1979Andrew
Active Member
So I've been riding a Sonder Camino gravel bike for the last 18 months; it's a great bike.
I'm 46 now and class cycling as my one and only hobby. I'm reasonably fit; I could do better at my fitness, though, and I'd say my back's good for holding a lower race position like road bikes have.
Currently, I commute on the gravel bike and do long rides with a friend (30-60 miles) when I have time (I'm a family man).
Now I would love to get a carbon fiber road bike for fast road rides (1-3 hours) by myself when I have time to myself on the days I have off in the week.
My budget is £2.5k and not a penny over, as it's a Cycle2Work scheme.
The new bike would have to last me at least 5 years and also be worth upgrading parts over that time.
Im looking at three bikes and one of them would come woth some upgrades straight away as its cheaper to buy than the others.
Merida Reacto 4000 105 mechanical with upgraded tyres - P-Zero Race and i can also squeeze a set of Campagnolo Zonda wheels in as well all for under £2.5k
Specialized Tarmac SL7 105 mechanical stock for £2499
And lastly a Merida Reacto 6000 105 di2 and I can squeeze a set of P Zero race tyres in for under £2.5k
The Specialized Tarmac i can get fitted for the bike as theres a Specialized Concept store near me, so thats a bonus.
So that's it unless anyone has any other recommendations. And just want to say I want a road bike i want it to scare me i want to feel the road buzz I want it to be harsh at times im ready for one.... I think 🤔
I'm 46 now and class cycling as my one and only hobby. I'm reasonably fit; I could do better at my fitness, though, and I'd say my back's good for holding a lower race position like road bikes have.
Currently, I commute on the gravel bike and do long rides with a friend (30-60 miles) when I have time (I'm a family man).
Now I would love to get a carbon fiber road bike for fast road rides (1-3 hours) by myself when I have time to myself on the days I have off in the week.
My budget is £2.5k and not a penny over, as it's a Cycle2Work scheme.
The new bike would have to last me at least 5 years and also be worth upgrading parts over that time.
Im looking at three bikes and one of them would come woth some upgrades straight away as its cheaper to buy than the others.
Merida Reacto 4000 105 mechanical with upgraded tyres - P-Zero Race and i can also squeeze a set of Campagnolo Zonda wheels in as well all for under £2.5k
Specialized Tarmac SL7 105 mechanical stock for £2499
And lastly a Merida Reacto 6000 105 di2 and I can squeeze a set of P Zero race tyres in for under £2.5k
The Specialized Tarmac i can get fitted for the bike as theres a Specialized Concept store near me, so thats a bonus.
So that's it unless anyone has any other recommendations. And just want to say I want a road bike i want it to scare me i want to feel the road buzz I want it to be harsh at times im ready for one.... I think 🤔
