£800 Road bike - options?
Discussion
Ben Jk said:
Pity i've only just seen this. My 2011 Cannondale Synapse Tiagra in a 56 is for sale. It's been used briefly 3 times, its as new. You could have had it.
Although looks like you got a good deal!
Cheers for the thought, but I needed the interest free credit or it wouldn't have been a viable option for me. Why only the three uses, out of interest? Although looks like you got a good deal!
I have a speed ride planned for Friday and a distance ride for Saturday - if anyone knows anyone at the Met Office, could you ask them for a bit of sunshine and a let-up in the wind? Thanking you kindly.
Did the C2W scheme last year and had a Kona Dew Hybrid, now on the scheme again and looking for Road Bike something similar if not the same as mentioned on this thread. However local bike shop are suggesting a 2012 Eddy Merckx amx-1...its 999 with pedals and shoes thrown in FOC. Any thoughts, are they all much of a muchness as far as riding and re-sale value in a few years time ? Thanks
[quote=Flares&Chestwig]Did the C2W scheme last year and had a Kona Dew Hybrid, now on the scheme again and looking for Road Bike something similar if not the same as mentioned on this thread. However local bike shop are suggesting a 2012 Eddy Merckx amx-1...its 999 with pedals and shoes thrown in FOC. Any thoughts, are they all much of a muchness as far as riding and re-sale value in a few years time ? Thanks
[/quote]
Latter, yes: an old bike is an old bike, unless it's something rare, sought-after or exotic.
The former: far too many variables. Fit, position, geometry, materials, spec etc.
The AMX-1 looks a sensible spec, and not too bad a deal if they're reasonable shoes and pedals. Tiagra, whilst not "glitzy" like its 105-and-upwards stablemates does the job just fine (I'd rather well set-up Tiagra than badly set-up Dura Ace
) RS10 wheels are a nice plus.
[/quote]
Latter, yes: an old bike is an old bike, unless it's something rare, sought-after or exotic.
The former: far too many variables. Fit, position, geometry, materials, spec etc.
The AMX-1 looks a sensible spec, and not too bad a deal if they're reasonable shoes and pedals. Tiagra, whilst not "glitzy" like its 105-and-upwards stablemates does the job just fine (I'd rather well set-up Tiagra than badly set-up Dura Ace
) RS10 wheels are a nice plus.[quote=Flares&Chestwig]Did the C2W scheme last year and had a Kona Dew Hybrid, now on the scheme again and looking for Road Bike something similar if not the same as mentioned on this thread. However local bike shop are suggesting a 2012 Eddy Merckx amx-1...its 999 with pedals and shoes thrown in FOC. Any thoughts, are they all much of a muchness as far as riding and re-sale value in a few years time ? Thanks
[/quote]
Just to note: Evans have 10% off 2012 bikes... I've just picked up a Cannondale CAAD8.
[/quote]
Just to note: Evans have 10% off 2012 bikes... I've just picked up a Cannondale CAAD8.
Quick update - did my first long (for me) ride on this yesterday, 43 miles from Cheltenham over to Cirencester, then Stroud and back to Cheltenham again.
http://app.strava.com/rides/8370181
--Racing Driver excuses mode-- I think something went a bit belly up with Strava as it showed 3:05 as my moving time when I had finished, but posted my elapsed duration instead, with a consequent big hit to my average speed. As I popped into my Mum's for a cuppa in Cirencester and went through the McD's drive-thru for an energy boost in Stroud, I spent at least an hour not going very far. My actual average speed was somewhere just south of 15, which I was pretty content with, although it obviously needs a lot of work.
Things I was happy with
How wonderfully light the bike seems when accelerating - you genuinely can get the drop on cars away from the lights.
Stability when descending
Rolling resistance was very low from the default Schwalbe tyres
I'm getting used to the Tiagra shifters now, and wouldn't swap back.
Very very very manoeuvrable.
Things I wasn't so happy with
Clack-clack on the final ratio on the big ring is driving me bananas, and will have to be sorted out, even if it means I just move the noise to the initial ratio instead (I use that far less, obviously)
Saddle is not suited to my posterior, I was getting bum-ache after 15 miles! I will be swapping it for the one from my hybrid, which never gave me any issues.
