'That N+1'

[livpoksoc]

So as i posted another thread about having to get an urgent repair to my rear wheel (chain over back of cassette), someone said I should consider retiring that bike to keep as a back up/winter bike & getting a newer summer bike to use as I'm wanting to be out on the bike more. I am most likely going to utilise the cycle2work scheme for this too.

My budget is going to be purchase price of £1k-£1.3k.

Current bike - 2010 Specialized Secteur Elite (pic attached).

Ideally I'd like something that is similarly comfortable, as a larger chap I don't want to feel every bump in the road, but am wondering if carbon is in my budget (or even suitable?!). I'm not after buying speed, but would like something that is a step up from what my first road bike was, just off the peg.

 

[vickster]

Where can you buy from? Carbon is certainly in budget, although probably not a Specialized with any level of spec.

What groupset do you have etc at the mo? I'd look at a Cannondale Synapse for starters probably. Get to an Evans, have some test rides

 

[livpoksoc]

Where can you buy from? Carbon is certainly in budget, although probably not a Specialized with any level of spec.

What groupset do you have etc at the mo? I'd look at a Cannondale Synapse for starters probably. Get to an Evans, have some test rides

I am based in basingstoke, only one lbs here but they do spesh. I can get to other shops in soton/pompey area & work in London so can also head there at lunch/after work.

Carbon isn't the be all and end all. Sorry, am a newb - what's a group set & how do I determine what I have?

 

[vickster]

Group set is the gearing etc, chain, shifters, front and rear derailleurs. It should say what they are

You can't always use any shop with c2w. Depends what scheme. Given it's for commuting, do you need to be able to fit a rack or mudguards. Carbon isn't but it us different to alu. There's always steel too

 

[livpoksoc]

Group set is the gearing etc, chain, shifters, front and rear derailleurs. It should say what they are

You can't always use any shop with c2w. Depends what scheme. Given it's for commuting, do you need to be able to fit a rack or mudguards. Carbon isn't but it us different to alu. There's always steel too

Ialready own a rack & guards. It'll be used for basic trips to the train station in the dry, but also at weekends for 50 milers

 

[vickster]

Are you leaving it at a station during the day? If so, get a clunker and use the best bike at weekend

Are you sure you can go as high as £1300 on C2W, unless your company has a credit license, the limit is usually 1k although some retailers allow topping up

 

[livpoksoc]

Are you leaving it at a station during the day? If so, get a clunker and use the best bike at weekend

Are you sure you can go as high as £1300 on C2W, unless your company has a credit license, the limit is usually 1k although some retailers allow topping up

My employer allows up to £2k, the bike will be locked in a gated car park at work

 

[vickster]

You said you take it to the station?

What is the groupset on the secteur, assume you want the same or better on the upgrade?

This is the only carbon relaxed geometry Specialized in your budget, dull colour, basic 9 speed groupset, basic wheels...Specialized, good frames, but overpriced for the components provided IMO

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/roubaix-sl4-c2-2014-road-bike-ec053042

Go to Evans in town, get a test ride

 

[jayonabike]

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/roubaix-sl4-disc-2014-road-bike-ec053998

Specialized Roubaix. The same geometry as the Secteur but a full carbon frame. £1500 and with disc brakes.

 

[vickster]

Again, 9 speed Sora...on a £1500 bike I know the frame is important but even so...

And they forgot to paint it

 

[livpoksoc]

You said you take it to the station?

What is the groupset on the secteur, assume you want the same or better on the upgrade?

This is the only carbon relaxed geometry Specialized in your budget, dull colour, basic 9 speed groupset, basic wheels...Specialized, good frames, but overpriced for the components provided IMO

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/roubaix-sl4-c2-2014-road-bike-ec053042

Go to Evans in town, get a test ride

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/roubaix-sl4-disc-2014-road-bike-ec053998

Specialized Roubaix. The same geometry as the Secteur but a full carbon frame. £1500 and with disc brakes.

Office is next door to station at the other end.

Atm I have three cogs on front, think it's 9 or 10 on rear. Is there any advantage to be had with only two on the front?

 

[livpoksoc]

Bump

 

[SteCenturion]

Hi @livpoksoc

Groupsets, the gen.

They go up in price iincrementally with performance as a rule & down in weight likewise.

Shimano goes something like, Claris (8 speed) Sora (9 speed) 105 (10/11 speed) dependent on year, Ultegra (10/11 speed d.o.y) Dura Ace (10/11 speed d.o.y).

Sram goes Apex, Force, Red along similar lines.

Campagnolo similar, don't know all the names though.

Chainsets (front rings) can be triple (3 rings) Standard 53/39 (what Pro's & madmen use) Compact 50/34 & the new Pro Compact (becoming more popular).

Frame quality is generally thought of as more important than groupsets but everyone differs in opinion.

 

[vickster]

Hi @livpoksoc

Sram goes Apex, Rival, Force, Red along similar lines.

FTFY

 

[SteCenturion]

FTFY

Cheers, I thought there was something missing but couldn't place it.