Have I got the right bike?

[MOBB]

Complete newbie to road cycling, started properly around September last year, I got rid of my Trek hybrid and bought the previous version of one of these;

https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-diverge-e5...

Got it for £600 from my local bike shop, I rode it and thought it was a bit of a missile compare to the Hybrid.

I really like the bike, but I am wondering if it the best thing for road riding for me - I will never be a fast rider but maybe the wheel/tyre combo could be improved do you think? I don't want to spend too much, say £150-£200 for a new set? I assume this would make quite a difference?

If I really get into cycling I may upgrade the bike next year, but as I said I really like the bike so want to try to get the best out of it.

Any input would be appreciated!

[rs4al]

Nice bike, would make a perfect winter bike, if you get serious about cycling !

They have a unique rear spacing/hub though, so making a wheel upgrade not so straightforward https://nextcycling.com/blogs/tech-info/scs-faq-re...

But I’m guessing the tyres are heavy, so maybe upgrading the tyres first would be a good start.

Edited by rs4al on Wednesday 14th February 08:57

[MOBB]

That's interesting, thanks.

Looking at the prices for a decent wheel upgrade, I suspect that keeping this bike for 2018, then using it as a winter bike, then getting a new summer bike next spring might make more sense than trying to upgrade components on this one.

Cheers

[MOBB]

What would you consider to be a good tyre upgrade for that bike, say under £80 the pair?

And what size - I think mine are 700x28, should/could I go to 25?

[Scabutz]

MOBB said:

What would you consider to be a good tyre upgrade for that bike, say under £80 the pair?

And what size - I think mine are 700x28, should/could I go to 25?

Wider is better these days. Wide tires are more comfortable and roll better. Bike makers have been working over the last few years to increase the clearance on their bikes to accommodate wider rims/tires. I would stick with 28s. Depends what you want out of the tires really. On my winter/training wheels I run Vittoria Rubino Pros. They are not the fastest but have pretty good grip, last for ages and in 7000Km of cycling I have never had a puncture on them. Plus they only cost £15 a pair. Conti GP 40000 IIs have a pretty good balance of speed and decent puncture protection.

[benny.c]

I use 28mm Conti 4 Seasons on my Diverge which is my winter road bike and summer off-road bike.

[anonymous-user]

Just ride it, you don't need new tyres.

But if you do need new ones, GP4000s II

[Master Bean]

Decent bike for £600. Just ride it and enjoy it. No need for upgrades.

[Barchettaman]

+1, lovely bike for £600, well done.

Stick on a pair of Continental GP4000s in 700c/28 when your current set wear out.

[TwistingMyMelon]

I've got a variety of bikes on 23,25 , 28 and 37 and for me 25c are best all rounders for me if just sticking to tarmac