Another Which Bike/Frame Thread....
Discussion
I've currently got a Cube Peloton road bike which mainly gets used on the turbo or the rollers. I'm doing a ride in the Alps with some friends next year which will be in the region of 60,000ft climbing and 480 miles over the seven days.
I'm not sure the Cube is the ideal bike for something like this, it's not exactly the most comfortable bike around so I'm thinking about possibly upgrading the bike or just the frameset. The Cube runs a full 105 Compact groupset and an 11/32 at the back and I've fitted a Quarq powermeter which I'm using for my training.
The option for me is to either stick with what I've got, upgrade the bike after selling the Cube or fit the running gear off the Cube to a new frameset. I picked up a set of Reynolds Attack Carbon wheels last week for a great price to fit to the bike so these would go on either the Cube or a new bike.
Currently I'm thinking of something along the lines of a Kinesis Granfondo Titanium frameset or possibly a Specialised Roubaix if I can find one for a good price.
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Kinesis/Racelight...
Any other suggestions?
I think that the Kinesis would be the top end of my budget as it's going to be limited by how much overtime I can work over the next month or two to pay for it
I'm not sure the Cube is the ideal bike for something like this, it's not exactly the most comfortable bike around so I'm thinking about possibly upgrading the bike or just the frameset. The Cube runs a full 105 Compact groupset and an 11/32 at the back and I've fitted a Quarq powermeter which I'm using for my training.
The option for me is to either stick with what I've got, upgrade the bike after selling the Cube or fit the running gear off the Cube to a new frameset. I picked up a set of Reynolds Attack Carbon wheels last week for a great price to fit to the bike so these would go on either the Cube or a new bike.
Currently I'm thinking of something along the lines of a Kinesis Granfondo Titanium frameset or possibly a Specialised Roubaix if I can find one for a good price.
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Kinesis/Racelight...
Any other suggestions?
I think that the Kinesis would be the top end of my budget as it's going to be limited by how much overtime I can work over the next month or two to pay for it
I'm sure the Cube will be fine but "you're only here once/can't take it with you" etc etc (just what you want to hear!)
No advice without knowing your full details other than don't just think about a bike for that particular trip ... think about the long terms ownership of the bike and what else you'd want to be doing on it.
No advice without knowing your full details other than don't just think about a bike for that particular trip ... think about the long terms ownership of the bike and what else you'd want to be doing on it.
Weight is everything in the Alps. The roads are smooth, and you (can) spend a lot of time riding on the tops, so easing any back issues from a low position. You'll want that low position for descending. Carbon will be lighter than Ti. Lots of 2014 (and earlier) stock being sold off at the moment. WRT the wheelset, be careful about carbon clinchers - if you ride the brakes a lot you can get into real trouble - and I'd suggest taking a pair of aluminium wheels (or at least wheels with an alloy brake track) in case it rains - which it did for the whole of my last trip.
neenaw said:
I've currently got a Cube Peloton road bike which mainly gets used on the turbo or the rollers. I'm doing a ride in the Alps with some friends next year which will be in the region of 60,000ft climbing and 480 miles over the seven days.
I'm not sure the Cube is the ideal bike for something like this, it's not exactly the most comfortable bike around so I'm thinking about possibly upgrading the bike or just the frameset. The Cube runs a full 105 Compact groupset and an 11/32 at the back and I've fitted a Quarq powermeter which I'm using for my training.
The option for me is to either stick with what I've got, upgrade the bike after selling the Cube or fit the running gear off the Cube to a new frameset. I picked up a set of Reynolds Attack Carbon wheels last week for a great price to fit to the bike so these would go on either the Cube or a new bike.
Currently I'm thinking of something along the lines of a Kinesis Granfondo Titanium frameset or possibly a Specialised Roubaix if I can find one for a good price.
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Kinesis/Racelight...
Any other suggestions?
I think that the Kinesis would be the top end of my budget as it's going to be limited by how much overtime I can work over the next month or two to pay for it
Friend of mine has the Gran Fondo in a full SRAM red build. He loves it, couldn't rate it higher.I'm not sure the Cube is the ideal bike for something like this, it's not exactly the most comfortable bike around so I'm thinking about possibly upgrading the bike or just the frameset. The Cube runs a full 105 Compact groupset and an 11/32 at the back and I've fitted a Quarq powermeter which I'm using for my training.
The option for me is to either stick with what I've got, upgrade the bike after selling the Cube or fit the running gear off the Cube to a new frameset. I picked up a set of Reynolds Attack Carbon wheels last week for a great price to fit to the bike so these would go on either the Cube or a new bike.
Currently I'm thinking of something along the lines of a Kinesis Granfondo Titanium frameset or possibly a Specialised Roubaix if I can find one for a good price.
http://www.sigmasport.co.uk/item/Kinesis/Racelight...
Any other suggestions?
I think that the Kinesis would be the top end of my budget as it's going to be limited by how much overtime I can work over the next month or two to pay for it
Some good points here so far, especially regarding the wheels.
I've no idea if the bike fits properly as I don't really know much about road bikes as most of my riding is done on an MTB.