Gearing is neither fish nor fowl - the first decent climb was a shock, given that my usual tactic on the Saracen was to sit at 2mph in "washing machine mode"! The Cannondale doesn't have a "washing machine mode", and my legs didn't approve! I suppose it's fair enough and I'll get used to it, it's just not designed for fat b
ds (shock horror). Of more note is the fact that I completely ran out of ratios on the descents - I could definitely have gone faster if I'd had another few gears to keep on pushing.
Arms were aching as I'm not used to the posture yet, and I found myself using the middle of the bars rather than the drops in the final 5 miles. I shall refer to Rule 5.
Brakes are shockingly poor, but I can live with that as it's so chuckable!
Pedals are crap as expected - SPDs are on their way once I've put a few quid aside for them, so I think they'll make a big difference.
AIR RESISTANCE was enormous on the descents - I badly need to buy some streamlined clothing and keep on the weight loss regime. Starting weight was 105kg - current weight 101kg - target weight by the end of the summer 95kg...
Whilst this may appear to be a long list of negatives and not many positives, the overwhelmingly positive point is that I LOVED IT, and am feeling comfortable with building my mileage up slowly. That was my first ride in the 40s - I'm now going to plan a 50-miler and see if I can maintain the 15mph average for that. I've definitely got the bug, and the bike has absolutely helped - I have found myself patting it gently and telling it "good job" at the end of each ride, as if it were some faithful donkey or something. Thankfully the men in white coats haven't quite caught on.
Things to do:
Swap saddles
Buy road jersey and padded shorts
Get derailleurs adjusted again
Buy SPDs and shoes
Buy and fit cycle computer.
http://app.strava.com/rides/8370181
--Racing Driver excuses mode-- I think something went a bit belly up with Strava as it showed 3:05 as my moving time when I had finished, but posted my elapsed duration instead, with a consequent big hit to my average speed. As I popped into my Mum's for a cuppa in Cirencester and went through the McD's drive-thru for an energy boost in Stroud, I spent at least an hour not going very far. My actual average speed was somewhere just south of 15, which I was pretty content with, although it obviously needs a lot of work.
Things I was happy with
How wonderfully light the bike seems when accelerating - you genuinely can get the drop on cars away from the lights.
Stability when descending
Rolling resistance was very low from the default Schwalbe tyres
I'm getting used to the Tiagra shifters now, and wouldn't swap back.
Very very very manoeuvrable.
Things I wasn't so happy with
Clack-clack on the final ratio on the big ring is driving me bananas, and will have to be sorted out, even if it means I just move the noise to the initial ratio instead (I use that far less, obviously)
Saddle is not suited to my posterior, I was getting bum-ache after 15 miles! I will be swapping it for the one from my hybrid, which never gave me any issues.
Gearing is neither fish nor fowl - the first decent climb was a shock, given that my usual tactic on the Saracen was to sit at 2mph in "washing machine mode"! The Cannondale doesn't have a "washing machine mode", and my legs didn't approve! I suppose it's fair enough and I'll get used to it, it's just not designed for fat b
ds (shock horror). Of more note is the fact that I completely ran out of ratios on the descents - I could definitely have gone faster if I'd had another few gears to keep on pushing.Arms were aching as I'm not used to the posture yet, and I found myself using the middle of the bars rather than the drops in the final 5 miles. I shall refer to Rule 5.
Brakes are shockingly poor, but I can live with that as it's so chuckable!
Pedals are crap as expected - SPDs are on their way once I've put a few quid aside for them, so I think they'll make a big difference.
AIR RESISTANCE was enormous on the descents - I badly need to buy some streamlined clothing and keep on the weight loss regime. Starting weight was 105kg - current weight 101kg - target weight by the end of the summer 95kg...
Whilst this may appear to be a long list of negatives and not many positives, the overwhelmingly positive point is that I LOVED IT, and am feeling comfortable with building my mileage up slowly. That was my first ride in the 40s - I'm now going to plan a 50-miler and see if I can maintain the 15mph average for that. I've definitely got the bug, and the bike has absolutely helped - I have found myself patting it gently and telling it "good job" at the end of each ride, as if it were some faithful donkey or something. Thankfully the men in white coats haven't quite caught on.
Things to do:
Swap saddles
Buy road jersey and padded shorts
Get derailleurs adjusted again
Buy SPDs and shoes
Buy and fit cycle computer.
