'That N+1'

[livpoksoc]

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.

Thanks. I have a shimano, think it's 105 but can't be sure.

Basically if I go into an lbs, is there any value in getting specialist set ups or not at the budget I'm at? Essentially I'd like a lighter, smoother ride than I get now but know that I have my secteur to fall back on in the winter etc. when the roads get dirtier.

 

[livpoksoc]

Do disc brakes make a difference on a road bike really?

 

[RWright]

Do disc brakes make a difference on a road bike really?

If it is wet they do.

 

[livpoksoc]

Either of these any good?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-105-6-2014-road-bike-ec054394


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-5-105-compact-2014-road-bike-ec056511

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tarmac-sl4-sport-2014-road-bike-ec053058

 

[SteCenturion]

Either of these any good?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-105-6-2014-road-bike-ec054394


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-5-105-compact-2014-road-bike-ec056511

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tarmac-sl4-sport-2014-road-bike-ec053058

All of these will be not just good but excellent bikes.

 

[SteCenturion]

Do disc brakes make a difference on a road bike really?

Not essential, discs might be more progressive, maybe more powerfull but also add weight.

This will be a personal call.

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks. I have a shimano, think it's 105 but can't be sure.

Basically if I go into an lbs, is there any value in getting specialist set ups or not at the budget I'm at? Essentially I'd like a lighter, smoother ride than I get now but know that I have my secteur to fall back on in the winter etc. when the roads get dirtier.

I would suggest yes, specialist ? How do you mean ?
A basic fitting by your local bike shop should suffice, if by specialist you mean a comprehensive fitting, then this might run to £60 > £120 on top of your bike, however the fitter should be qualified & experienced & look at everything from seating position to frame size, stem length, crank length & your foot & cleat positions plus several other measurements.

If paying for this service, you should end up with a bike that fits like your own kidneys.

Money well spent ?

I have never tried it but if cash wasn't an issue I would.

Edit.

If your bike has 105 then it is plenty good enough, middle of Shimano's range, but middle being excellent quality & good value.

 

[livpoksoc]

All of these will be not just good but excellent bikes.

Thanks. Which of the teo Cannondales are best?

 

[livpoksoc]

I would suggest yes, specialist ? How do you mean ?
A basic fitting by your local bike shop should suffice, if by specialist you mean a comprehensive fitting, then this might run to £60 > £120 on top of your bike, however the fitter should be qualified & experienced & look at everything from seating position to frame size, stem length, crank length & your foot & cleat positions plus several other measurements.

If paying for this service, you should end up with a bike that fits like your own kidneys.

Money well spent ?

I have never tried it but if cash wasn't an issue I would.

Edit.

If your bike has 105 then it is plenty good enough, middle of Shimano's range, but middle being excellent quality & good value.

Well I don't know what to expect when purchasing...when I got my spesh, I took it for a 5 minute test ride, was happy with it & bought it. They didn't even ask what height I wanted the saddle, so wasn't sure if this was standard service, or lame service?

 

[SteCenturion]

Thanks. Which of the teo Cannondales are best?

I really couldn't answer that honestly as I have never owned a Cannondale.

I would guess the one with the highest spec is best, but is it best value & is it best for you ?

There are some Cannondale owners on this forum, maybe ask one of those, I am putting out a call to @smokeysmoo who is a Dale owner.

Best thing is to try as many bikes as poss, get some more advice here on the forum & from the local bike shops then decide what's best for you.

Best wishes.

 

[SteCenturion]

Well I don't know what to expect when purchasing...when I got my spesh, I took it for a 5 minute test ride, was happy with it & bought it. They didn't even ask what height I wanted the saddle, so wasn't sure if this was standard service, or lame service?

That sounds lazy on behalf of the store to me.

Some stores will happily sell you their products & send you blindly away & others will spend time with you so that you go away happy & likely return to them for more products & servicing.

 

[vickster]

Either of these any good?
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-105-6-2014-road-bike-ec054394


http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/supersix-evo-5-105-compact-2014-road-bike-ec056511

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/tarmac-sl4-sport-2014-road-bike-ec053058

Are you looking for a road bike with a racy geometry...which the Supersix and Tarmac are...which seems at odds with your first post

Cannondale Synapse will be more relaxed (and the Roubaix in the Specialized camp)

Synapse won Cycling Plus bike of the year for info, albeit this one (rather over budget) http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-carbon-105-5-compact-2014-road-bike-ec056512

Go to Evans, have some test rides, no one can really say what bike is right for you. In that price range, they'll all be good bikes

 

[Iainj837]

You have top of the range secteur, why would you consider retiring it.
Is it just going to be used for mainly for the commute ?
You also say that you don't want to feel every bump. If you like the Special bike why not go for Crosstrail or a Giant Roam ( hybrid ) wider tyres so more comfort while you ride
IMO don't go for carbon you said you don't want it for speed

 

[livpoksoc]

Are you looking for a road bike with a racy geometry...which the Supersix and Tarmac are...which seems at odds with your first post

Cannondale Synapse will be more relaxed (and the Roubaix in the Specialized camp)

Synapse won Cycling Plus bike of the year for info, albeit this one (rather over budget) http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cannondale/synapse-carbon-105-5-compact-2014-road-bike-ec056512

Go to Evans, have some test rides, no one can really say what bike is right for you. In that price range, they'll all be good bikes

You have top of the range secteur, why would you consider retiring it.
Is it just going to be used for mainly for the commute ?
You also say that you don't want to feel every bump. If you like the Special bike why not go for Crosstrail or a Giant Roam ( hybrid ) wider tyres so more comfort while you ride
IMO don't go for carbon you said you don't want it for speed

Apologies so my op may not have been clear. Essentially I'd like a more comfortable fit now, as my spesh is one size too small on the frame, so I'd like a similar bike but a better fit, but whilst I was at it, consider if a slight improvement on spec is possible (i.e. Carbon frame or better gearing etc. to allow me to use the bike for sportive/longer club rides that whilst my current spesh os fine for, maybe. Can eek out something slightly better).

The bike will be used for getting to/from the station with security not really a problem as my office has a secure lock up & is next to the station at the other end. But mainly used for riding at the weekend, so I was looking at utilising the c2w scheme as it allows for this (or so it seems speaking to lbs employees who say you can use it to buy a nicer bike so long as you do use it to get to work as well).

That way I can use the existing spesh as my winter bike & also to learn how to maintain/fix with the knowledge that I have two bikes so can muck about with one & over time increase my knowledge of how to maintain my nicer bike too & avoid big maintenance costs over time.

 

[vickster]

In terms of C2W, you need to look at the specific tersm of your company's specific scheme...then it's up to you whether you stick to the letter of these or bend the rules...

Do you take the bike on the train then? Can you take an unfolded bike on these at the times you travel?

Seems like the most important thing is to go to a pukka LBS and get a sportive style bike that fits (you and budget)