I bought the bike to use mainly on a turbo so just looked at the geometry online and guessed the sizing from there!
If I do decide to go for a new frame or bike I'd most probably start to use it for commuting as well hence looking at the Kinesis as it can run guards if I wanted to.
I have been looking at disc road bikes as I love the disc brakes on my CX bike but I think they're going to be a bit pricey for me.
I've no idea if the bike fits properly as I don't really know much about road bikes as most of my riding is done on an MTB.
I bought the bike to use mainly on a turbo so just looked at the geometry online and guessed the sizing from there!
If I do decide to go for a new frame or bike I'd most probably start to use it for commuting as well hence looking at the Kinesis as it can run guards if I wanted to.
I have been looking at disc road bikes as I love the disc brakes on my CX bike but I think they're going to be a bit pricey for me.
Might be worth investing in a bike fit. They usually cost around £120 (although you tend to spend at least that again in parts and kit after...) and you can take the settings to any bike. I think it has made a big difference to my riding and I ride a 90's ally frame from the days before sportive and racing geometry were really mentioned.
You may also benefit from a new bike, I don't know the Cube range so not sure what a Peloton compares to. Canyon do good value well kitted bikes that are right in the ballpark for weight too. 105 is bang on in terms of bang for buck too, you don't need to spend more on gears and brakes.
Good advice too about the braking; I've done some long mountain descents, and you would think it would be magic going downhill for an hour or more but you are so knackered by the bottom you want it to level off and take it easy. It's hard on your hands, wrists and neck, if there is traffic and the surface is bad you need to concentrate so hard...you don't need to worry about your brakes fading on you.
You may also benefit from a new bike, I don't know the Cube range so not sure what a Peloton compares to. Canyon do good value well kitted bikes that are right in the ballpark for weight too. 105 is bang on in terms of bang for buck too, you don't need to spend more on gears and brakes.
Good advice too about the braking; I've done some long mountain descents, and you would think it would be magic going downhill for an hour or more but you are so knackered by the bottom you want it to level off and take it easy. It's hard on your hands, wrists and neck, if there is traffic and the surface is bad you need to concentrate so hard...you don't need to worry about your brakes fading on you.
richardxjr said:
Why is it not comfortable? Does it fit?
I'd address this first before chucking money at a new bike. You may only need a few tweaks such as stem lentgth / spacers to make a comfortable ride. I recently switched my 100mm stem for a 90mm one and that 1cm reduction in reach has made so much difference to comfort.Comfort, lightweight with longevity and beauty:-
Condor Classico Road Frameset.
http://www.condorcycles.com/Condor-Bikes/25651-Con...
Condor Classico Road Frameset.
http://www.condorcycles.com/Condor-Bikes/25651-Con...
I've just been looking into it a bit more and I reckon that a bike fit might be the way to go. I've got a Specialized Concept Store nearby so I migt have a word with them about a BG Fit.
I've been reading up a bit more on the wheels and I never realised that there was such issues with carbon wheels on long descents. I'm starting to wonder if I'd be better off selling the Reynolds wheels and picking up some aluminium wheels like a set of Mavics instead.
I've been reading up a bit more on the wheels and I never realised that there was such issues with carbon wheels on long descents. I'm starting to wonder if I'd be better off selling the Reynolds wheels and picking up some aluminium wheels like a set of Mavics instead.
I don't know where you are based, but if you really want to nail down the position you need to be in on the bike to perform and feel comfortable, go and see Scherrit Knoessen: http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/
He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
Dammit said:
I don't know where you are based, but if you really want to nail down the position you need to be in on the bike to perform and feel comfortable, go and see Scherrit Knoessen: http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/
He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
I've read a lot of good things about this guy. He's a bit dearer than the other bike fitter but no doubt he's worth the extra. He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
I'm going to get a few more rides in on the current bike and maybe have a play with the set-up before I decide anything. I've got to say though that looking at some of the new disc brake road bikes, there's some really nice kit about at the moment!
neenaw said:
I've just been looking into it a bit more and I reckon that a bike fit might be the way to go. I've got a Specialized Concept Store nearby so I migt have a word with them about a BG Fit.
I've been reading up a bit more on the wheels and I never realised that there was such issues with carbon wheels on long descents. I'm starting to wonder if I'd be better off selling the Reynolds wheels and picking up some aluminium wheels like a set of Mavics instead.
A bike fit is absolutely the best money you can spend in terms of going faster and being more comfortable IMO I've been reading up a bit more on the wheels and I never realised that there was such issues with carbon wheels on long descents. I'm starting to wonder if I'd be better off selling the Reynolds wheels and picking up some aluminium wheels like a set of Mavics instead.
Dammit said:
I don't know where you are based, but if you really want to nail down the position you need to be in on the bike to perform and feel comfortable, go and see Scherrit Knoessen: http://www.thebikewhisperer.co.uk/
He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
2nd. The guy's an utter legend. And mad with it, but in a good way.He coaches the current 24 hour time trial World Champion - a title you cannot win without being able to perform at your best on a bike for longer than I envisage ever sitting on a saddle myself!
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