Funny, I did my first long ride on my Cannondale yesterday too. 62km at 25kph. Likewise absolutely LOVED it, but started to bonk a bit after 55km which hurt... Must have breakfast before I go out next time 
Enjoyed:
- Smashing up hills: Essex is pretty flat, I only needed the small ring a couple of times (plus I was muttering "Sur la plaque!" at myself
- Getting in the drops into the wind: I'm used to it now
- being outside in the fresh air
- the saddle: I'm not saddle-sore at all this morning.
- NOT wearing SPDs. I'm using old fashioned clips and straps and my Puma pixie boots (Drift Cat) and they're stiff enough and still get the power down
Not so sure:
- its a bit reluctant to go into the smallest cog at the back: easily adjusted. And like you say, on long descents some more gears would be useful. But seriously, Endomondo tracked me at 58.4 kph the other night... That's quite fast enough.
- I need a second bottle cage if I'm doing long rides, I ran out
- The organic part of the machine is clearly weak. I need my Rule 5 pills next time...
Still, if I can do 55km before it starts to hurt, 21km to work should be piss easy
Enjoyed:
- Smashing up hills: Essex is pretty flat, I only needed the small ring a couple of times (plus I was muttering "Sur la plaque!" at myself
- Getting in the drops into the wind: I'm used to it now
- being outside in the fresh air
- the saddle: I'm not saddle-sore at all this morning.
- NOT wearing SPDs. I'm using old fashioned clips and straps and my Puma pixie boots (Drift Cat) and they're stiff enough and still get the power down
Not so sure:
- its a bit reluctant to go into the smallest cog at the back: easily adjusted. And like you say, on long descents some more gears would be useful. But seriously, Endomondo tracked me at 58.4 kph the other night... That's quite fast enough.
- I need a second bottle cage if I'm doing long rides, I ran out
- The organic part of the machine is clearly weak. I need my Rule 5 pills next time...
Still, if I can do 55km before it starts to hurt, 21km to work should be piss easy
Gizmo! said:
Funny, I did my first long ride on my Cannondale yesterday too. 62km at 25kph. Likewise absolutely LOVED it, but started to bonk a bit after 55km which hurt... Must have breakfast before I go out next time
Enjoyed:
- Smashing up hills: Essex is pretty flat, I only needed the small ring a couple of times (plus I was muttering "Sur la plaque!" at myself
- Getting in the drops into the wind: I'm used to it now
- being outside in the fresh air
- the saddle: I'm not saddle-sore at all this morning.
- NOT wearing SPDs. I'm using old fashioned clips and straps and my Puma pixie boots (Drift Cat) and they're stiff enough and still get the power down
Not so sure:
- its a bit reluctant to go into the smallest cog at the back: easily adjusted. And like you say, on long descents some more gears would be useful. But seriously, Endomondo tracked me at 58.4 kph the other night... That's quite fast enough.
- I need a second bottle cage if I'm doing long rides, I ran out
- The organic part of the machine is clearly weak. I need my Rule 5 pills next time...
Still, if I can do 55km before it starts to hurt, 21km to work should be piss easy
Good post.Enjoyed:
- Smashing up hills: Essex is pretty flat, I only needed the small ring a couple of times (plus I was muttering "Sur la plaque!" at myself
- Getting in the drops into the wind: I'm used to it now
- being outside in the fresh air
- the saddle: I'm not saddle-sore at all this morning.
- NOT wearing SPDs. I'm using old fashioned clips and straps and my Puma pixie boots (Drift Cat) and they're stiff enough and still get the power down
Not so sure:
- its a bit reluctant to go into the smallest cog at the back: easily adjusted. And like you say, on long descents some more gears would be useful. But seriously, Endomondo tracked me at 58.4 kph the other night... That's quite fast enough.
- I need a second bottle cage if I'm doing long rides, I ran out
- The organic part of the machine is clearly weak. I need my Rule 5 pills next time...
Still, if I can do 55km before it starts to hurt, 21km to work should be piss easy
My concern with some of the apps (apart from battery drain) is accuracy. I've seen some pretty incredible top speeds when I've only been lapping Regent's Park (the wrong way judging by the number of bikers going anti-clockwise)
Off to Stansted this afternoon to surprise the wife....32km which I'm looking forward to
HereBeMonsters said:
Have we not considered the Specialized Allez at this price range?
My LBS are very keen on them, as are a hell of a lot of people who park their bikes at the station.
My budget is around £100 less so the 'dale isn't an option. Basically an Allez or the Cube Peloton.
I looked at Specialized Allez (Can't remember the exact model but it was a 2012 a £900My LBS are very keen on them, as are a hell of a lot of people who park their bikes at the station.
My budget is around £100 less so the 'dale isn't an option. Basically an Allez or the Cube Peloton.
For £50 less I got a full carbon Ribble which has pretty much the same geometry as the Allez (56cm Specialized = 52cm Ribble Evo: they size in different ways)
If you want to buy something in store that a lot of people have I'm sure the Specialized is good but you can get better value for money elsewhere.
Hackney said:
Good post.
My concern with some of the apps (apart from battery drain) is accuracy. I've seen some pretty incredible top speeds when I've only been lapping Regent's Park (the wrong way judging by the number of bikers going anti-clockwise)
It's rumoured that some of them pick up wi-fi hotspots and get very transient high speed points - I haven't had this myself. But the 58kph tracked by Endomondo I mentioned about - Strava thought the same point was 63kph (I was running both apps at the same time).My concern with some of the apps (apart from battery drain) is accuracy. I've seen some pretty incredible top speeds when I've only been lapping Regent's Park (the wrong way judging by the number of bikers going anti-clockwise)
I don't know the exact speed of course, but the ballpark is correct - because the limit is 40mph on that road and I was following line of cars at a constant distance...
Such a beautiful day outside here. Might go out again later!
Hackney said:
I looked at Specialized Allez (Can't remember the exact model but it was a 2012 a £900
For £50 less I got a full carbon Ribble which has pretty much the same geometry as the Allez (56cm Specialized = 52cm Ribble Evo: they size in different ways)
If you want to buy something in store that a lot of people have I'm sure the Specialized is good but you can get better value for money elsewhere.
Thanks for the reply, that's what I found in the end. Bought this instead for £600:For £50 less I got a full carbon Ribble which has pretty much the same geometry as the Allez (56cm Specialized = 52cm Ribble Evo: they size in different ways)
If you want to buy something in store that a lot of people have I'm sure the Specialized is good but you can get better value for money elsewhere.
Quick update!
I've covered 103 miles this week and am feeling really good - did a hilly 45 miler on Tuesday (in the wind and rain) @ 13.5mph, then smashed my hour record with 18.2 miles yesterday evening (albeit on a loop which is as level as a crossing) and then did the LINC 64k ride around Tewkesbury today - 42 miles @ 16.1mph, but only half the climbing of Tuesday's effort so the speed increase is understandable.
Feeling much fitter and climbing is definitely getting easier, which I never believed it would do at first. I've found it to be a mixture between gaining leg strength, losing weight, finding a technique and seating position, and getting your head straight. The last one is especially important - I've done a couple of decent climbs now, slow and steady (<5mph) but I've managed them, and it has given me the confidence to attempt larger ones.
Still haven't bought those pedals or jersey haha.
I've covered 103 miles this week and am feeling really good - did a hilly 45 miler on Tuesday (in the wind and rain) @ 13.5mph, then smashed my hour record with 18.2 miles yesterday evening (albeit on a loop which is as level as a crossing) and then did the LINC 64k ride around Tewkesbury today - 42 miles @ 16.1mph, but only half the climbing of Tuesday's effort so the speed increase is understandable.
Feeling much fitter and climbing is definitely getting easier, which I never believed it would do at first. I've found it to be a mixture between gaining leg strength, losing weight, finding a technique and seating position, and getting your head straight. The last one is especially important - I've done a couple of decent climbs now, slow and steady (<5mph) but I've managed them, and it has given me the confidence to attempt larger ones.
Still haven't bought those pedals or jersey haha.
OP would you say it was a decent buy? Im looking at my first road bike in the region of £5-700 and had been looking at a Cannondale Synapse Alloy 7 Sora 2012
Can still be swayed by something else though, i have a cannondale sl2 '10 and am really impressed with the build quality as i use it off road, am hoping the build quality will be the same as that!
Can still be swayed by something else though, i have a cannondale sl2 '10 and am really impressed with the build quality as i use it off road, am hoping the build quality will be the same as that!
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