Philtofit
Senior Member
- Location
- Clacton-on-Sea
Hi All
First the background:
I have been losing weight for a while, lost over 4 stone; now just under 16 stone. I needed to lose the weight to be able to donate a kidney to my wife; op is all set for 10th Jan. I will be out of action for about 4/6 weeks. I’m only 58, and 5ft 9 ½, only health issue is a bit of arthritis in my wrist's.
I have been exercising to aid weight loss, but recently got a bit bored with the routine; so got my old bike out of hiding. After a week of pottering around on it, I went out 4 weeks ago and brought a new Giant Escape 4. To my surprise I have really taken to Cycling. Started off doing a couple of miles, then 6 mile seamed a long way, last week did 16 miles with a break; this week did an hour and a half non-stop ride, using a coastal cycle route plus roads totally 17.5 miles. I’m planning on doing the London to Southend ride next year, and making cycling a means of keeping fit, managing my weight and for pleasure/sport; along with may be manageable tour with my son.
Went to LBS today, to look at the possibility of upgrading to a road bike. I’m looking at the following options:
Trek 1.5 2011 9 speed
Giant Defy 2 2012 10 speed
Specialized Specture Elite 2012 10 speed (additional Zertz inserts in forks)
All with Tiagra gear shift, carbon forks, and able to fit mudguards and rack if needed.
I tried a 56cm Trek (not the 1.5) felt good, the LBS have said I can try before I buy; but they need to get the model that I choose in. The will also set it up to suit me. I’m aware that it needs to feel right, which is going to be a big factor.
Questions:
Do you think I should change to a road bike?
Which one do you suggest?
Is there something else I should consider?
Any other points I need to know?
I know the Defy v Specture topic has come up before.
Sorry it's a bit long winded. Thanks for your assistance.
Phil..
First the background:
I have been losing weight for a while, lost over 4 stone; now just under 16 stone. I needed to lose the weight to be able to donate a kidney to my wife; op is all set for 10th Jan. I will be out of action for about 4/6 weeks. I’m only 58, and 5ft 9 ½, only health issue is a bit of arthritis in my wrist's.
I have been exercising to aid weight loss, but recently got a bit bored with the routine; so got my old bike out of hiding. After a week of pottering around on it, I went out 4 weeks ago and brought a new Giant Escape 4. To my surprise I have really taken to Cycling. Started off doing a couple of miles, then 6 mile seamed a long way, last week did 16 miles with a break; this week did an hour and a half non-stop ride, using a coastal cycle route plus roads totally 17.5 miles. I’m planning on doing the London to Southend ride next year, and making cycling a means of keeping fit, managing my weight and for pleasure/sport; along with may be manageable tour with my son.
Went to LBS today, to look at the possibility of upgrading to a road bike. I’m looking at the following options:
Trek 1.5 2011 9 speed
Giant Defy 2 2012 10 speed
Specialized Specture Elite 2012 10 speed (additional Zertz inserts in forks)
All with Tiagra gear shift, carbon forks, and able to fit mudguards and rack if needed.
I tried a 56cm Trek (not the 1.5) felt good, the LBS have said I can try before I buy; but they need to get the model that I choose in. The will also set it up to suit me. I’m aware that it needs to feel right, which is going to be a big factor.
Questions:
Do you think I should change to a road bike?
Which one do you suggest?
Is there something else I should consider?
Any other points I need to know?
I know the Defy v Specture topic has come up before.
Sorry it's a bit long winded. Thanks for your assistance.
Phil..