the reach. With these faults I am ruling it out. I could've got it new for £430 so I could easily be persuaded to purchase it if suggested to.
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p76646/Cl...aign=Adwords&gclid=CKreqrbHg8oCFSoEwwodYxsHyg
I have also ruled out the Giant Deft 4 - reason being the Synapse Sora 2013 will be the same quality and cheaper.
Now only down to three. So come on guys shut me up and tell me the best bang for buck. I will be purchasing on a cycle to work scheme so the price brand new means worthwhile over second hand. Which is it to be?
I really have whittled it down to:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s23p5169/CANNONDALE-CAADX-SORA-2013
Doesn't have a disc brake but is 61cm which I know (from riding the 61cm Synapse) will fit fine. It also should take proper/sturdy mud-guards and rack fine. Should be sturdy for my weight.
http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Marin-Lombard-2015-Hybrid-Classic-Bike_75059.htm
Has a disc brake (albeit mechanical) and is able to fit proper/sturdy mud-guards and rack. The only worry is it is a 60cm size and I haven't ridden that geometry. Should be sturdy for my weight. Nice slick tyres as standard on this bike too.
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p5233/CANNONDALE-SYNAPSE-ALLOY-SORA-2013
I test rode a Synapse Shimano 105 and it felt very nice - hence why the cheaper Synapse is on my final list. The problem is I would like to fit mud-guards and a) only the crappy road-racers style can be attached b) with mud-guards the max tyre width will be 25mm (not great for winter)
I have reluctantly ruled out the Claud Butler CX13 (below) as it does look awful but I have read less than impressive feedback on the brand recently. The crazy thing is the bike does have dual brake levers, and what looks like a good set of components (although I struggle to learn of them). It's largest size is 58cm so I do not know if this will be too short in the reach. With these faults I am ruling it out. I could've got it new for £430 so I could easily be persuaded to purchase it if suggested to.
http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p76646/Cl...aign=Adwords&gclid=CKreqrbHg8oCFSoEwwodYxsHyg
I have also ruled out the Giant Deft 4 - reason being the Synapse Sora 2013 will be the same quality and cheaper.
Now only down to three. So come on guys shut me up and tell me the best bang for buck. I will be purchasing on a cycle to work scheme so the price brand new means worthwhile over second hand. Which is it to be?
Last edited:
