Rode £7k of bike yesterday...
Discussion
I'm looking at buying a new bike over the next few weeks, and part of that am considering Di2 for the gears. I'm good friends with LBS, so he lent me his Di2 equipped bike for yesterday's ride (40miles).
My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
TonyHetherington said:
I'm looking at buying a new bike over the next few weeks, and part of that am considering Di2 for the gears. I'm good friends with LBS, so he lent me his Di2 equipped bike for yesterday's ride (40miles).
My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
Finding myself in a similar position, currently ride a 90's alu bike, cost me £500 on Ebay. It was a big step up at the time, and I love it, but now looking at a Giant Propel. There are three possibles in the range; £1650 with Ultegra, or a jump to Di2 for £2100. That doesn't seem like value to me, although I haven't tried Di2; I can't rationalise almost £500 just for gears. My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
Strangely, I am finding it easier to justify the spend on the Advanced Pro 2 version, which at £2500 is nearly £1k over my budget, makes do with 105, but does have much better wheels and frame (I think). I have ridden this, and although it wasn't like the jump up the ladder you have experienced, it was amazing.
TonyHetherington said:
That's the way my mind is leading also; would happily spend £1k on more frame or wheels, but considering the value in doing it on the gearing.
Since having got Di2, I dont really want to get anything without it. Its pretty much my favorite individual part of the bike.TonyHetherington said:
I'm looking at buying a new bike over the next few weeks, and part of that am considering Di2 for the gears. I'm good friends with LBS, so he lent me his Di2 equipped bike for yesterday's ride (40miles).
My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
I skipped the Di2, but added the Rotor crankset and Q rings. Run them on my MTB already and find with round rings it feels like I'm riding with Q rings - sounds odd, but my pedal stroke is much smoother with them.My whole biking experience has been an aluminium framed, carbon forked, bike for the past 4yrs. Fulcrum 3 wheels the only upgrade.
So thought I'd share my experience of going so far up the biking ladder so quickly
4 key points, really;
1) The frame. stupidly light. Like, silly light. But what struck me the most was how it felt like every circular motion made by my legs translated into forward movement. I've read such things in reviews, but had no ability to compare with anything. That really showed me how different bikes can be.
2) The gears. Di2; so good! Clean, crisp, and perfect every time. I had big gloves on because it was cold, and so occasionally got the wrong button, but found it really good. Especially the climbers buttons and sprinters buttons he had also; it was surprising just how useful I found those throughout the ride. But, after all's said and done, I got back on my bike afterwards, it still changed gear, and I wondered if it's worth another £750, at a time I'm spending lots on a bike. And it's heavier. So yes, it's lovely, but afterwards while considering back I am now thinking about normal mechanical gearing, and spending that money on something better - be it wheels / other toys etc.
3) Wheels; big carbon Tokens (not sure exact model). compared to my fulcrum 3, I found that (like a motorbike) you had to lean it off the upright as it were. So straight, and true, it was great. Felt the odd cross wind, but not too much of a problem. But what I really noticed was how they felt like they just kept going and going. Also the noise
4) Q-ring; what a difference. While riding, I didn't notice it at all. It was only getting back on my bike to ride home from the shop that I realised the exact part of the pedal stroke it's designed to eliminate, and it did that exceedingly well. Really noticeable. Now I guess that means that my pedal stroke is not smooth all the way round (I very much doubt it is), and so I'm probably better off correcting that than spending money on wonky chain rings. But it really did make a difference!
So there we go; first experience of silly expensive bike from a guy who's only ever ridden £1k of aluminium bike. Great fun, really noticeable, and so although I looked awesome, sounded awesome, my legs were far from such yesterday
Oh, I forgot to say...this is it; Cannondale SuperSix Evo Hi-mod;
What is the rotor crankset - is it different to a normal crank set (with regular round rings?).
My LBS friend sells Cannondale, Bottecchia, Wilier and Whyte. I considered the Canyon Aeroad as it really is so so good for the price, but I value a lot in buying through my friend so will go with one of those brands.
The choice I've boiled it down to is the Bottecchia T1 Tourmalet vs the Cannondale Synapse/SuperSix. Advantage with the synapse is disc brakes. The other two are racers.
My LBS friend sells Cannondale, Bottecchia, Wilier and Whyte. I considered the Canyon Aeroad as it really is so so good for the price, but I value a lot in buying through my friend so will go with one of those brands.
The choice I've boiled it down to is the Bottecchia T1 Tourmalet vs the Cannondale Synapse/SuperSix. Advantage with the synapse is disc brakes. The other two are racers.
Good write up.
That looks to be the Hi-Mod frame and if it is, then I think the frames weigh in at 600g, which is pretty amazing when you consider most mass market bikes hover round the 1kg mark!
Not sure I would go Di2 for a bike. Being a SRAM fan, I am really interested on their new wireless system coming out later this year. If you are interested in weight, then the SRAM Force set up is where its at.
Also, if budget is limited, then keep an eye out for 105 Di2, which is rumored to be making an appearance at the end of his year according to my LBS.
Part of of the fun of buying a bike is the hunting and the research. I have dozens of spreadsheets pricing up numerous builds and options. Being a SRAM fan means buying options off the shelf are limited
That looks to be the Hi-Mod frame and if it is, then I think the frames weigh in at 600g, which is pretty amazing when you consider most mass market bikes hover round the 1kg mark!
Not sure I would go Di2 for a bike. Being a SRAM fan, I am really interested on their new wireless system coming out later this year. If you are interested in weight, then the SRAM Force set up is where its at.
Also, if budget is limited, then keep an eye out for 105 Di2, which is rumored to be making an appearance at the end of his year according to my LBS.
Part of of the fun of buying a bike is the hunting and the research. I have dozens of spreadsheets pricing up numerous builds and options. Being a SRAM fan means buying options off the shelf are limited
bakerstreet said:
Good write up.
That looks to be the Hi-Mod frame and if it is, then I think the frames weigh in at 600g, which is pretty amazing when you consider most mass market bikes hover round the 1kg mark!
Not sure I would go Di2 for a bike. Being a SRAM fan, I am really interested on their new wireless system coming out later this year. If you are interested in weight, then the SRAM Force set up is where its at.
Also, if budget is limited, then keep an eye out for 105 Di2, which is rumored to be making an appearance at the end of his year according to my LBS.
Part of of the fun of buying a bike is the hunting and the research. I have dozens of spreadsheets pricing up numerous builds and options. Being a SRAM fan means buying options off the shelf are limited
Have you tried di2? It knocks anything SRAM have done into a cocked hat IMO. Nobody should be bothered about the weight of a groupset. Or a frame, one bottle of drink and your hi mod frame becomes an allez, and buying a groupset on the basis of what it weighs is a bit mental.That looks to be the Hi-Mod frame and if it is, then I think the frames weigh in at 600g, which is pretty amazing when you consider most mass market bikes hover round the 1kg mark!
Not sure I would go Di2 for a bike. Being a SRAM fan, I am really interested on their new wireless system coming out later this year. If you are interested in weight, then the SRAM Force set up is where its at.
Also, if budget is limited, then keep an eye out for 105 Di2, which is rumored to be making an appearance at the end of his year according to my LBS.
Part of of the fun of buying a bike is the hunting and the research. I have dozens of spreadsheets pricing up numerous builds and options. Being a SRAM fan means buying options off the shelf are limited
Di2 is only 800 quid or so, its not going to get vastly cheaper than that, maybe £500 for 105 or whatever.
Part of the fun? Hmmm, all of the fun for me is riding them, if I ever create a spreadsheet in order to buy a pushbike please someone push me off a building.
contango said:
My next road bike will have to have disc brakes fitted, this would be more important than Di2 to me.
My cross bike has disc brakes, they're chuffing awful. My mates Kona with canties is miles better. I guess the newer groupsets with hydraulic brakes will be better but for road tyres they're over kill (when they actually work properly)I rode a Pinarello on a static which had EPS fitted, it was magical, it's so precise, not a single click to be heard. It'll be something I'll hopefully retro fit to my Supersix.
TonyHetherington said:
What is the rotor crankset - is it different to a normal crank set (with regular round rings?).
My LBS friend sells Cannondale, Bottecchia, Wilier and Whyte. I considered the Canyon Aeroad as it really is so so good for the price, but I value a lot in buying through my friend so will go with one of those brands.
The choice I've boiled it down to is the Bottecchia T1 Tourmalet vs the Cannondale Synapse/SuperSix. Advantage with the synapse is disc brakes. The other two are racers.
You can buy Q rings, no Q rings and QXL for all cranksets pretty much, but Rotor also do their own cranksets and power meter, all of which are well regarded. I like their kit and so ......My LBS friend sells Cannondale, Bottecchia, Wilier and Whyte. I considered the Canyon Aeroad as it really is so so good for the price, but I value a lot in buying through my friend so will go with one of those brands.
The choice I've boiled it down to is the Bottecchia T1 Tourmalet vs the Cannondale Synapse/SuperSix. Advantage with the synapse is disc brakes. The other two are racers.
I've gone for a Ridley Fenix C10 Disc, upgraded with the Rotor 3D+ Crankset with Q rings, few other bits. Bought at a fantastic bike shop in the Netherlands down the road from our brewery. Will pick it up when next back from Asia. The price I got it for was the same as a standard C10 in sterling due to exchange rate. I'll also get back the VAT on the way back to Singapore
I went with endurance frame/geometry as I'm never going to do an out an out race bike justice, discs as coming from off road the difference is simply night and day to me versus rim brakes. I would have liked Di2, but didn't want to compromise frame/other upgrade choices. I will upgrade, but want to see if Shimano respond with a wireless groupset to rival SRAM's new one, which makes more longer term sense to me than replacing cables for wires. I get the advantages and completely understand people's upgrade process now, but wireless seems the right longer term solution.
Di2 is one of my favourite things, that said I just bought a new winter bike but decided to go 11 speed 105 mechanical just because the roads where I live are 'kin awful condition from October thru March as we are surrounded by farms and countryside and I just don't think Di2 will stand up to it as well as mechanical will. I did spec disc brakes albeit mechanical rather than hydraulic which like cars, better brakes mean more speed. I trashed the rims on a set of Mavics in 2000 miles of winter riding with rubber brake blocks on ali, so the new hoops on the new winter bike will last a great deal longer. Downside is they rattle a little and I've had to tighten the spring a few times already to stop it. Bicycles should be silent, see The Rules.
ks the Rules are! Some bike noises are the best ever! I like my "clunk" as I go down the cassette on my Campag bike, and I'm looking forward to the noises you get from a carbon frame and nice wheels.
Well this is what I recently spent my hard earned cash on. Would I do it again - yes.
Everyone I knew who had Di2 said you will never go back, and yes, I have to agree.
Disc brakes on a road bike - yes, so far I would do that again as well.
I have gone from a 5 year old Trek Madone to this and it is light years ahead.
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